Embracing the Living Truth in Christ

Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the profound concept that truth is not merely an abstract idea or a set of principles but a living entity embodied in Jesus Christ. Drawing from John 18:29-38, we examined the interaction between Jesus and Pilate, where Pilate's question, "What is truth?" still resonates in our contemporary world. Pilate, caught between political expediency and personal curiosity, failed to recognize that truth was standing right before him in the person of Jesus Christ. This failure to see truth is a common issue even today, as many of us miss the truth that God is trying to reveal in our lives.

We live in a world filled with competing voices, twisted narratives, and shifting ideologies. Truth is constantly challenged in various spheres such as politics, culture, and personal fears. In politics, truth is often distorted for power and control, while in culture, truth is replaced by subjective desires and instant gratification. Fear and lack of faith also challenge our ability to stand firm in God's truth. However, despite these challenges, truth triumphs because it is rooted in the unchanging character of God. God's truth is eternal, unshakable, and victorious.

Truth is not just a static set of rules but a living reality that governs every part of creation. It is established in the heavens and at work here on earth, influencing our world even when it is challenged. As believers, we are called to live in this truth, allowing it to transform our lives and guide our actions. When we submit to the reign of Christ and His truth, we experience freedom and clarity, knowing that God's truth will ultimately prevail.

### Key Takeaways

1. Truth is Alive and Embodied in Christ: Truth is not an abstract concept but a living reality embodied in Jesus Christ. Pilate's failure to recognize this truth mirrors our own struggles to see God's truth in our lives. Jesus declared that He came to testify to the truth, and all who love the truth recognize His words as true. This truth is alive and active in each believer, guiding and transforming us. [08:20]

2. Truth is Constantly Challenged: In politics, culture, and personal fears, truth is under constant attack. Political agendas often distort truth for power, while cultural shifts replace absolute truth with subjective desires. Fear and lack of faith can also cause us to deny or hide God's truth. Despite these challenges, we must stand firm in the unchanging truth of God's Word. [10:29]

3. Truth Triumphs Over Deception: Despite the world's efforts to distort and suppress it, God's truth always rises to the surface. Archaeological findings and historical evidence continually confirm the authenticity of the Bible. God's truth is irrefutable and eternal, standing firm against all lies and deceptions. We can trust that His Word is final and victorious. [26:43]

4. Truth Reigns and Brings Clarity: God's truth is not just a passive reality but an active force that reigns over all creation. When we submit to the reign of Christ and His truth, we experience freedom and clarity in our lives. This truth governs every part of creation, from the largest galaxy to the smallest moment in our lives, providing us with a firm foundation. [29:02]

5. Truth Lives Within Us: When we surrender our lives to Christ, His truth becomes a part of us, influencing our thoughts, actions, and decisions. The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth, transforming us from within. We are called to allow this truth to soften our hearts and minds, displaying the grace and mercy we have received from God to others. [34:20]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - Introduction to John 18:29-38
[01:43] - Jesus Before Pilate
[02:27] - Pilate's Question: What is Truth?
[03:06] - Prayer and Worship
[03:54] - Depiction of Christ Before Pilate
[04:57] - The Mob and Pilate's Dilemma
[06:36] - The Question of Truth in Today's World
[07:24] - Pilate's Missed Opportunity
[08:20] - Truth is Alive in Christ
[09:37] - Truth in a World of Deception
[10:29] - Truth is Challenged
[11:37] - Political Distortion of Truth
[13:08] - Cultural Shifts and Truth
[16:07] - Instant Gratification vs. Absolute Truth
[19:12] - Modern Tolerance and Truth
[20:54] - Fear and Truth
[24:21] - Lack of Faith and Truth
[26:43] - Truth Triumphs
[29:02] - Truth Reigns
[30:10] - Truth Lives Within Us
[34:20] - Transformation Through Truth
[34:58] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
- John 18:29-38

### Observation Questions
1. What was Pilate's initial question to the religious leaders about Jesus, and how did they respond? ([01:00])
2. How did Jesus describe His kingdom when Pilate questioned Him? ([01:43])
3. What was Pilate's reaction to Jesus' statement about truth, and what does this reveal about Pilate's understanding? ([02:27])
4. How does the painting "Christ Before Pilate" visually depict the contrast between Jesus and Pilate? ([03:54])

### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Pilate struggled to understand or accept the truth that Jesus presented? ([07:24])
2. How does the sermon describe the ways in which truth is challenged in today's world, particularly in politics and culture? ([10:29])
3. What does it mean that truth is not just a static set of rules but a living reality embodied in Christ? ([08:20])
4. How does the concept of truth reigning and bringing clarity apply to our daily lives as believers? ([29:02])

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you, like Pilate, were faced with the truth but struggled to accept it. What was the outcome, and what did you learn from that experience? ([07:24])
2. In what ways have you seen truth being distorted in politics or culture? How can you stand firm in God's truth amidst these challenges? ([10:29])
3. How can you actively allow the truth of Christ to transform your thoughts, actions, and decisions in your daily life? ([34:20])
4. Think of a situation where fear has caused you to hide or deny the truth. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to give you courage in similar situations in the future? ([21:19])
5. How can you ensure that your faith remains strong and unwavering, especially during challenging times when doubt creeps in? ([24:21])
6. What practical steps can you take to live in the freedom and clarity that comes from submitting to the reign of Christ and His truth? ([29:02])
7. Identify one area in your life where you need to allow God's truth to bring transformation. What specific actions will you take this week to align with His truth? ([34:20])

