Truth Is - Part 2 [Notes]

In a world where the very concept of truth is under attack, we are called upon to know the truth and be able to defend it (Jude 1:6). The truth can impact our relationship with God, and it can lead to true freedom (John 8:32). Unfortunately, many in our society no longer value the truth, and they don't know where to turn in order to find it. What are some ways in which our culture has strayed from the truth and how can we graciously stand firm as we face those in our society who look to undermine it? Join us this week for our new series!

Today's Takeaway // The Word of God is trustworthy.

He did what was right in the Lord’s sight and walked in the ways of his ancestor David; he did not turn aside to the right or the left.  
– 2 Chronicles 34:2 (HCSB)

Josiah was eight years old when he became king and reigned 31 years In Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jedidah the daughter of Adaiah; she was from Bozkath. He did what was right in the Lord’s sight and walked in all the ways of his ancestor David; he did not turn to the right or the left.
– 2 Kings 22:1-2 (HCSB)

In the eighteenth year of King Josiah, the king sent the court secretary Shaphan son of Azaliah, son of Meshullam, to the Lord’s temple, saying, “Go up to Hilkiah the high priest so that he may total up the money brought into the Lord’s temple—the money the doorkeepers have collected from the people. It is to be put into the hands of those doing the work—those who oversee the Lord’s temple. They in turn are to give it to the workmen in the Lord’s temple to repair the damage. They are to give it to the carpenters, builders, and masons to buy timber and quarried stone to repair the temple. But no accounting is to be required from them for the money put into their hands since they work with integrity.”
– 2 Kings 22:3-7 (HCSB)

Hilkiah the high priest told Shaphan the court secretary, “I have found the book of the law in the Lord’s temple,” and he gave the book to Shaphan, who read it. Then Shaphan the court secretary went to the king and reported, “Your servants have emptied out the money that was found in the temple and have put it into the hand of those doing the work—those who oversee the Lord’s temple.” Then Shaphan the court secretary told the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book,” and Shaphan read it in the presence of the king.
– 2 Kings 22:8-10 (HCSB)

When the king heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes. Then he commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Achbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the court secretary, and the king’s servant Asaiah: “Go and inquire of the Lord for me, the people, and all Judah about the instruction in this book that has been found. For great is the Lord’s wrath that is kindled against us because our ancestors have not obeyed the words of this book in order to do everything written about us.”
– 2 Kings 22:11-13 (HCSB)

So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to the prophetess Huldah, wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem in the Second District. They spoke with her. She said to them, “This is what the Lord God of Israel says, ‘Say to the man who sent you to Me: This is what the Lord says: I am about to bring disaster on this place and on its inhabitants, fulfilling all the words of the book that the king of Judah has read, because they have abandoned Me and burned incense to other gods in order to provoke Me with all the work of their hands. My wrath will be kindled against this place, and it will not be quenched.
– 2 Kings 22:14-17 (HCSB)

Say this to the king of Judah who sent you to inquire of the Lord: This is what the Lord God of Israel says: As for the words that you heard, because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants, that they would become a desolation and a curse, and because you have torn your clothes and wept before Me, I Myself have heard you—this is the Lord’s declaration—therefore, I will indeed gather you to your fathers, and you will be gathered to your grave in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster that I am bringing on this place.’” Then they reported to the king.
– 2 Kings 22:18-20 (HCSB)

So the king sent messengers and gathered all the elders of Judah andJerusalem. The king went up to the Lord’s temple with all the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, as well as the priests and the Levites—all the people from great to small. He read in their hearing all the words of the book of the covenant that had been found in the Lord’s temple. Then the king stood at his post and made a covenant in the Lord’s presence to follow the Lord and to keep His commands, His decrees, and His statutes with all his heart and with all his soul in order to carry out the words of the covenant written in this Book. He had all those present in Jerusalem and Benjamin agree to it.
– 2 Chronicles 34:29-32a (HCSB)

1. Where do you think most people get their beliefs on important subjects such as God, sin, heaven and hell, love, etc.?
2. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and 2 Timothy 2:15. Do you believe that the culture has changed in terms of its view that the Bible is the Word of God? Explain your answer.
3. What do you think will happen if our values, beliefs and morals are no longer based upon what is taught in the Bible?
4. Read Hebrews 4:12 and Ephesians 6:17. Why do you personally believe the Bible is the Word of God? How have you observed the power of God’s Word in your life?
5. What are some things we can do to encourage people to spend more time reading or studying the Bible?

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