Discerning Truth Amidst Deception: A Call to Courage
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the theme of discerning truth in an age of deception, focusing on the importance of listening to the right voice. We began by acknowledging the many voices that surround us, often leading us astray from God's truth. The story of King Jehoshaphat and King Ahab from 1 Kings 22 served as a powerful illustration. Despite being surrounded by 400 prophets who unanimously declared victory, Jehoshaphat sensed something was amiss. His discernment was a testament to the importance of listening to the still, small voice of God amidst the noise.
We delved into the biblical definition of truth, which is consistent with the mind, will, character, and glory of God. Truth is unchanging and dependable, a cornerstone of our faith. We discussed the dangers of false prophets and the echo chambers that confirm our biases, emphasizing the need for a true prophet like Micaiah, who stood firm in God's truth despite opposition. His name, meaning "who is like Yahweh," reflects the call for us to be filled with the Holy Spirit and God's Word.
The sermon also highlighted the role of parents in exemplifying God's presence to their children, encouraging them to be consistent in their faith. We acknowledged the cost of standing for truth in a world that often prefers deception and comfort over conviction. The story of Micaiah, who suffered for speaking the truth, serves as a reminder of the courage required to uphold God's truth.
In conclusion, we are called to be spiritual whistleblowers, standing firm in God's truth even when it is unpopular. We must be willing to speak the truth in love, guided by the Holy Spirit, and remain steadfast in our faith. As we partake in communion, let us reflect on our commitment to truth and our willingness to stand for it in a world that often resists it.
Key Takeaways:
- Discerning the Right Voice: In a world filled with noise, discerning God's voice requires us to quiet ourselves and listen to the still, small voice that guides us in truth. This discernment is crucial in navigating the many voices that seek to lead us astray. [09:09]
- The Nature of Truth: Truth is consistent with God's character and is unchanging. It is a fundamental attribute of God and a cornerstone of our faith. Our response to God's revealed truth is of eternal importance, shaping our lives and our relationship with Him. [05:10]
- The Role of Parents: Parents play a vital role in exemplifying God's presence to their children. Consistent training and discipline, rooted in God's Word, are essential in raising children who are filled with the Holy Spirit and grounded in truth. [20:07]
- The Cost of Truth: Standing for God's truth often comes at a personal cost. Like Micaiah, we may face opposition and rejection, but our commitment to truth sets us apart and aligns us with God's will. [24:04]
- Courage in Truth: We are called to be spiritual whistleblowers, standing firm in God's truth even when it is unpopular. Speaking the truth in love, guided by the Holy Spirit, requires courage and a steadfast commitment to our faith. [31:05]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [05:10] - Defining Truth
- [09:09] - Discerning the Right Voice
- [13:52] - The Need for a True Prophet
- [20:07] - The Role of Parents
- [24:04] - The Cost of Truth
- [27:14] - Spring Cleaning in America
- [31:05] - Courage in Truth
- [33:57] - Invitation to Salvation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Discerning Truth in an Age of Deception
Bible Reading:
- 1 Kings 22:7-8
- John 18:37-38
- John 10:27
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Observation Questions:
1. In 1 Kings 22:7-8, why did King Jehoshaphat seek another prophet despite the unanimous message from the 400 prophets? What does this reveal about his discernment? [05:10]
2. How does Pilate's question to Jesus in John 18:37-38 reflect the world's skepticism about truth? What was Jesus' response to Pilate's inquiry? [05:10]
3. According to John 10:27, what characterizes the relationship between Jesus and His followers? How does this relate to discerning the right voice? [09:09]
4. What role did Micaiah play in the story of 1 Kings 22, and why was he disliked by King Ahab? [13:52]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Jehoshaphat's insistence on hearing from a true prophet suggest about the importance of seeking God's truth in our decisions? [05:10]
2. How does the concept of truth as described in the sermon align with the biblical definition of truth being consistent with God's character? [05:10]
3. In what ways does the story of Micaiah illustrate the cost of standing for truth, and how might this apply to modern believers? [24:04]
