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Elephant in the Room: Week 1

Elephant in the Room: Week 1

THE TRUTH ABOUT TRUTH

This series is about addressing difficult subjects that are prevalent in our culture. These issues can turn into the “Elephant in the Room.” We want to respond with grace and truth.

REALITY #1. THE CHURCH HAS A DILEMMA

 

REALITY #2.

Ephesians 6:10-13 (NIV) 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

John 8:44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

o Where we go for truth is vitally important; the devil is trying to deceive you!

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 3For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

o We fight differently than that of the world—through the Holy Spirit and the Word.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work

REALITY #3.

Definition of truth per Google Dictionary: That which is true or in accordance with fact or reality. Biblical definition of truth:

o emet (Hebrew) To drive in (like a tent peg), cannot be removed, firm

o Aletheia (Greek) true to fact

“A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line.” -CS Lewis, Mere Christianity

John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

o Jesus is the truth.

o He is the source of truth.

o He is the reference point for evaluating all truth-claims.

“We cannot change the truth, but the truth can change us.” – Randy Alcorn, Truth: A Bigger View of God’s Word

John 17:17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth

o Truth cleanses and purifies us from our sinful ways.

Jesus 8:31-32 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

o We can live in liberty when we live in the truth.

REALITY #4.

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

  •  We believe God because His evidences are overwhelming. (Romans 1:19-20)
  •  God created you. (Genesis 1:26, Psalm 139:13-16, Colossians 1:16)
  •  Preach yourself the gospel: saved by grace, righteousness of Christ. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
  •  You are here on earth to bring Glory to God through your life. (Ephesians 2:10)
  •  You know right from wrong because you are a moral being—you have the Holy Spirit in you. (Ephesians 1:14, Matthew 22:37-39, Romans 2:14-15)
  •  You have eternal life in Christ Jesus. (John 3:16)

REALITY #5.

Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

o Our battle is not against family, friends, or coworkers.

Let’s remember Jesus is !

  •  Truth without grace breeds self-righteous legalism.
  •  Grace without truth keeps people from seeing their need for God.

1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…

RESOURCES:

Books: Core 52: A Fifteen-Minute Daily Guide to Build Your Bible IQ in a Year by Mark E. Moore | 100 Bible Verses Everyone Should Know by Heart by Robert J. Morgan | The Grace and Truth Paradox by Randy Alcorn

RightNow Media (and Books): Cold-Case Christianity by J. Warner Wallace | So The Next Generation Will Know by J. Warner Wallace | Finding Truth by Francis Chan

Video: Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed with Ben Stein

Website: Gotquestions.org

QUESTIONS TO REFLECT AND DISCUSS: Passages to consider: Ephesians 6:10-13; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

1. What from the sermon is impacting you?

2. Read Ephesians 6:10-13 and 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 two or three times. What is God communicating to His people through these passages?

3. What do you believe about: God, Jesus, the Bible? A) How do those beliefs shape how you interact with the world?

4. What relationships help you seek God’s wisdom and perspective? What would you say is your primary source of information?

5. What Scripture have you memorized—hidden in your heart? A) What scripture do you need to memorize? (Suggestions: Ephesians 6:10-13; John 1:1,14; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; or Genesis 1:1)

6. What habits and patterns help you be rooted in relationship with God, His word, and fellow believers? Who can you help grow in their own habits and patterns?

All Scripture quotations marked taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.