Home Bulletins Sermons Articles Books Related Links Straight Bible Talk Audio Sermons

What Is Truth?

John 8:39-47

Introduction

1.      It is not “a” truth, but the whole truth that we always need – for example, ice in the Arctic is at historic lows, but ice in Antarctica is at historic highs – politicians are experts at distorting reality with partial truths – the same is true of theologians

2.      Americans have a high tolerance for information that makes them comfortable and a non-existent tolerance for the truth

3.      Our desire is to have a church based on truth as the Bible defines truth

Discussion

1.      What is truth? – John 18:38

a.       The Galileo affair – He was made to swear on the gospels never again to teach the earth’s motion around the sun  

b.      Truth is that which accords with reality  

c.       Five principles of truth from scripture

                                                            i.      Truth is that which God has declared – John 17:17

                                                          ii.      Truth is Jesus – John 14:6

                                                        iii.      Truth is that which sets us free – John 8:32

                                                        iv.      Truth is that which purifies our souls – 1 Peter 1:22

                                                          v.      Truth is that which the church is committed to support – 1 Tim 3:15  

2.      Only some are interested in truth

a.       Paul questions whether the Christians of Galatia were interested in the truth – Gal 4:16  

b.      Paul warns Timothy of those who turn from truth to fables – 2 Tim 4:1-5  

c.       Paul speaks of those who exchange truth for a lie – Rom 1:25  

d.      Warning concerning those who do not love the truth – 2 Thess 2:10-12  

e.       Apostles did sometimes veer from the truth that they knew – Gal 2:14  

3.      Things about which we need to know the truth

a.       We need to know the truth about God  

b.      We need to know the truth about Jesus – Acts 4:12  

c.       We need to know the truth about salvation  

d.      We need to know the truth about where we stand, right now, with God – Rom 2:2  

Conclusion

1.       Your relationship with God is defined by His truth, not by your feelings

2.      The truth will set you free, will lead you into a new relationship with god, will save your soul

3.      A lie will lead you into oblivion

4.      Will you follow where truth leads?