The Apostle Paul records for us four trustworthy sayings. What he means by this is these statements are absolutely valid and contain great benefits for the believers of Christ. It would behoove us  to consider these statements.

The first is 1 Timothy 1:15, “It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners among whom I am foremost of all…”     It is this trustworthy statement that lays the foundation for our eternal salvation. These words are worthy of our complete trust and complete acceptance. Let there be no doubt there is no one else who ever came into the world to save us from our sins other than Christ Jesus. No truer words were said than these written by the apostle. Paul understood the unimaginable significance of those words, for he understood that he had done great harm to the Lord’s church; but he knew there was grace, mercy and forgiveness. Jesus spoke no truer words when He said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one come to the Father, but through Me.” [John 14:6] Beloved of God, do not be dissuaded from confidence in the saving ability of Christ Jesus.

The second is 1 Timothy 4:7-9, “…on the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; [8] for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. [9] It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance.” These words tell us of a double blessing for believers. Pursing a disciplined life that fosters godly behaviors has benefits in this life and in the next life to come. Godly behavior in this life helps avoid so many of the physical and mental ailments resulting from the practices of undisciplined and ungodly behaviors. But even much greater is the double blessing of entrance into the next life because practicing righteous behavior. Are we not exhorted again and again, “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’” [1 Peter 1:14-16]

The third is 2 Timothy 2:11-12, “It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him; if we endure, we shall also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He also will deny us.” These two statements compare the two opposites of one’s relationship with the Lord. The first statement is positive. If a believer lives faithfully and dies in the faith, even if the believer suffered persecution for their belief, the reward is great. The believer will reign with Christ in the afterlife. Paul’s words mimic the Lord’s own words, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” [Rev. 2:10] The negativity of the second statement should cause us to take notice. A believer’s denial of the Lord is reciprocated with the Lord’s denial of the faithless believer. Again, Paul draws upon the Lord’s words to make this point. The Lord said, “… whoever shall deny Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.” [Matthew 10:33] Let the trustworthiness of Paul’s statement drive home the point. We who believe in the Lord must remain faithful believers right up to the end of our life. If we fall short of that in denial of our faith in Christ, we will be denied by the Lord into our everlasting reward.

The last is Titus 3:8, “This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to engage in good deeds.” This trustworthy statement sets forth the activity of Christian service. These words are telling us that part of our faithfulness to the Lord is to be diligently engage in good deeds.

Let these four trustworthy statements be the north star of our life, our comfort, and our instruction. The inspired apostle considered them valid and trustworthy. Let us accept them also and live by them as we prove their trustworthiness with our faithfulness to our Lord. — Tom