Devotional

Day 1: Truth is a Living Reality in Christ
Truth is not an abstract concept but a living reality embodied in Jesus Christ. Pilate's failure to recognize this truth mirrors our own struggles to see God's truth in our lives. Jesus declared that He came to testify to the truth, and all who love the truth recognize His words as true. This truth is alive and active in each believer, guiding and transforming us. [08:20]

John 14:6 (ESV): "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"

Reflection: Think about a recent situation where you struggled to see the truth. How can you invite Jesus into that situation to reveal His living truth to you today?

Day 2: The Constant Challenge to Truth
In politics, culture, and personal fears, truth is under constant attack. Political agendas often distort truth for power, while cultural shifts replace absolute truth with subjective desires. Fear and lack of faith can also cause us to deny or hide God's truth. Despite these challenges, we must stand firm in the unchanging truth of God's Word. [10:29]

2 Timothy 4:3-4 (ESV): "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you feel the truth is being challenged. How can you stand firm in God's unchanging truth in that area today?

Day 3: The Triumph of Truth Over Deception
Despite the world's efforts to distort and suppress it, God's truth always rises to the surface. Archaeological findings and historical evidence continually confirm the authenticity of the Bible. God's truth is irrefutable and eternal, standing firm against all lies and deceptions. We can trust that His Word is final and victorious. [26:43]

Psalm 119:160 (ESV): "The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you witnessed the triumph of truth over deception. How did that experience strengthen your faith in God's eternal truth?

Day 4: The Reigning and Clarifying Power of Truth
God's truth is not just a passive reality but an active force that reigns over all creation. When we submit to the reign of Christ and His truth, we experience freedom and clarity in our lives. This truth governs every part of creation, from the largest galaxy to the smallest moment in our lives, providing us with a firm foundation. [29:02]

Colossians 1:17 (ESV): "And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you need clarity. How can submitting to Christ's reign and truth bring freedom and clarity to that area today?

Day 5: Truth Living Within Us
When we surrender our lives to Christ, His truth becomes a part of us, influencing our thoughts, actions, and decisions. The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth, transforming us from within. We are called to allow this truth to soften our hearts and minds, displaying the grace and mercy we have received from God to others. [34:20]

John 16:13 (ESV): "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come."

Reflection: Think of a specific area in your life where you need the Holy Spirit's guidance. How can you open your heart to allow His truth to transform you in that area today?