4. How can parents exemplify God's presence to their children, and why is this important for raising children grounded in truth? [20:07]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt surrounded by voices that seemed to lead you astray. How did you discern the right voice, and what steps can you take to ensure you are listening to God's voice in the future? [09:09]
2. Consider the nature of truth as unchanging and consistent with God's character. How does this understanding challenge or affirm your current beliefs and actions? [05:10]
3. As a parent or mentor, what specific actions can you take to consistently exemplify God's presence to those you are guiding? How can you ensure that your influence is rooted in truth? [20:07]
4. Have you ever faced opposition for standing up for God's truth? How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience about courage and conviction? [24:04]
5. Identify a situation in your life where you might need to be a "spiritual whistleblower." What steps can you take to speak the truth in love, even if it is unpopular? [31:05]
6. How can you create a habit of quieting yourself to hear God's voice amidst the noise of daily life? What practical changes can you make to prioritize this practice? [09:09]
7. Reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding you to discern truth. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit to enhance your ability to stand firm in God's truth? [20:07]
Devotional
Day 1: Listening to the Still, Small Voice
In a world filled with noise and distractions, discerning God's voice requires intentional quietness and attentiveness. The story of King Jehoshaphat and King Ahab in 1 Kings 22 illustrates the importance of listening to the right voice. Despite being surrounded by 400 prophets who declared victory, Jehoshaphat sensed something was amiss. His discernment was a testament to the importance of listening to the still, small voice of God amidst the noise. This discernment is crucial in navigating the many voices that seek to lead us astray. [09:09]
1 Kings 19:11-12 (ESV): "And he said, 'Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.' And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to quiet the noise to better hear God's voice today? How can you create space for His whisper in your daily routine?
Day 2: The Unchanging Nature of Truth
Truth, as defined by the Bible, is consistent with the mind, will, character, and glory of God. It is unchanging and dependable, serving as a cornerstone of our faith. In a world where truth is often subjective and relative, God's truth remains a firm foundation. Our response to God's revealed truth is of eternal importance, shaping our lives and our relationship with Him. Embracing this truth requires us to align our lives with God's character and will. [05:10]
Psalm 119:160 (ESV): "The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to accept God's truth? How can you begin to align your thoughts and actions with His unchanging Word today?
Day 3: Parents as Spiritual Role Models
Parents play a vital role in exemplifying God's presence to their children. Consistent training and discipline, rooted in God's Word, are essential in raising children who are filled with the Holy Spirit and grounded in truth. This responsibility calls for parents to be intentional in their faith journey, modeling a life that reflects God's love and truth. By doing so, they create a spiritual legacy that impacts future generations. [20:07]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: How can you intentionally demonstrate God's truth and love to your children or those you mentor today? What specific actions can you take to model a life of faith?
Day 4: The Cost of Standing for Truth
Standing for God's truth often comes at a personal cost. Like Micaiah, who faced opposition and rejection for speaking the truth, we may encounter resistance when we uphold God's standards. However, our commitment to truth sets us apart and aligns us with God's will. Embracing this cost requires courage and a willingness to prioritize God's truth over societal acceptance. [24:04]
2 Timothy 3:12 (ESV): "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."
Reflection: What is one area where you feel challenged to stand for God's truth? How can you prepare yourself to face potential opposition with courage and grace?
Day 5: Courage to Be a Spiritual Whistleblower
We are called to be spiritual whistleblowers, standing firm in God's truth even when it is unpopular. Speaking the truth in love, guided by the Holy Spirit, requires courage and a steadfast commitment to our faith. This calling challenges us to be bold in our witness, sharing God's truth with compassion and conviction. As we reflect on our commitment to truth, let us seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in our words and actions. [31:05]
Ephesians 4:15 (ESV): "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear God's truth spoken in love? How can you approach them with both courage and compassion today?
