REVIEW

• Words and ideas are like ships at sea, without a re-centering, they drift off course
• Our North Star: The God’s Word to us. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
• 2 Peter 1:20-21 Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, 21 or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God. NLT

Real Life Ministries Doctrinal Statement: The BIBLE

We believe the Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because it is inspired by God, the Bible is infallible, inerrant, and absolute truth. It is the ultimate and final authority for Christian beliefs and living.

Supportive Scripture: Psalms 12:6; 119:105; 160, Proverbs 30:5, 2 Timothy 1:13; 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21.

• Infallible – comes from Latin meaning not false or no deception – no falsehood
• Inerrant – from Latin meaning no errors or without errors

• There is what culture thinks about different ideas and words but we re-center on what God says
• Last week – justice – man’s version of righteousness (graded on a curve) or God’s version (perfection)

PREVIEW – today – TRUTH!!

• Truth is valued in our world but we don’t all agree on what is true
• Bible – God’s definition and standard of truth, embodied in His Son Jesus
• Reminded how we’re to live in the truth and share it, in love, with those around us

1.  There is truth. And truth is valued. But Truth has its ultimate expression in Jesus Christ!

• Oxford Dictionary: Truth: that which is true or in accordance with fact or
• Oxford: Reality: the world or the state of things as they actually exist, as opposed to an idealistic idea of
• Greek: objectively – what is true in any matter under consideration
  • truly, in truth, according to truth
  • of a truth, in reality, in fact, certainly

John 18:37-38a Pilate said, “So you are a king?” Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.”

38 “What is truth?” Pilate asked…. NLT

• Pilate was so focused on the temporary – “kingdoms” – he missed Jesus’ greater purpose – truth, life!

John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. NIV

• Jesus came to reveal the Father to the world (John 1:17-18; 14:7), full of grace and truth

John 14:6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. NLT

• Jesus clarified, He is not just “a” truth, no He is “The Truth”

2.  Truth has an ultimate enemy – the devil

Genesis 3:1 [the serpent said to the woman] “Did God really say…”

• Questioning and twisting God’s word, since the beginning

John 8:44b [Jesus, speaking of the devil] He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the

truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. NLT

• No part or activity of the devil can be Murder is his goal (John 10:10).

2 Corinthians 4:4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. NLT

• People’s blindness to the things of God is more spiritual than rational (or argument based)

Ephesians 6:12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities

of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, & against evil spirits in the heavenly places. NLT

• We need to make sure we’re fighting the right enemy, the devil and his lies, not

3.  So how are we to live?

• Engage with those around you

2 Timothy 2:25-26 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. 26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. NLT

• We are to engage with those that oppose or are against God’s truth BUT HOW we do this matters!

Ephesians 4:15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. NLT

• We don’t just speak the truth – we do it in love (God’s definition of love which includes the truth)

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. NLT

• How we engage matters (vs.4-7) but why matters even more (vs1-3 – we engage because we love God

and love others – not to prove we’re right!)

• But live it as well!

2 Timothy 2:22-24 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.

23 Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. 24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. NLT

• We’re to prioritize our own spiritual growth and maturity (living a life of repentance)
• We do this in real relationship with one another
• From this place of dealing with our own logs first, we’re able to engage, and help others (Matt 7:1-6)

3- Knowing how to live it comes from knowing Christ and doing what He says

John 8:31-32 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” NLT

• Obedience to God and His Word is the path to freedom (God has your best in mind!)

Conclusion: Practical Application

1. When it comes to truth, who is or what is your source? (science, personal experiences, feelings/gut, head)
2. Are you willing to accept God’s version of truth? His truth in Jesus Christ?
3. How are you spending time in His Word, getting to know Him and His ways so every area of your life is lived in the truth (At home, at work, in politics, at school, online, in your neighborhood, etc)
4. Have you been fighting the right enemy (the devil and his lies not self or people)?
5. Who is someone in your life that needs to know the Truth?

For Small Group Discussion

Opening Question: Two Truths and a Lie. Everyone writes down 2 true statements about yourself and one false statement. Pass the papers around and try to guess the lie.

Main Point: We are to speak the truth to one another, with love, so that we can all grow in spiritual maturity.

Main Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16

• Do you err on the side of “truth” or “love” when interacting with someone you don’t agree with?
• Where/who do you go to for truth, especially when scripture may not be super clear on a topic?
• What’s the difference between objective and subjective truth?
• Are there certain people, or groups of people, that you have given up sharing the truth with? Why?
• If you need to grow in speaking the truth, how can you grow in truth and wisdom?
• If you need to grow in speaking in love, how can you grow in love and gentleness?

Additional Scripture: John 1:14, 1 Corinthians 13:6, Ephesians 4:29