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  THE LIVING TRUTH
  by Miles J. Stanford
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Summary: To be Christ-centered, we must prioritize our relationship with
Christ and allow truth to shape our lives and actions.

Topics: "Christ Centered", "Spiritual Growth"
Scripture References: John 17:3, 1 Corinthians 8:1, Ephesians 4:15, Philippians 3:10, Philippians 3:14, Colossians 2:2, Colossians 3:1, 2 Peter 3:18

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DESCRIPTION
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Miles J. Stanford preaches about the pursuit of the high calling of God
in Christ Jesus, emphasizing the importance of being truth-centered in
order to be Christ-centered. He highlights that true strength is
measured by how we maintain our beliefs despite obstacles, rather than
just enjoying the truth. Stanford stresses that deepening knowledge of
the Lord Jesus is essential for true understanding and growth, as mere
doctrine without connection to Him leads to weakness. Ultimately, he
urges believers to have a heart filled with the Lord Jesus Himself, not
just knowledge about Him, in order to grow and be separated unto Him.

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CONTENT
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"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in
Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14).

We must be truth-centered if we are to be Christ-centered.

"With an increase of knowledge and apprehension of the truth, there is a
constant sense that we are not practically up to what we have received;
and hence the measure of our strength is not the enjoyment of a truth,
but the extent to which we maintain what we believe in spite of every
obstacle. It is the way in which we surmount the difficulties in our
path, and not the enjoyment of the truth, which defines our position."
-J.B.S.

"We will not learn truth aright excepting in the deepening knowledge of
the Lord Jesus. It is the lack of this which is the cause of weakness
among us: bare doctrine is not connected with Him. When the flower is
separated from that which is its source, its sustenance and support, it
is henceforth doomed to decay. We have that which is lovely and full of
blessing in the Lord Jesus; but if we are to know it as such, to prove
its truth, to enjoy it practically, it must be in taking these things as
connected with Him." -W.K.

"The Lord Jesus Himself, and not even truth about Him, must be filling
our hearts if we are to grow. This is no unnecessary admonition in a day
when knowledge of the most sacred truths may be intellectually attained
by so small an effort. It is a happy and necessary thing to understand
the Word of God, but, with that Word treasured, the aim of the
believer's affections should be, 'That I may know Him.' Desires after
the Lord Jesus, desires to live with Him in heaven now, and to manifest
Him on earth, make the growing believer separate from the world, and
separate him unto the glorified Lord." -H.F.W.

"That I may know Him" (Phil 3:10).

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/miles-j-stanford/the-living-truth/
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