Scripture Reading: John 18:33-38

What is Truth?

Intro.

1. Pilate’s question describes the doubt and perplexity of many today on the subject of truth, John 18:37-38.

2. Truth: “the quality or state of being true;” “that which is true or in accordance with fact or reality” (Merriam-Webster).

a. Truth is not your truth and my truth; Objective, not subjective.

b. Truth is the voice of Jesus, 18:37; The word of God, John 17:17.

3. Yet, Jesus became the enemy of many for speaking truth in love; So will we, John 8:58; 15:20 (Gal. 4:16).

4. The place of truth in God’s plan and our dependency upon it.

I. THE SOURCE OF TRUTH IS GOD.

A. God Revealed Truth to the World through Jesus, Heb. 1:1-2; John 1:14 (the Word—truth).

1. Jesus spoke the Father’s will (truth), John 8:26-28.

2. His word (truth) judges and gives eternal life, John 12:48-50.

B. Jesus is the Embodiment of Truth, John 14:6.

1. He is the full scope and perfect expression of truth.

2. We learn Christ when hear (taught) His word, Eph. 4:20-21.

II. THE MISSION OF TRUTH.

A. God’s Truth Saves Sinners, John 6:44-47.

1. Drawn by the Father to Jesus, 6:44.

2. Taught of God: Hear and learn—Come to Jesus, 6:45.

3. God calls us to salvation by gospel, Mark 16:15-16; 2 Thess. 2:14.

4. Believer has eternal life, John 6:47 (Rom. 10:17).

5. Truth frees from sin when received and obeyed, John 8:31-32; James 1:21; 1 Pet. 1:22-23.

B. God’s Truth Approves Us Before God, 2 Tim. 2:15.

1. Truth brings to light our thoughts and motives, and will conform them to God’s will, Heb. 4:12 (2 Tim. 3:16).

2. Examples: Truth reveals willing hearts (Acts 17:11-12) and jealous hearts (Acts 13:44-48).

III. THE POWER OF TRUTH, Rom. 1:16 (Heb. 4:12).

A. The Power of Truth Over Sin, Gen. 3:1-5.

1. Satan: Spoke a lie (3:4-5), Eve believed and obeyed a lie (3:6), and died (2:17).

2. God: Sent His Son to speak truth (Heb. 1:1-2; the word of His grace, Acts 20:32) so we will believe and obey it to be saved.

3. If God must do more, Satan’s lie is stronger than God’s truth.

4. Acts 8:26-29: We are not saved by—

a. Angels, 8:26.

b. Direct action of the Holy Spirit, 8:29.

c. By preaching the word, 8:35.

d. Believed, obeyed, saved, rejoiced, 8:36-39.

B. The Power of Truth Over Temptations, Eph. 6:13-17.

1. Strength to stand is in truth, 6:14.

2. Righteousness of truth, 6:14 (4:24)

3. Path to walk is the gospel, 6:15.

4. Protection of faith, 6:16.

5. Knowledge of salvation (truth), 6:17.

6. Slay evil and its errors with the word of God, 6:17.

7. God’s power is working in our lives when we obey truth.

a. Completes our salvation, Phil. 2:12-13.

b. Enables holy living, John 17:17 (1 Pet. 1:14-16).

C. The Power of Truth Over Death.

1. Keep the word of Jesus, John 8:51.

2. Resurrection from the dead (25); Life from spiritual death for believers (26), John 11:25-26.

Conclusion

1. God has given us the marvelous blessing of truth.

a. Hope and grace, Col. 1:5-6.

b. Will we believe and obey it?

2. God’s judgment will be according to truth, Rom. 2:2.

By: Joe R. Price

Posted January 6, 2022