Quotes

1. "Truth is kind of a shifting thing. Truth could mean whatever truth means to you. Truth could mean whatever it means to you. It doesn't necessarily all have to be an absolute. And in that moment, Pilate missed the most crucial, critical thing. The truth wasn't hidden. It was standing right in front of him. Jesus had just declared to him that he was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. And all who love the truth recognize that what I say is true. And so Pilate was face to face with the embodiment of truth standing right before him." [08:20] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "So today we live in a world just like Pilate's world where people are asking, what is truth? But fail to recognize that truth is not merely a concept or a philosophy, but truth is a person and it's embodied in Christ. So he is the answer. Jesus is the answer to Pilate's question. And the answer to your confusion, this world's confusion. And the answer to everyone that's seeking for clarity in all of this chaos. There's a fog of deception that many people walk around with trying to understand, trying to figure out what is life, what is the purpose of life, what is the meaning of life, and what is ultimately absolute truth." [09:37] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Now this is my truth to you this morning, that truth is alive. I'll say that again. My truth to you this morning is that truth is alive and well. And even when it's challenged, it triumphs. And truth lives within each and every one of the believers. So truth often feels fragile. It's a concept that's like constantly being challenged or being questioned. Yet as believers, how many believers in the house? A handful. There we go. Okay. So I'm in the right place. As believers, we know that the truth is not only a concept. But alive. It's active in our lives. One that's eternal and anchored and unchanging. Christ said, I am the way, I am the truth, and I am the life." [10:29] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "And so number one is in politics. Now I'm not going to make a political statement. But in politics, it often distorts the truth for the sake of power, influence, and control. And so whether through misinformation or manipulation, the truth is often sacrificed in political arenas. So this will be my one statement to you. If you're believing the media and what they're saying. You're being deceived. If you don't believe that there is real propaganda that is aimed to push an agenda, a worldly agenda. Then you're deceived. I would just ask you to listen. To watch, read. Do your own research. And ultimately, a politician is not going to make your life better, okay? Only God could do that." [11:37] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The contemporary version of tolerance claims. That one should not even judge. That other people's viewpoints are wrong. And so the very act. Listen to this. The very act of disagreeing. Morally with someone. Equals intolerance. And so I could have a conviction. I could believe in the things that I believe. And if I don't agree with you. This culture will tell you that you're intolerant. And that you're a pig. And will dismiss you totally. See this subtle shift. And this ever changing narrative. Can pull us away from God's steady truth. Romans 12.2. Paul said it. He said. Do not confirm to the pattern of this world. But be transformed by the renewing of your mind. And so as believers. We shouldn't allow culture to define. Truth for us. God's truth. Is unchanging. And must be foundational. To our beliefs. And how we go about. Our daily lives." [20:24] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Fear arises. When we imagine. Everything depends. On us. I want to tell you something. Here this morning. That the truth. Is trying to be. Activated in your life. At all times. And there's times. That we allow fear. To come into our lives. Because we're not sure. How it's all going to play out. And as humans. Men and women. We like to have control. We like to make sure that. That we've. We've figured everything out. That we've. Every contingency. Has been accounted for. But understand that. It doesn't rely. On you. It depends. On the power. Of the Holy Spirit. And as we're. As people of God. Would begin to walk. In boldness. And in truth. You would see. That there would be. Effectiveness. That will come out of our lives. And make a change. In this world." [23:01] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Truth. Triumphs. Truth. Wins. Despite. The. Challenges. Truth. Is. Victorious. Because. It's. Rooted. In. The. Character. Of. God. Himself. That. Should. Be. Reassuring. To. All. Of. Us. Understanding. That. God. Is. Not. Like. A. Man. That. He. Shifts. Like. Shadows. One. Way. Or. The. Next. God. Is. Not. A. Liar. He. Doesn't. Say. Something. And. Doesn't. Come. Through. God. Is. Faithful. How. Many. Of. You. Could. Testify. That. God. Is. Faithful. To. You. God. Has. Said. Something. God. Has. Come. Through. Even. When. Didn't. See. It. Even. When. You. Thought. Like. There's. No. Way. This. Is. Going. To. Work. Out. God. Has. Come. Through. Time. And. Time. And. Time. Again. And. So. Truth. Ultimately. Triumphs. Truth. Is. Irrefutable. God's. Truth. Cannot. Be. Denied. Or. Overruled. Even. When. The. World. Tries. To. Distort. It. Truth. Has. A. Way. Of. Rising. To. The. Surface. Regardless. Of. Efforts. To. Suppress. It." [26:43] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Truth. Reigns. Truth. Is. Not. Merely. Just. A. Passive. Reality. A. Concept. Or. An. Idea. It. Reigns. It. Wins. Jesus. Christ. Is. The. Embodiment. Of. Truth. And. It. Reigns. Over. All. Creation. His. Truth. Is. The. Authority. By. Which. Everything. Else. Is. Measured. The. Psalmist. Wrote. This. In. 97. One. He. Says. The. Lord. Reigns. Let. The. Earth. Be. Glad. The. Lord. Reigns. Let. The. Earth. Be. Glad. This. Is. My. Word. To. You. That. The. Lord's. Word. Is. Victorious. In. Your. Life. And. So. Believer. Those. Of. You. That. Are. Holding. On. To. The. Of. God. Holding. On. To. Promise. Of. God. My. Word. To. You. Is. To. Be. Glad. In. That. That. God. Is. Going. To. It. Out. God. Is. Going. To. Do. What. He. Said. He's. Going. To. Do. The. Lord. Reigns. Over. All. The. Earth. And. Let. The. Earth. Be. Glad. In. It." [29:02] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "So. When. We. Submit. Our. Lives. To. The. Reign. Of. Christ. And. Christ. Truth. We. Live. In. Freedom. And. Clarity. See. There's. Times. Where. God's. Called. Us. To. Live. According. To. His. Way. And. It. Brings. Clarity. To. Our. Lives. And. It. Brings. Determination. In. Our. Lives. So. God's. Truth. Governs. Every. Part. Of. Creation. From. The. Largest. Galaxy. To. The. Smallest. Moment. In. Our. Lives. God. Holds. Us. In. His. Hands." [29:51] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Truth. Lives. How. Many. Of. You. Would. Agree. With. That. Truth. Lives. And. So. Truth. Is. Not. Just. This. Static. Set. Of. Rules. Or. A. Distant. Idea. But. It's. And. It's. And. It's. Living. And. It's. Alive. In. These. Three. Different. Areas. Number. One. Is. Up. Above. And. So. The. Word. Of. God. Truth. Lives. And. Truth. Established. In. The. Heavens. And. So. God's. Truth. Is. Not. Subject. To. Earthly. Fluctuations. It's. Eternal. And. Grounded. In. His. Heavenly. Throne. The. Psalmist. Wrote. It. This. Way. He. Said. That. Your. Word. Lord. Is. Eternal. It. Stands. Firm. In. The. Heavens. And. So. We. Could. Find. Comfort. Knowing. That. What. Has. Been. Established. From. Before. The. Began. What's. Been. Established. In. Truth. Stands. Firm. Not. On. Earth. Although. It. Does. Only. But. In. Heaven. Where. All. Things. Are. Made. Subject. And. So. We. Can. Find. Comfort. Knowing. That. God's. Truth. Is. Constant. And. Unchanging." [30:54] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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