Chapter # 1 Paragraph # 1 Study # 3
February 3, 2004
Lincolnton, N.C.
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<004> Thesis:   The identification of the "truth" is enabled by the internal consistency between what has already been validated as true and what is coming down as "greater explication". Introduction:   In our study last week, we attempted to grasp the significance of what Paul declared to be true of himself. He claimed to be a "called apostle" [which is a claim to be absolutely authoritative in terms of doctrinal content] who had adjusted his living to his calling [which is a claim to be making the effort required of stewards to be found faithful to the Grantor of the Stewardship]. These are significant claims for two reasons. First, there is a bottom line in the identification of a person as an "apostle" by his/her readers: if they buy into the identity, they are, of necessity, accepting "his truth" as "their truth". All of life flows out of what we accept as truth and there is no escape from the consequences of "believing" something to be "true". And, second, there is a fundamental issue involved in "truth" that is tied to the behavior of the "steward": nothing is true that does not align with the "bondservant Kingdom" in respect to the motivation of the "steward". If it can be established that the "steward" is seeking to "use" his "disciples" rather than "help" them, he is to be dismissed as an illegitimate steward and his message is to be discounted as a deceit. Paul wanted the Romans to know this and function by it. This evening we are going to move into verse 2, where Paul gives his readers the security of a solid foundation for the evaluation of "truth". In this verse, he claims that the message to which he is "separated" has been validated sufficiently for the absolute confidence of his readers. Remember: All of life flows out of what we accept as truth and there is no escape from the consequences of "believing" something to be "true".