Introduction: Observations about Truth

A. Truth is the most vital possession any civilization can have (Prov. 23:23).

1. How would we know 2+2=4 without a truth?

2. How would we know what is right and wrong?

3. How would we know anything w/out the idea of truth (how do you know you are here?)?

B. What is truth (Jn. 18:38)? 4 things:

1. God—2 Chron. 15:3, 1 Thes. 1:9

2. Christ—Eph. 4:21, Jn. 14:6

3. Holy Spirit—I John 5:6

4. God’s Word—Jn. 17:17, Ps. 119:160, 142

C. How could we define truth?

1. Right, upright (Ps. 19:8, 119:128)

2. Just (Rev. 15:3).

3. Trustworthy (Prov. 3:5-6, Job. 13:15).

4. Perfect (James 1:25).

D. Now let us turn our attention to what makes truth important and relevant to us today.

I. The Importance of Truth.

A. Truth is important because of modern relativism (John 18:38, Jer. 7:28, 9:3).

1. Relativism says that truth is subjective. What may be true for me may not be true for you or anyone else. However, this is a false view for these reasons:

a. There are universal standards of truth in Math, Science, Law, and Religion.

b. God does not change (Mal. 1:8, Heb. 13:8).

c. His Word is meant to be the universal standard (Jn. 7:17, 2 Pet. 3:1).

d. Therefore, truth does not change with a person, but a person changes to truth.

B. Truth is important because of man’s inability to direct himself (Jer. 10:23, Prov. 16:25, Jer. 6:16). The word gives me ultimate direction in life.

1. It tells me how I got here (Gen. 1:1, Ps. 19:1).

2. It tells me why I am here (Eccl 12:13, Isa. 43:7)

3. It tells me where I am going (Matt. 25:46).

C. The truth is important because it can set us free (John 8:32,36).

1. Free from bondage to Satan (Rom. 6:17, Ex. 3&4).

2. Free from sin (Rom 6:14, 1Pet. 1:22).

3. Free to obey Christ (Gal. 5:1, 13, James 1:21, Rom. 1:25).

D. Truth is important because of the abundance of error being taught today (John 8:44, Isa. 30:10, 5:13).

1. Error on MDR—Matt. 19

2. Error on Salvation.

3. Error on worship.

E. Truth is important because preaching the truth pleases God (2 Tim. 4:2, Acts 20:28, Titus 2:1, I Tim 4:15-16, Eph. 4:15, Jer. 20:9, 2 Chron. 18:13, I Cor. 8:16).

II. The Relevance of Truth.

A. Relevant to modern moral problems

1. Abortion- Ex. 22

2. Euthanasia—Zech 12:1, Heb. 12:9

3. Divorce—Mal. 2:16, Gen. 2:24

B. Relevant to modern psychological problems.

1. Worry/anxiety—Phil. 4:7, 1 Pet. 5:7, do not worry

2. Discouragement—Lk. 18:1, 2 Kings 17-18 Elijah

3. Grief—1 Thes. 4:13, Jn. 11:35

C. Relevant to Physical problems.

1. Lung Cancer—I Cor. 6:19-20

2. Stomach problems I Timothy

3. Cure for AIDS—Heb. 13:4, I Cor. 7:3-4

4. Cure for liver problems—Eph. 5:18

D. Mostly Relevant to spiritual problems (Gen. 3-4, Acts 2:36, 2:37-38, Jn. 3:16).