Sunday, October 6, 2019 pm
Characteristics of Truth
Recently, in our Bible class on evidences, we discussed in detail what
is truth. We noted some of
the qualities of truth as it relates to reality and that it is absolute
and exclusive. We also noted
that the Bible itself addresses many of these qualities.
Tonight, I want to present a lesson that addresses some of the
characteristics of truth from the standpoint of what the Bible teaches.
So let us get started with this.
a.
1 Corinthians 1:10, 13 –
speak the same thing; “Is Christ divided?”
b.
1 Corinthians 14:33 –
God is not the author of confusion.
c.
1 Corinthians 4:17 –
Paul, “I teach everywhere in every church…”
The same message was taught everywhere.
d.
Many today want to
reject the word of God because they believe it is filled with
contradictions.
It is not, and in most instances an examination of the contexts of
supposed contradictory statements gives a (plausible) solution.
Example: Ephesians 2:8-9 does NOT contradict James 2:24.
a.
Because the Bible does
not contradict itself, we next consider that it can be understood.
b.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 –
profitable to make us complete;
Ephesians 5:17 – do not be unwise but understand what the will of the
Lord is.
Ephesians 3:4 – Paul wrote with the intent that they “Understand my
knowledge in the mystery of Christ”
c.
2 Timothy 2:15 – we have
to study to learn. The fact
that we do not understand something doesn’t mean it is not
understandable. We have to
work at it.
a.
An amazing thought about
the gospel is that while it is freely available to all, it comes with a
high cost – everything.
b.
Matthew 16:24-25 – Jesus
taught that we must deny ourselves…
Similarly, Matthew
10:34-39 speaks of how Jesus did not come to bring peace, but a sword.
c.
Matthew 19:21-22 – the
rich, young ruler, went away sorrowful because he had great possessions
he was unable to part with.
d.
Yes the truth comes at a
high cost, but the dividend makes it worthwhile – Romans 8:18, Paul
noted that the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be
compared with the glory which will be revealed.
Philippians 3:7-8 – Paul counted all things loss that I may gain
Christ.
e.
Proverbs 23:23 – buy the
truth, and do not sell it.
a.
At times, we are
respecters of persons.
Sometimes it is the result of ungodly attitudes, and at other times
because of ignorance of the situation.
BUT the truth is NEVER a respecter of persons.
All men, at all times, need the same thing - salvation that is found in
Christ – Acts 4:12.
b.
James 2:1-9 plainly
warns us against being partial.
We must guard against such an attitude.
c.
Galatians 2:11-14 –
Peter was rebuked for his hypocrisy in these matters.
d.
BUT, Acts 10:34-35
teaches that God shows no partiality.
e.
Romans 2:8-11 – when we
stand before God in judgment, he will be impartial.
Jesus explained that in that day it will be His word that judges
us – John 12:47-48.
V.
Truth sets us apart
–
a.
John 17:17 – Jesus
prayed that His truth sanctify us – the idea of sanctification is to be
set apart.
b.
We need to understand
that we are set apart – 1 Peter 2:9 – we are “his own special people”
(peculiar – KJV).
c.
Thought the truth of
God’s word, we are to separate ourselves from those practicing and/or
teaching error. 2
Corinthians 6:17 – we are to come out from among them and be separate.
Ephesians 5:11 – have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of
darkness.
d.
Matthew 25:31-32 – on
the day of judgment there will be another separation, and it will be
based upon God’s word.
a.
One of the challenges
with truth is the fact that it is not always pleasant.
How many today avoid some situation because they are afraid of
the truth? Addictions,
health, finances, family decisions, etc.
They know that if they are completely truthful, resolving the
problems will be painful. So
they ignore, change or soften reality.
b.
Many do the same thing
with spiritual truths.
Spiritually, truth can hurt – it can mean we need to repent and/or
confess our wrongs. It may
mean we have to change our behaviors or even sever relationships.
It may mean we have to withdraw from a sinning brother.
c.
Galatians 4:16 – Paul
said, “Have I become your enemy because I tell you the truth?”
Paul often had to say that which is unpleasant, but it was
needed. Paul grieved
at the reality of his rebellious Jewish brethren – Romans 9:1-3.
d.
Jesus grieved and even
wept as He considered the future fate of Jerusalem – Matthew 23:37-39,
Luke 19:41.
e.
Hebrews 4:12 tells us
the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than a two-edged
sword. It pierces, even to
the division of soul and spirit, and is a discerner of the thoughts and
intents of the heart. Think
of how the corrupt enemies of Jesus reacted when He exposed them!
f.
But while truth hurts,
it is for our best. One will
NOT be healed until he faces the hurt associated with the truth of his
situation.
a.
What we are called upon
to do to be faithful is easy to understand.
Depending on the version, the Bible reads between a high school
level and upper elementary.
It is written to be understood, as we have already noted.
b.
Mark 12:37, as Jesus
challenged the religious leaders, we read, “And the common people heard
Him gladly.” Matthew
11:25-26, when Jesus prayed, He thanked the Father that teachings were
hidden (by their own choice) from the wise and prudent and revealed to
babes
c.
1 Timothy 2:4, Paul
noted that God desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of
the truth. That implies that
all men can understand it.
d.
When you consider what
we are commanded to do to become Christians and to remain faithful,
securing our salvation – the instructions are simple to understand.
They are straight forward – UNTIL men get hold of it and
complicate it. Peter
described it as twisting the scriptures (2 Peter 3:16)
e.
So why is it that so
many do not obey the simple truth?
Because, while it is simple to understand, it is hard to do.
Matthew 19:23-24, after the rich, young ruler left sorrowful,
Jesus said, “How hard it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of
heaven…” The truth is that
doing what we are told is the hard part.
f.
But that doesn’t change
the fact that the truth is simple to understand and apply. It is simply
a matter of what we are willing to give up and do to apply it!
a.
Another characteristic
of truth is its ability to convict one.
The idea of conviction is to convince or pronounce one as guilty.
It can also mean to be firmly persuaded.
b.
Truth can convict you
when you are guilty of sin.
Acts 2:37 – they were
cut to the heart.
Josiah – 2 Kings 22:10-11.
Josiah was the last godly king of Judah. He began his reign at 8 years
of age and served God faithfully.
He cleansed the temple and in the process, Hilkiah the scribe
found the “book of the Law” and took it to the king.
When Josiah read it, he tore his clothes.
He knew what was in store for the nation.
He was convicted.
The woman caught in
adultery – John 8:9, the account of the woman caught in adultery (NOTE:
This account is called into question as a result of early mss, but it
certainly describes the character of Jesus – TT).
As Jesus wrote on the ground and said, “Let he who is without sin
cast a stone at her first…” we read, “Then those who heard
it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one…”
c.
We NEED to be convicted
by God’s word. If we have
never named the name of Jesus, we need to be convicted of our sins and
obey the gospel. IF, as
Christians we are convicted of guilt in our lives, we need to repent and
pray forgiveness (1 John 1:9).
These are some characteristics of truth.
We could add to these with many others.
I conclude with the word of Jesus in John 8:31-32, Then Jesus
said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are
My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall
make you free.” Why not
submit to the truth of His word and be made free from the guilt of your
sins. How can we help you?