“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2nd Tim. 2:15)
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” (1st Peter 3:15)
I’m not sure if you realize this or not, but if you are not living your life of faith in Christ in front of others, both in your actions and words, no one is going to ask you to give an account of your faith. It is really quite that simple, if you behave as a morally correct and responsible member of society and rarely if ever even speak a word of Scripture to anyone, no one will know that you are a Christian, and you will never be asked or required to give an account of what in your mind you profess to believe.
So then, there would never really be any need for you to study the Word of God, would there?
Now, the following verse would not apply to these people, would it?
“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” (Matt. 15:8)
Because those in question do not bring up the Lord Jesus Christ as a normal part of their everyday conversations. This verse may not apply to them either.
“For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels.” (Luke 9:26)
They are not really embarrassed in form; they just see no need to speak of the Word of God in public. Maybe it’s not their responsibility, maybe they think that the way they live their lives should be proof enough of their supposed salvation.
I have actually met quite a few people that fit into the last part of that sentence, a good, morally correct life, the accepted and proper clothing and haircut, friendly, nice people that fit into what the world believes a Christian is. Never pushing their faith on anyone, never judging, at least not in present company unless those they are speaking to are familiar to them. They let the pastor divide the Word, believe pretty much whatever he says, and go about their business.
How about this verse then, does it fit them?
“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” (2nd Tim. 3:5)
Yes, I believe it does, for they do not study, they may read the Scriptures occasionally, but not when there are other pressing matters, which there almost always is. The truth comes from behind the pulpit, unquestioned and believed beyond a shadow of a doubt. And, if they never mention anything about the Word of God, save for perhaps an occasional “Praise God” or “Amen,” just to reveal that they are saved, well then, they will never be asked by anyone to give an account of their faith, will they?
It gets them off the hook and, in their minds, their deceived minds, keeps them in the good graces of the Almighty.
These will not even be able to give the response of Matthew 7:22 when they stand before the Lord Jesus Christ at the Great White Throne of Judgement. “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?”
If there is a word just below hypocrite, then that is what these people are.
To put this quite bluntly my friends, if you are not seeking the lost, if you do not mention the Lord Jesus Christ to others, if you think you can go through this life as a morally correct person who does not need to lift up the name of the Almighty in public, your salvation is not just questionable, it is nonexistent.
It’s not embarrassment, it is not fear, it’s not even hypocritical, its presuming on a grace that is not within you.
“I do not need to because Jesus loves me.”
Prove it.
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.” (Matt. 23:27)
Good people, likable people, eternally damned people.
Is it really so difficult to speak of Him whom you profess to love?
