Let your Freedom ring with “The Ring of Truth,” the real “Lord of the Rings.”
a Lesson Sermon Met on the Subject of Truth for January 20-26, 2003
by Gary Duke, CS (w/ title & a few clicks by Warren)
Golden Text: “O the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth.” (Ps. 33:4) Aren’t we among His works as the compound idea of infinite Spirit? So truth is ours to claim and express as rightful heirs of God.
Resp. Rdg.: “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes:” (Ps. 101:3) As we become more “adult” in our choices (movies, music, sexuality…) are we setting any “wicked thing before mine eyes”? If so, we’re robbing ourselves of truth, trying to find happiness and freedom in that which is fleeting at best. (There’s definitely a crack in that “liberty bell.”) At worst, the bondage of graven images (2nd Commandment) is enslaving and we’re “adulterating” (7th Commandment) our childlike purity which we must eventually reclaim to be truly happy and to experience the freedom the commandments are designed to protect.
Section 1: “O thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.” (Ps. 25:4) If salvation means being saved from sin (sin is an archery term meaning to miss the mark), how do we get back on target? Above, doesn’t it suggest waiting on God? Consider memorizing Mrs. Eddy’s definition of SALVATION in the glossary of S&H 593:20.
Section 2: Can we ever get ahead by cheating on a test, our taxes, or any area of life? Jacob thought he could steal the birthright (inheritance) of his brother Esau with impunity but found out otherwise. We are all blessed with that “still small voice within” (I Kings 19:12 ) which won’t let us be happy until we correct the wrong belief (Tenet #3, S&H 497:9-3 ) Mrs. Eddy also says, “Let it be understood that success in error is defeat in Truth.” (S&H 239:12)
Section 3: “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Jacob sowed deceit and reaped the fruits: death threats from Esau, working an extra seven years for his wife Rachel after being deceived by Laban his father-in-law, and being lied to by his sons about the death of his favorite son, Joseph. Some pretty hefty penalties.
Section 4: After hearing Esau and 400 men were coming, “Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed” (Gen 32:7) and he got down to some serious prayer! He not only was spared by his brother but he had “conquered material error with the understanding of Spirit and of spiritual power. This changed the man.” In fact his name was changed to Israel and his 12 sons became the leaders of the 12 tribes of Israel, the precursor to the modern day nation of Israel. Didn’t Jacob prove it’s never too late to pray about anything? Is there anything in your life you wished you had prayed about earlier but now feel the threat of a 400- man army pursuing you?
Section 5: “And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.” (Luke 13:11-13) How did this instantaneous healing take place? Mrs. Eddy responds, “When one’s false belief is corrected, Truth sends a report of health over the body.” (S&H 194:8) Isn’t it comforting to know we’re just dealing with correction of false belief which brings about healing versus tweaking matter! (Always mental, never physical)
Section 6: “Grace and Truth are potent beyond all other means and methods.” (S&H 267:23) We’ve talked about Truth but what about grace? Mrs. Eddy said growth in grace is “expressed in patience, meekness, love and good deeds.” (S&H 4:4-5) This week and beyond, let’s concentrate on expressing patience, meekness, love and good deeds in every area of our lives which will allow us to gracefully express truth more fully.
