John 18:33-38
Introduction
In today’s culture, truth is under attack. Many people don’t see the need for truth, but we desperately need it for several reasons. First, our sinfulness blurs the truth, so we lack clarity about what is true. As fallen people, we don’t see truth clearly, nor do we see it automatically. Second, the deception of Satan keeps us from recognizing truth. Third, the secularization of culture has led to relativity. Truth can be whatever anyone wants it to be. The more our culture abandons God, the more relative truth becomes. However, truth can keep us in right relationship with God and make it possible for us to live according to His purpose and plan for our lives.
Since believers should be intentional about embracing truth, we must first be able to recognize it. Truth can be defined as “a divinely authorized absolute standard by which reality is measured.” When something is absolute, it is fixed, unchanging, and non-negotiable. There aren’t multiple versions of truth. It doesn’t move or change. Truth is a standard and can gauge the validity of other thoughts, ideas, and beliefs. Truth measures reality and lets us know whether or not our thinking is correct. Truth sits outside of us. It doesn’t gain validity based on how we feel about it. Truth is truth, whether we like it or not, regardless of whether we agree with it. Truth is authoritative and should have the final say so in our lives.
As our definition states, truth is from God; it is part of the nature of the triune God—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the truth,” and in John 18:37, He said He came to earth “to testify to the truth.” Jesus connected truth with God and His kingdom. Truth is revealed by God for our benefit. He desires us to enjoy the blessing that comes from walking according to His truth instead of the repercussions that come from operating according to our flawed perspective. Wandering from truth will only lead you to trouble. Remain in or return to God. Doing so will help you to experience God’s divine order, blessing and clarity in your life.
Getting Started
- Many of us buy things that are advertised as something we have to have. What’s the last thing you regretted buying because the marketing for the product didn’t live up to the reality?
- What item have you taken time to research well before buying? Did your research pay off?
Let’s Get Personal
- Searching out and knowing God’s truth pays off, yet people don’t always prioritize and value it. What do people tend to value above God’s truth? Why is truth not of primary importance?
- How has sin, Satan’s deception, or secular culture blurred the truth in your life?
- Think about your life. How might you need to return to God’s perspective? Ask someone in your group to hold you accountable, to pray for you, and to ask God to draw you back to His truth.
Take the Next Step
- What are ways you can begin to eliminate culture’s lies and replace them with God’s truth in your own life?
- The Bible says to be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you (1 Pet 3:15). How can you prepare yourself this week to share the truth of God’s word with someone?
- Want to dig deeper? Take time to look at the following passages: Psalm 31:5; Isaiah 65:16; John 1:14; 8:32; 14:6; Romans 2:22; 3:4; 2 Timothy 3:7.
Renew Your Mind
“Therefore Pilate said to Him, ‘So You are a king?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.’”
John 18:37
