Truth Is - Part 6 [Notes]

February 11th, 2024

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 can know the truth.

Then they screamed at the top of their voices, covered their ears, and together rushed against him. They threw him out of the city and began to stone him. And the witnesses laid their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
– Acts 7:57-58 (HCSB)

Saul agreed with putting him to death. On that day a severe persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem…
– Acts 8:1-2a (HCSB)

We need God to reveal truth to us.

When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth.
– John 16:13a (HCSB)

As he traveled and was nearing Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” “Who are You, Lord?” he said. “I am Jesus, the One you are persecuting,” He replied. “But get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
– Acts 9:3-6 (HCSB)

No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise him up on the last day.
– John 6:44 (HCSB)

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive Him because it doesn’t see Him or know Him. But you do know Him, because He remains with you and will be in you.
– John 14:16-17 (HCSB)

We need God to reveal truth to us.
We need other believers to protect us from deceit.

Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head—Christ.
– Ephesians 4:14-15 (HCSB)

There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. And the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Here I am, Lord!” he said. “Get up and go to the street called Straight,” the Lord said to him, “to the house of Judas, and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, since he is praying there. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and placing his hands on him so he can regain his sight.”
– Acts 9:10-12 (HCSB)

But if I should be delayed, I have written so that you will know how people ought to act in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
– 1 Timothy 3:15 (HCSB)

This is architectural language. The church is what holds up God’s truth in this world… As the local church is faithful to preserve, preach, and practice the truth, God’s work prospers on earth.
– Wiersbe

We need God to reveal truth to us.
We need other believers to protect us from deceit.
We need the Word of God to lead us to the truth.

The heart is more deceitful than anything else, and incurable—who can understand it?
– Jeremiah 17:9 (HCSB)

The one who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.
– Proverbs 28:26 (HCSB)

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.
– Proverbs 3:5-6 (HCSB)

The entirety of Your Word is truth, and all Your righteous judgments endure forever.
– Psalm 119:160

They are not of the world, as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by the truth; Your Word is truth. – John 17:16-17 (HCSB)

But Saul grew more capable and kept confounding the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that this One is the Messiah.
– Acts 9:22 (HCSB)

“Paul gave himself to study, prayer, and meditation, and met with the Lord alone.”
– Wiersbe

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.
– 2 Timothy 2:15 (HCSB)

Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and evil, humbly receive the implanted Word, which is able to save you. But be doers of the Word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
– James 1:21-22 (HCSB)

But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but one who does good works—this person will be blessed in what he does.
– James 1:25 (HCSB)

Verse 25 tells us we must gaze carefully (not glance casually) into the Word, study it, and through it see ourselves.
– Wiersbe

We need God to reveal truth to us.
We need other believers to protect us from deceit.
We need Word of God to lead us to the truth.

Jesus answered them, “You are deceived, because you don’t know the Scriptures or the power of God.
– Matthew 22:29 (HCSB)

Discussion Questions //

Why do you think people have so many different opinions about so many things in our culture these days? Why can’t we all just agree to the truth?
Read Acts 9:1-6. How do you think it was possible for someone like Paul, who had been trained in the Scriptures, to be so deceived about Christ and Christians? How does his story provide hope for us?
Read Ephesians 4:11-16. What are some of the resources we have as Christians to help us know and live the truth?
Read Colossians 2:3-10. Why is our relationship with Christ so essential if we are to walk in the truth? What can we do to develop our relationship with Christ?
What are some steps we can take in our own lives to help us know and live the truth?

Worship Setlist //

Praise You Anywhere // My Defense // I've Witnessed It // Worthy of My Song

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