Scripture Reading: John 18:33-38

Why You Need the Truth

Intro.

1. “What is truth?” Jno 18:37-38 “Truth” used in various senses in the Scriptures:

a. Truth is opposite of falsehood, Prov 12:17, 19, 22 (Eph 4:25)

b. Truth is used to mean fidelity or truthfulness, Jer 7:28 (Isa 59:13-15).

c. The doctrine of Christ, “the truth of the gospel”, Gal 2:5, 14.

1) Some never come to the knowledge of the truth, 2 Tim 3:7.

2) Some turn away from the truth, 2 Tim 4:4.

2. The Lord is “the truth”, Jno 14:6; Eph 4:21.

3. Why you need truth in your life.

I. BECAUSE YOU NEED JESUS IN YOUR LIFE.

A. The Truth Reveals Jesus and Makes Him Available to You, Jno 6:68 (Acts 5:20)

1. Fellowship with Jesus by following His word (truth), 2 Jno 9; Jno 14:23.

2. Cannot reject the truth of the gospel and be with Jesus!

B. Who Do You Turn to in Times of Need? (Phil 4:13, 19)

1. Need spiritual guidance…advice…support…redemption?

2. App. Do you turn to...

a. Worldly friends? 1 Cor 15:33

b. The world’s wisdom? 1 Cor 1:21

c. Self-help? Jer 10:23

d. Theologians? Matt 15:7-9

e. Gospel of Jesus? Jno 6:68; (Eph 1:7-13); 2 Tim 2:24-26

II. BECAUSE YOU NEED TO BE SAVED FROM YOUR SINS, 1 Tim 2:3-4 (Jas 1:21).

A. Truth Reveals Salvation to Sinners, Tit 2:11-12.

1. Hear and know the grace of God in truth, Col 1:6.

2. Truth forms the basis for faith, Jno 19:35; 20:30-31.

3. Truth purifies the soul when obeyed, 1 Pet 1:22.

B. Jesus (Truth) is our only Way to the Father, Jno 14:6.

1. Because truth is in Jesus, Eph 4:21 (Jno 1:17). Produces “true righteousness and holiness” in the faithful.

2. Revealed by His apostles, Rom 9:1; 2 Cor 11:10 (2 Tim 1:7)

3. App. What is your source of truth? (Feelings, friends, reason, Bible)

III. BECAUSE YOU CAN ONLY SERVE GOD IN TRUTH, 2 Jno 4; 3 Jno 3-4 (1 Jno 1:5-9).

A. Truth Sanctifies Us unto God, cf. Jno 17:17-19; Eph 5:25-27; 1 Pet 2:9.

1. Set apart to God’s service and pleasure (1 Cor 1:2).

2. App. What are you doing to be sure you are set apart to God?

a. Learning and living the truth?

b. Attentive during classes and sermons?

c. Take time to be holy with Bible reading?

B. Must Worship God in Truth, Jno 4:23-24; cf. Eph 5:17-20.

-App. What defines worship for you: Word of truth or feelings?

C. In Order to Grow to Maturity, Eph 4:14-16 (Heb 5:11-6:3); 2 Pet 1:3-8.

1. Christ is truly food and drink, Jno 6:55 (His truth, 6:63).

2. App. Is truth your “favorite food”?

D. To be Protected from Sin, Eph 6:13-17.

1. The battle rages; you must be strengthened in the Lord by His truth (6:10-12).

2. App. Can you identify the victories of truth in your life? (Make a list of truth’s triumphs in your life, and thank God for the power of His truth!)

Conclusion

1. Truth is the essence of God, Deut 32:4.

2. We must not “exchange the truth of God for the lie” of false gods and false teachings, Rom 1:25.

3. Christians are and must ever be people of truth, 2 Jno 1-2.

a. Love the truth… (2 Ths 2:10)

b. Obey the truth… (1 Pet 1:22)

c. Live the truth… (1 Jno 2:3-6)

d. Be saved in truth! 1 Tim 2:3-4