Setting the Compass with God’s Word (Part 2)

And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 1 John 5:20

Setting the Compass with God’s Word (Part 2) - By Van Houser
A compass shows the direction we are going as well as where “true north” is. A believer’s destination is set to be conformed to the image of Christ with heaven being the ultimate conforming to which we will be like He is.  But we need more than just a general heading to navigate this world.  We must employ by faith "reference points"and "bearings"in order to arrive at our destination. 

"Careful scrutiny of all navigational calculations is necessary. The slightest error in choosing a reference point or in observation of the compass can cause you to miss the destination by many miles."Don Hamby

God’s Compass Gives Direction  All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16

I hate to ask for directions. It seems like such a waste of time, and not only that it makes me look like I do not know where I am going. Isn’t that true of many.  We’d rather look like we know where we are going rather than know for certain where we are going!

David Horner identifies three kinds of peoples in the world.

• Aimless wanderers who are lost with no bearings toward True North. 
• Rebellious run-a-ways who are defiant with not interest in True North.
• Hopeful explorers who are seekers with a clear focus on True North.

Are you aimless, rebellious or hopeful today with the compass of God’s Word in your hand?  

On Our Journey We Need… 

• Doctrinal Direction   For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. 2 Timothy 4:3-4

Doctrine is God’s teaching from His Word. Failure to know what we believe leads to a rough travel experience.  As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;  Ephesians 4:14

• Correctional Direction  with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, 2 Timothy 2:25

God’s Word has and will stand the test of time. Because God's Word is eternal, it is therefore durable and relevant to every situation in life. 

• Instructional Direction  For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Without these reference points we can be led away from our destination. We must be careful to not be influenced by the changing and shifting values, beliefs and practices in our culture. We must allow the compass of God’s Word point us to Jesus Christ, the "True North."

Scripture to Claim:
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8