I want to be like the Bereans in Acts 17:
"These people were more willing to listen than the people in Thessalonica. The Bereans were eager to hear what Paul and Silas said and studied the Scriptures every day to find out if these things were true." (vs. 11 NCV)
What is truth?
I'm not here to try and prove the Bible's truth to anyone. My point in this post is not that.
My point of this blog from my very first post to now, is not evangelism, nor is it apologetics. Jesus told us to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations. For now. My purpose is discipleship.
Because I need it.
We all need it.
And I believe the church is lacking it.
So what is truth?
Possibly the question above all questions.
It's such a simple question... only three words.
Yet answering it... is not so easy.
Why does scripture repeatedly tell us to be able to give an answer for the truth we know?
"See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ." -Colossians 2:8 (ESV)
“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” -Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV)
"but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect," -1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)
Sunday School answer: Because it's important! Jesus wants us to.
And actually, Jesus was faced with this question... it was his last 'sermon', when he spoke to Pilate.
Why out of all of the things Jesus could have said in answer to Pilate does he talk about 'truth' in John 18?
'Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
“Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?”
“Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?”
Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”
“You are a king, then!” said Pilate.
Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
“What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him. But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release ‘the king of the Jews’?”
They shouted back, “No, not him! Give us Barabbas!” Now Barabbas had taken part in an uprising.' -John 18:33-40
There is the question again, straight out the mouth of Pilate.
There is nothing new under the sun.
Jesus said he was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to His voice.
What is truth?
What is it that Jesus testified to?
Jesus testified a lot of things.
Everyone on the side of truth listens to His voice.
So...
Everything Jesus says is truth.
Everything Jesus breathed is truth.
Everything Jesus did is truth.
Jesus' life is truth.
'I am the Way, the truth, and the Life.' -John 14:6
The Gospel is Jesus' life. Jesus' testimony.
And if it's truth really is true.
Then it means everything.
EVERYTHING.
The Bible's truth is important in any corrupt culture. When people want to twist the Gospel of Jesus to fit their own agendas and lifestyles, Christians have to stand strong for and in the simple truths of of who Jesus is.
This is vital to the mission of Christ.
We cling to truth, not to win arguments, but to win souls.
How do we let God's truth change us?
Hebrews 4:12 tells us,
"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
Paul wrote to Timothy that, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." -2 Timothy 3:16-17
'For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.
Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.' -1 Timothy 4:8-17
Labor.
Strive.
For God's truth.
For the Hope that we have.
Command and teach.
Live a life reflecting the truth we claim.
Don't neglect the gifts God has given you.
Be diligent.
Surrender your life to this truth... so that everyone can see.
Persevere in the truth, the doctrine of Jesus Christ.
You want to change your life for Christ?
You want to change the world for Christ?
Bear God's truth, as He bore the cross.
Have faith in Truth... Because the Truth will set you free.
So we are still faced with the question of 'What is truth?'
Philosophy will tell us, that truth is what we make of it, that it is different for all people.
Culture will tell us there is no truth.
Satan will tell us that truth is what our feelings tell us.
Philosophy changes.
Culture changes.
Feelings change.
"See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ." -Colossians 2:8 (ESV)
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
His word is alive.
Has remained unchanged and unchanging.
God lasts.
"Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." -Jesus
What is truth?
