Truth Is - Part 4 [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 // We are worse than we think we are and more loved than we think we are. 

“In a recent study of 2,000 U.S. residents, 81% said they believe that humankind is inherently good, and three in four (75%) believe they're fundamentally a good person. But when asked how they would compare themselves to others in their life, 46% went a step further, admitting to a belief that they're "better" than everyone else they know.”  
– 2021 Yahoo News Article, Nearly half of all Americans believe they’re the best person they know

“The Gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.”
– Timothy Keller, The Meaning of Marriage

Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I stand up; You understand my thoughts from far away. You observe my travels and my rest; You are aware of all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, Lord. You have encircled me; You have placed Your hand on me. This extraordinary knowledge is beyond me. It is lofty; I am unable to reach it.
–  Psalm 139:1-6 (HCSB)

This extraordinary knowledge is beyond me. It is lofty; I am unable to reach it.
– Psalm 139:6 (HCSB)

Sometimes we don’t let people get to know us completely, because we are afraid they will discover something about us that they won’t like. But God already knows everything about us, even the number of hairs on our heads (Matthew 10:30) and still, He accepts and loves us. His total awareness of us, therefore, should comfort us, because He stays with us through every situation in every trial, protecting, loving, and guiding us, and knowing and loving us completely. – Life Application Study Bible, Psalm 139

Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there. If I live at the eastern horizon or settle at the western limits, even there Your hand will lead me; Your right hand will hold on to me. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light around me will be night”—even the darkness is not dark to You. The night shines like the day; darkness and light are alike to You.
– Psalm 139:7-12 (HCSB) 

...even there Your hand will lead me; Your right hand will hold on to me.
– Psalm 139:10 (HCSB) 

For it was You who created my inward parts; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise You because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, and I know this very well. My bones were not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was formed in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began. God, how difficult  Your thoughts are for me to comprehend; how vast their sum is! If I counted them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; when I wake up,  I am still with You.
– Psalm 139:13-18 (HCSB) 

So God created man in His own image; He created him in the image of God; He created them male and female.
– Genesis 1:27 (HCSB)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come.
– 2 Corinthians 5:17 (HCSB)

God, if only You would kill the wicked—you bloodthirsty men, stay away from me—who invoke You deceitfully. Your enemies swear by You falsely. Lord, don’t I hate those who hate You, and detest those who rebel against You? I hate them with extreme hatred; I consider them my enemies. Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive  way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.
– Psalm 139:19-24 (HCSB) 

The truth is: we are worse than we think we are and more loved than we think we are. 

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive  way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.
– Psalm 139:23-24 (HCSB)

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