Scripture Reading: John 18:33-38
What is Truth?
Intro.
1. Pilate’s question describes the doubt and perplexity of many today on the subject of truth, John 18:37-38.
2. Truth: “the quality or state of being true;” “that which is true or in accordance with fact or reality” (Merriam-Webster).
a. Truth is not your truth and my truth; Objective, not subjective.
b. Truth is the voice of Jesus, 18:37; The word of God, John 17:17.
3. Yet, Jesus became the enemy of many for speaking truth in love; So will we, John 8:58; 15:20 (Gal. 4:16).
4. The place of truth in God’s plan and our dependency upon it.
I. THE SOURCE OF TRUTH IS GOD.
A. God Revealed Truth to the World through Jesus, Heb. 1:1-2; John 1:14 (the Word—truth).
1. Jesus spoke the Father’s will (truth), John 8:26-28.
2. His word (truth) judges and gives eternal life, John 12:48-50.
B. Jesus is the Embodiment of Truth, John 14:6.
1. He is the full scope and perfect expression of truth.
2. We learn Christ when hear (taught) His word, Eph. 4:20-21.
II. THE MISSION OF TRUTH.
A. God’s Truth Saves Sinners, John 6:44-47.
1. Drawn by the Father to Jesus, 6:44.
2. Taught of God: Hear and learn—Come to Jesus, 6:45.
3. God calls us to salvation by gospel, Mark 16:15-16; 2 Thess. 2:14.
4. Believer has eternal life, John 6:47 (Rom. 10:17).
5. Truth frees from sin when received and obeyed, John 8:31-32; James 1:21; 1 Pet. 1:22-23.
B. God’s Truth Approves Us Before God, 2 Tim. 2:15.
1. Truth brings to light our thoughts and motives, and will conform them to God’s will, Heb. 4:12 (2 Tim. 3:16).
2. Examples: Truth reveals willing hearts (Acts 17:11-12) and jealous hearts (Acts 13:44-48).
III. THE POWER OF TRUTH, Rom. 1:16 (Heb. 4:12).
A. The Power of Truth Over Sin, Gen. 3:1-5.
1. Satan: Spoke a lie (3:4-5), Eve believed and obeyed a lie (3:6), and died (2:17).
2. God: Sent His Son to speak truth (Heb. 1:1-2; the word of His grace, Acts 20:32) so we will believe and obey it to be saved.
3. If God must do more, Satan’s lie is stronger than God’s truth.
4. Acts 8:26-29: We are not saved by—
a. Angels, 8:26.
b. Direct action of the Holy Spirit, 8:29.
c. By preaching the word, 8:35.
d. Believed, obeyed, saved, rejoiced, 8:36-39.
B. The Power of Truth Over Temptations, Eph. 6:13-17.
1. Strength to stand is in truth, 6:14.
2. Righteousness of truth, 6:14 (4:24)
3. Path to walk is the gospel, 6:15.
4. Protection of faith, 6:16.
5. Knowledge of salvation (truth), 6:17.
6. Slay evil and its errors with the word of God, 6:17.
7. God’s power is working in our lives when we obey truth.
a. Completes our salvation, Phil. 2:12-13.
b. Enables holy living, John 17:17 (1 Pet. 1:14-16).
C. The Power of Truth Over Death.
1. Keep the word of Jesus, John 8:51.
2. Resurrection from the dead (25); Life from spiritual death for believers (26), John 11:25-26.
Conclusion
1. God has given us the marvelous blessing of truth.
a. Hope and grace, Col. 1:5-6.
b. Will we believe and obey it?
2. God’s judgment will be according to truth, Rom. 2:2.
By: Joe R. Price
Posted January 6, 2022