Quotes
So briefly last week we dove into 1 Kings 22. We talked about how King Ahab was the king of the northern ten tribes and King Jehoshaphat was the king of Jerusalem. And they were deliberating in a group where they go to war against Syria. That was, you know, attacking them. And Ahab, which we said was a wicked leader, he gathers 400 of his prophets. Think about that, 400 of them. And they all begin to prophesy, every single one of them, unanimously victory. Go out, Ahab. Take them on. God will give you victory. How many of you have 400 people that told you the same thing? You think, I think maybe I should do that. Right? [00:06:45] (42 seconds)
And the Bible says that something unsettles Jehoshaphat. He's like, I hear this chatter. I hear this noise. But something's not right. You know what that is? It is the still, small voice. And even in the Old Testament, they could discern. Those that knew the Lord, they could discern that voice, that something is off. He discerns that these voices may not be truly speaking for God. And so he asked in 1 Kings 22, 7, Is there not another prophet of the Lord here we may ask? [00:07:37] (31 seconds)
And so even though Jehoshaphat was surrounded by these 400 prophets, all of them affirming the same message, he senses that something is off and their words seem too convenient, too aligned with the king's desires, and rather than a real true word from God. And you know, how many of you know that there are things in life that you'll hear and you may even feel motivated to do, and God will give you a pause in your spirit. [00:08:08] (32 seconds)
He will reveal something to say, hold off, whether it's going out and purchasing a new boat, or a pontoon, or yes, or you know, a new vehicle, but you know, the one you have is already good, and he's like, I just want to get, you know, it's like some people, they get the new iPhone or whatever every year. Listen, I, God bless you, but when I get a phone, if it's new, I'll have that phone, till when there's three or four more new ones that come out, you know, and they look at me and they go, what, you still on the flip? [00:08:38] (30 seconds)
I just wear it out to a don't work anymore, and then I'm like, okay, it's not working anymore. Anyhow, but, but some people, they gotta have every, come on, amen, just look at, gotta have the, gotta have the most, you know, like, I got the new, look what, you know, anyhow, moving right along. Here's, here's my point. My point is this, that not every voice that speaks in God's name is from him. You know, John 10, 27, Jesus said, my sheep, listen to my voice. [00:09:09] (31 seconds)
So there is a voice of the shepherd in each of our souls. If we take time enough to quiet, somebody shall quiet, quiet ourselves to hear that voice. All right, very quickly, last week we talked about the dangers of false prophets discerning truth as they masquerade, and they spoke once again with the king, wanted to hear. And I said this, that if we only follow voices that confirm our biases, we become tracked in an echo chamber. [00:09:35] (32 seconds)
And that's, you know, it just constantly, that's all we hear. We don't hear anything else and develop ourself. And, you know, something I thought was interesting in Joshua 1 .8, God's key to Joshua after Moses passes, and he says this. He says this is to help him with his strength and power. And he says, he commands Joshua 1 .8, he said, watch this, this book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night. [00:10:14] (32 seconds)
I don't know, it spoke to me this past week about that. It isn't just day, but it's also night. What is he trying to say? It's that this importance of if you want to overcome, you want God's wisdom, you need to hear his voice, we have to have it throughout the day, our mind focused on him. Can I get an amen? And here's the thing, that book of the law, how do I say it this way, was actually, it's the book of life, but it was the book of death. [00:10:50] (28 seconds)
I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding. But pray for your pastors, amen. Thank you. I've said this last week, too, that truth is not determined by a majority rule. It is found in the unchanging Word of God. And so Jehoshaphat challenges us all today, his wisdom. And so are we seeking voices that kind of, as the Bible, you know, alludes to, that scratch our ears, you know, their itching ears? Or are we truly listening for the voice of the Lord? [00:12:47] (29 seconds)
All right. So the point, one point I want to get to today, I'm going to receive communion, is the second point. The need for a true prophet. 1 Kings 22. 1 Kings 22, actually in 7 and 8. The Bible says this, And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, so this is that same atmosphere now with all the prophets, there is still one man. He asked, is there not another voice? And so the king of Israel says to Jehoshaphat, well, there's still this one man, Micaiah, son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the Lord, but I hate him. I wonder why. [00:13:03] (35 seconds)
And because he does not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. You know, the Bible is just raw. It tells it like it is. You know, if you're writing something, you wouldn't write that about, you know, a prophet. And it just writes it in. And actually, you know, I looked at that word hate. It's the Hebrew word zanay. It actually means to detest, to be hostile, intense, dislike. It's the same word used when the Bible says in Genesis 37 about Joseph and his brothers that when his father favored Joseph, the other sons recognized that, and it says, and they hated him. Same word. [00:13:52] (39 seconds)
