Confronting Relativism: Embracing Absolute Truth in Christ

In our time together, we explored the profound implications of relativism and its impact on our understanding of truth. We began by distinguishing between healthy relative thinking and the dangerous ideology of relativism. Healthy relative thinking acknowledges that statements can be true or false depending on a standard of measurement. However, relativism denies any objective standard, leading to a world where truth becomes subjective and personal, rather than universal and absolute.

We examined how relativism manifests in our culture, particularly in moral and ethical discussions. For instance, when discussing whether certain actions are right or wrong, relativism suggests that these judgments are based solely on personal or cultural preferences, rather than any objective moral standard. This mindset undermines the very concept of truth, leading to a society where "your truth" and "my truth" can coexist even if they contradict each other.

We turned to the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 21, where He confronted the chief priests and elders who were de-facto relativists. They avoided taking a stand on truth to protect their own interests, illustrating how relativism is often rooted in a desire to avoid shame or harm. This avoidance of truth is not just a philosophical issue but a moral one, as it leads to a life governed by self-interest rather than by the pursuit of truth.

The consequences of embracing relativism are severe. It commits treason against God by denying His objective truth, cultivates duplicity by forcing people to live inconsistently, and conceals doctrinal defection by allowing language to be manipulated for personal gain. Moreover, relativism cloaks pride in the guise of humility, suggesting that it is humble to avoid asserting any universal truth. Yet, true humility submits to the truth rather than creating one's own.

Ultimately, relativism enslaves individuals by keeping them in bondage to their desires and fears, preventing them from experiencing the freedom that comes from knowing and living in the truth. The antidote to this cultural malaise is a renewed commitment to the truth as revealed in Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life. By embracing Him, we find freedom from the chains of relativism and the courage to stand for truth in a world that desperately needs it.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Nature of Relativism: Relativism denies any objective standard of truth, leading to a subjective understanding where truth becomes personal and variable. This mindset undermines the very concept of truth, creating a society where contradictory truths can coexist. [09:28]
• 2. Jesus and Relativism: In Matthew 21, Jesus confronts the chief priests and elders, revealing how relativism often stems from a desire to avoid shame or harm. This avoidance of truth is not just philosophical but moral, as it leads to a life governed by self-interest. [13:13]
• 3. Consequences of Relativism: Embracing relativism leads to treason against God, duplicity, and doctrinal defection. It allows language to be manipulated for personal gain and cloaks pride in the guise of humility, suggesting that avoiding universal truth is humble. [25:54]
• 4. Relativism and Freedom: Relativism enslaves individuals by keeping them in bondage to their desires and fears, preventing them from experiencing the freedom that comes from knowing and living in the truth. True freedom is found in embracing the truth of Jesus Christ. [47:57]
• 5. The Call to Truth: The antidote to relativism is a renewed commitment to the truth as revealed in Jesus Christ. By embracing Him, we find freedom from the chains of relativism and the courage to stand for truth in a world that desperately needs it. [54:45]
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Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:17] - Opening Prayer
• [00:56] - Introduction to Relativism
• [01:39] - Good vs. Bad Relativism
• [03:04] - Examples of Relative Thinking
• [04:43] - Defining Relativism
• [06:21] - Relativism in Moral Issues
• [07:51] - The Essence of Relativism
• [10:42] - Jesus and Relativism
• [13:13] - The Depraved Mind
• [16:19] - Truth vs. Pragmatism
• [20:03] - The Root of Relativism
• [22:12] - Seven Effects of Relativism
• [30:28] - Relativism and Language
• [47:57] - Relativism and Freedom
• [54:45] - Embracing Truth in Christ
• [55:28] - Closing Prayer

1. In Matthew 21:23-27, how do the chief priests and elders demonstrate a form of relativism in their response to Jesus' question about John's baptism? [13:13]
2. According to John 8:31-32, what is the relationship between truth and freedom as described by Jesus?
3. How does 2 Thessalonians 2:10 describe the consequences of not loving the truth?
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate how relativism manifests in moral and ethical discussions? [06:21]

1. In Matthew 21:23-27, why do the chief priests and elders choose not to answer Jesus' question directly, and what does this reveal about their priorities? [13:13]
2. How does the concept of truth in John 8:31-32 contrast with the idea of relativism discussed in the sermon? [47:57]
3. What does 2 Thessalonians 2:10 suggest about the importance of loving the truth in the context of salvation?
4. How does the sermon describe the impact of relativism on personal integrity and societal values? [25:54]

1. Reflect on a time when you avoided taking a stand on a truth to protect your own interests. How did that decision affect your integrity and relationships? [13:13]
2. Jesus says in John 8:31-32 that knowing the truth will set you free. What specific truths about Jesus do you need to embrace more fully to experience freedom in your life? [47:57]
3. The sermon mentions that relativism can lead to duplicity and hypocrisy. Can you identify areas in your life where you might be living inconsistently with your stated beliefs? How can you address this? [25:54]
4. Consider the cultural pressures to conform to relativistic thinking. How can you stand firm in your commitment to objective truth in your daily interactions? [20:03]
5. The sermon suggests that relativism cloaks pride in the guise of humility. How can you practice true humility by submitting to God's truth in your decisions and actions? [46:23]
6. How can you cultivate a love for the truth in your personal study of the Bible and in your conversations with others? [48:50]
7. Identify one area in your life where you feel enslaved by desires or fears. How can embracing the truth of Jesus Christ bring you freedom in that area? [47:57]