Direction 2: Seeking Truth for God's Glory

Baxter's Directory

From Part 3 of Baxter’s Christian Directory. Chapter 7: Directions for the Discovery of the Truth among Contenders, and the Escape of Heresy and Deceit. Direction 2

Introduction

“Seek after the truth, for the love of truth, and love it especially for its special use, as it forms the heart and life to the image and will of God; and not for the fanciful delight of knowing; much less for carnal, worldly ends. No means are used at all as means, where the end is not first determined of. And to do the same thing materially to another end, is not indeed to do the same; for thereby it is made another thing. Your physician will come to you if you seek to him as a physician; but not if you send to him to mend your shoes. So if you seek knowledge for the true ends of knowledge, to fill your hearts with the love of God, and guide your lives in holiness and righteousness, God is engaged to help you in the search. But if you seek it only to please your pride or fancy, no wonder if you miss it; and it is no great matter whether you find it or not, for any good it is like to do you. Every truth of God is appointed to be his instrument, to do some holy work upon your heart: let the love of holiness be what makes you search after truth, and then you may expect that God should be your teacher.” Richard Baxter

In contemporary language, Richard Baxter encourages us to pursue truth not for the sake of knowledge itself or for personal gain, but for the purpose of shaping our lives to reflect God’s will and character. We must seek truth with the intention of growing in holiness and righteousness, allowing God to guide us in our search.

Key Principles

1. Seek Truth for the Right Reasons - We should pursue truth out of a love for God and a desire to align our lives with his will. The knowledge we gain should transform our hearts and lead us to live in holiness.

2. Purposeful Seeking - Our search for truth should be intentional and purposeful, aimed at spiritual growth rather than intellectual pride or worldly benefit.

3. Truth as a Tool for Holiness - Every truth from God is meant to be an instrument for our sanctification, shaping us to be more like Christ.

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Next Steps

1. Evaluate Your Motives - Before diving into any study or pursuit of knowledge, examine your heart and ensure your motives are pure and aligned with seeking God’s glory. Ask God to reveal and purify your intentions.

2. Integrate Study with Prayer - Combine your study of the Bible with prayer, asking God to not only grant you understanding but also to apply the truths to your life. Set aside specific times for prayer before and after your study sessions.

3. Apply What You Learn - Don’t just be a hearer of the Word; be a doer. Make it a habit to apply the truths you discover to your daily life. Identify one specific way to live out each truth you learn and act on it.

4. Seek Accountability - Find a mentor or join a study group that encourages the practical application of biblical truths and holds you accountable. Share insights and practical steps with your group, encouraging one another in living out God’s truth.

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Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection

1. What motivates you to seek truth and knowledge?

2. How do you ensure that your pursuit of knowledge is God-centered rather than self-centered?

3. Can you recall a time when your knowledge led to spiritual growth? How did it happen?

4. In what ways can pride interfere with our search for truth?

5. How do you discern whether a piece of knowledge is beneficial for your spiritual growth?

6. What practical steps can you take to align your studies with God’s purposes?

7. How has the truth of Scripture transformed your life in the past?

8. What are some challenges you face in applying biblical truths to your daily life?

9. How can you encourage others to seek truth for the right reasons?

10. What role does community play in your pursuit of knowledge and truth?

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Additional Scriptures for Meditation and Prayer

1. Proverbs 2:3-5 - Yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

2. Psalm 25:5 - Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.

3. Philippians 1:9-10 - And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.

4. Colossians 3:16 - Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

5. 2 Peter 3:18 - But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

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