And so there's an interesting thing. I'm just going to do a little bunny trail here on the name of Micaiah and his father. The name Micaiah is a Hebrew compound name meaning who is like Yahweh or who is like the Lord. And it actually, it reflects a strong theophoric element, and I'll define that in a moment, declaring God's uniqueness and supremacy. And it's actually a rhetorical question. So when they mention his name Micaiah, people showed up in the Hebrew, it meant who is like God? No one's like God. Only God is God. So that's kind of the feeling with his name. How many see that? Real simple. [00:14:31] (43 seconds)
An interesting point is that he is the son of Imla, the Bible says. And the name Imla, actually, in the Hebrew, means to be full or be filled. Watch this. God fills, the whom God has filled. So, he is the son, and his name is like unto the Lord. But there's something about this filling, his debt. They don't, you know, the stuff that's mentioned in the Bible is not there by accident. All right? It's there by purpose. And it actually means to be filled or it can indicate that God fills or whom God has filled. What does that say to me? It tells me that his father, watch this, and his mother exhibited the presence of God. They walked in an example that caused him also to be filled with the Spirit. [00:15:54] (50 seconds)
Something about mom and dads. Listen. Mom and dads, I want to encourage you. The kids that are running around, they're screaming in diapers. They keep you up at night. Then they're old enough, kind of barely, to brush their teeth. Come on. Go to the bathroom themselves. You think you've got a victory. You know, you're still parenting. I think, you know, my son, he's 30, 31, and he has two kids of his own. And there's still a component that you're there as a father, as a parent in their life. It changes, obviously, as they grow older. But I just want to encourage you to be faithful, exemplifying and manifesting God's presence, his word in the life of your kids. Be consistent. Okay? I mean that in a life -giving way. I don't mean it hostile. I mean, I just want to encourage you to be consistent in that. It's like it's not getting anywhere. They're not even listening. They're not paying attention. Yes, they are. [00:16:54] (58 seconds)
They're just ranting and raving, trying to cause a mess for you. They're trying to get under your feathers, you know, and gruffle you. See, like, oh, how can I push mom's button today? Kids do that. Okay? But you love them dearly. And I know they, you know, they love us too. But, you know, we're really all, we are called to instill God's word into our kids. That's through consistent training and discipline. All of that matters. It matters. And really, I'm going to say this, as a father that's raised three kids, and they grew up and they left me. They're all gone. In another state, but they're doing the will of the Lord. That, that, that it matters. It matters. You have such a short window. Very short window. At the time, you're just like, I'm carrying the bassinet, or I'm carrying this. Where's the diaper bag? Whatever you think your life is going on. It'll end. [00:17:54] (57 seconds)
Parents know that the kids have grown up and got married. So, we've got to do what we can do in this short window to deposit that they be filled with God's presence, or at least grow up in an atmosphere where they see it modeled. Okay? Is that, is that, I think I kind of hammered that enough. To be filled. And so, just like for, you know, today, for us as believers, you know, Micaiah, he stood alone. He stood alone against Ahab's false prophets. And, and just like for us today as believers, for moms and dads and, and, and grandparents, we are all called to stand firm in God's truth. And, and even when society rejects it, there are, I can remember numerous times that the kids, where they hear one message at home and a different message at school in society. And we would say, no, here's what we believe and sit down and share the word with them. And, and this is why, and this is why we adhere to it. You know, you can't just say to your kids, the Bible says so. You got, amen? You just can't, well, the Bible says so. Forget about that. You have to say, here's why, the Bible. You have to give them the moral reason why. [00:18:54] (78 seconds)
And right now you have the world at your fingertips with your phone. And you can, especially with AI today, you can, you can tap into some AI thing and find verses and everything. Within seconds, you can have a dissertation. It's scary what's happening. You know, you know, it really is scary what's happening, how fast society is changing. Anyhow, quickly, so to get to my point here. So he stood alone, but his father's name, Abel, means filled with God's spirit. So basically putting them together, Micaiah, who is like the Lord, is one who's filled with the Holy Spirit and God's word. And that's the challenge for us all today. The Bible says for us to continue to be filled in Ephesians 5 .18. Do not get drunk with alcohol. Somebody say amen. Amen. [00:20:07] (49 seconds)
