Truth Is - Part 5 [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 // Truth is: doing life God’s way is the only life-giving way.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
– Proverbs 14:12 (HCSB)

PATH. A walkway. Two contrasting paths are a common image for rival ways of life in Hebrew wisdom literature. The path of the wicked (Proverbs 4:14), who forgot God (Job 8:13) is crooked (Proverbs 2:15). This approach to life contrasts with the path of righteousness (Psalm 23:3, Proverbs 2:13, 20). This alternate path is called the path of God (Psalm 17:5, 25:4,10) and of light (Job 24:13). This life-path entails living by the commands or instruction of the Lord (Psalm 119:35,105; Proverbs 10:17). The reward for following this path is life (Psalm 16:11, Proverbs 2:19, 5:6, 10:17, 12:28). The wise are those who follow this way (Proverbs 15:24). The paths of justice (Proverbs 2:8, 8:20), peace (Proverbs 3:17), and righteousness refer to the practice of these qualities.
– Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, page 1222

Carefully consider the path for your feet, and all your ways will be established. Don’t turn to the right or to the left; keep your feet away from evil.
– Proverbs 4:26-27 (HCSB)

All the tax collectors  and sinners were approaching to listen to Him. And the Pharisees and scribes were complaining, “This man welcomes sinners  and eats with them!”
– Luke 15:1-2 (HCSB) 

Truth is: doing life God’s way is the only life-giving way.

He also said: “A man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate I have coming to me.’ So he distributed the assets to them.
– Luke 15:11-12 (HCSB)

Not many days later, the younger son gathered together all he had and traveled to a distant country, where he squandered his estate in foolish living. After he had spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he had nothing.
– Luke 15:13-14 (HCSB) 

Foolish – Asōtos
A prodigal is one who spends too much, who slides easily under the fatal influence of flatterers and the temptations with which he has surrounded himself into spending freely on his own lusts and appetites. A dissolute, debauched, and profligate manner of living.
– The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament

Then he went to work for one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. He longed to eat his fill from the carob pods the pigs were eating, but no one would give him any.
– Luke 15:15-16 (HCSB)

When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have more than enough food, and here I am dying of hunger! I’ll get up, go to my father, and say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy  to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired hands.’
– Luke 15:17-19 (HCSB)

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
– Proverbs 14:12 (HCSB)

So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father told his slaves, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger  and sandals on his feet. Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.
– Luke 15:20-24 (HCSB)

In this story, the father watched and waited. He was dealing with a human being with a will of his own, but he was ready to greet his son when he returned. In the same way, God‘s love is constant, patient, and welcoming. He will search for us and give us opportunities to respond, but he will not force us to come to him. Like the father in this story, God waits patiently for us to come to our senses and come to him.
– Life Application Study Bible, Luke 15

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths. Don’t consider yourself to be wise; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
– Proverbs 3:5-7 (HCSB) 

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
– Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)

We all went astray like sheep; we all have turned to our own way; and the Lord has punished Him for  the iniquity  of us all.
– Isaiah 53:6 (HCSB)

Truth is: doing life God’s way is the only life-giving way.

Isn't He Good // I'm Listening // I've Witnessed It // Gratitude

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