Which will only ruin you. Just putting that out there. I didn't say it. I didn't write it. Don't get mad at me. But it will ruin you. Instead, be filled with the spirit. And actually, it's the context of refilling. Not just, not just one time. I don't know about you, but I leak. Maybe you don't. Maybe this carries you for the next six months. I leak, and I need to constantly be refilled. Amen. If you can receive that, praise God. And so actually, actually, to be filled with the spirit. Actually, other translations, let the Holy Spirit fill your life. Constantly be guided by him. Yielding. Guided, controlled, empowered, and shaped. Let him lead your life. [00:21:06] (44 seconds)
Day in and day out. And we want that. Amen. All right. Quickly, let's continue here to wind down. Ahab hated Micaiah because he told the truth. Now, just think about that. He told the truth. And today, society hates voices that challenge their comfort, their corruption, all right, their sin, and speak against cultural idols. How many know what a whistleblower is? We're seeing a lot of that in our country today. There is a cry that is going on throughout the land today. It is the cry of exposure of corruption and deceit. I believe it. And I believe that God is actually doing something in our nation. He's cleaning house. [00:21:49] (46 seconds)
Now, many of you know, and this, I'm not trying to be political here, just as a statement, as an observation. I just want to share. Elon Musk, he was born 28 of June, 1971. He's 54 years old, businessman, known for his key roles in Tesla, SpaceX, and his ownership of Twitter. Now, he's relabeled it X, as well as in United States government, senior advisor to President Donald Trump. And he heads up the Department of Government Efficiency, DOGE. And so far, you could go under that. You can actually go in that webpage there, and it'll tell you exactly how much they have saved the American people. Right now, I think it's at 65. [00:22:55] (44 seconds)
And Musk is believed to be the wealthiest individual in the world. As of February 2025, just a few weeks ago, Forbes estimated his net worth to be $359 .4 billion. That's kind of hard for a lot of us. I mean, it's hard to, it's harder fathom that amount of money, because you can't really even spend that much, even if you had it every day of your life. But I don't know about these Saudi Arabia oil tycoons. Some of them say they're worth a trillion dollars plus. I don't know if this is that. But in the corporate world, my point is whistleblowers expose corruption, but they suffer for it. Now watch this. That's a fact. They suffer it. They lose their jobs. Many of them face lawsuits. They're labeled as troublemakers. [00:23:14] (50 seconds)
And I just want to say this from observation. Elon Musk, appointed by President Trump to eliminate all this waste, which I believe is long overdue, has thrust him into the forefront of the offender's rage. You've been, who's actually, there's so much fraud and stealing going on from the American people. Now whether you, whatever your opinion is of Elon Musk, the point is, is, is this is my point. Make no mistake about it, but what he's doing, he's suffering for it. So how do you know? Well, December 18th, he was worth 486 billion. Today, he's worth 343 billion. That's 143 billion dollars that his portfolio went down till today. [00:23:50] (45 seconds)
And he's been on Joe Rogan, and I'm not advocating that. It's pretty crass, but talking about it, talking about what they've been exposing. And, and, you know, when I think about it, he's suffering for going in there and trying to save for the American people. That's, that's my only point. And my point, my point for us today is that so too for us, when we stand up for God's truth, there's a cost to it. Make no mistake about that. You in your faith. Remember that old song in Sunday school about if we hide our faith, we hide our faith, hide it under a bushel. No, I'm going to let it shine. Remember that one? I'm going to let, you know, so we, when you let, begin to let the gospel, the light, your faith shine, you get attacked. There's an assault. [00:24:04] (53 seconds)
Don't let that stop you. Don't be afraid of the enemy. He is a defeated foe. Don't be, I feel that's for some people. Don't let him compress you into this fear. Just keep quiet. He'll leave me alone. Be bold. Not arrogant. Not unloving. Okay? Walk in love, but be bold. Amen? You know, there's this parable, the mean is, and I think this is what's happening in America. I don't want to call it a prophetic word, but it's just, there's this parable about the 10 mean is, and it speaks of a nobleman who entrusts wealth to his servants, rewarding those who invest wisely and punishing the one who squandered their opportunity. And, but this parable, watch this, it demonstrates that there will be an accounting. [00:25:07] (55 seconds)
God is a good accountant. He keeps good records. We see that in the rebuilding of the wall of Nehemiah. So -and -so's family helped, but this family, list their names, did nothing. That got awfully quiet here in the house of God. God keeps good records. All right? And so this parable, it speaks about, Amina actually is a unit of money. It was a Near Eastern unit of weight for silver or gold equivalent to approximately a pound, a pound and a quarter, which was about, they say, 60 shekels of silver. And one minor was about three months wages. And so, the reason I'm bringing that up is I, as I read this, I said, you know, I really feel this is what's happening today. There's a shift happening in America. [00:25:57] (46 seconds)
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