Finding Truth: Embracing God's Revelation in Life

 

Summary

In our journey through life, we often encounter questions about our future, our purpose, and the meaning of life itself. These questions, while common, lead us to the ultimate inquiry: "What is truth?" In today's world, where moral relativism prevails, many believe that truth is subjective and ever-changing. However, this perspective leaves us in a state of uncertainty, unable to hold firm convictions or beliefs. We see this in our daily lives, where objective standards are necessary for order and justice, such as locking our doors at night or expecting fair treatment from banks and schools.

The Bible provides a foundation for understanding truth, beginning with the acknowledgment of God's existence. From the beginning, humanity has rebelled against God's wisdom, choosing instead to cover our true condition with questions and doubts. This rebellion, described as sin, has corrupted our minds and hearts, leading us away from the truth. Yet, God, in His mercy, offers a remedy through Jesus Christ, who lived a life of obedience and died as a substitute for our sins. His resurrection and ascension affirm His authority and promise of salvation for those who believe.

Truth is not a matter of personal opinion or societal consensus. It is a divine revelation that calls us to respond with submission and faith. Jesus declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life," inviting us to find our purpose and destiny in Him. As Christians, we are encouraged to engage in meaningful conversations with others, asking questions that challenge and inspire deeper reflection. We should approach these discussions with grace and compassion, representing God's character and sharing the hope found in His Word.

For those who are uncertain or skeptical, I urge you to turn down the distractions of life and seek answers to the big questions. Open the Bible, seek guidance from a Christian friend, and consider the truth of Jesus' words. May you find the courage to embrace His invitation and experience the transformative power of His love and forgiveness.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Search for Truth: In a world dominated by moral relativism, the quest for truth becomes essential. Truth is not subjective but is grounded in the existence and revelation of God. Our beliefs and actions should be anchored in this divine truth, providing a solid foundation for life. [02:06]

2. The Reality of Sin: Humanity's rebellion against God has led to a corrupted state of mind and heart, described as sin. This condition affects our ability to perceive and accept truth, but God offers redemption through Jesus Christ, who lived and died as our substitute. [08:29]

3. God's Authority and Love: Just as we respect rules in our homes, we must recognize God's authority over His creation. His rules are not oppressive but are designed for our good. Our rebellion distorts this order, but God's love and mercy provide a path to restoration. [09:38]

4. Engaging in Meaningful Conversations: Christians are encouraged to engage others in discussions about truth and purpose. These conversations should be conducted with grace and compassion, aiming to inspire reflection and understanding rather than shame or embarrassment. [16:53]

5. Responding to God's Invitation: For those seeking answers, it's crucial to turn away from distractions and seek truth in God's Word. Jesus' invitation to find life and purpose in Him is open to all, offering forgiveness and a new path for those who believe. [19:05]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:21] - Common and Ultimate Questions
- [00:56] - The Foundation of Truth
- [02:06] - The Challenge of Moral Relativism
- [03:20] - The Reality of Objective Standards
- [04:36] - The Problem with Moral Relativism
- [05:09] - The Need for Objective Truth
- [06:25] - Biblical Answers to Life's Questions
- [07:08] - Humanity's Rebellion and Sin
- [08:29] - God's Authority and Our Rebellion
- [09:38] - The Evidence of God's Existence
- [10:22] - The Futility of Denying God
- [11:06] - God's Remedy for Our Condition
- [12:29] - The Invitation to Truth
- [13:02] - Jesus as the Way, Truth, and Life
- [15:09] - Encouragement for Christians
- [16:53] - Engaging in Meaningful Conversations
- [18:30] - Seeking Truth Amidst Distractions
- [19:46] - Conclusion and Invitation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 14:6 - "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
2. Romans 1:21-22 - "For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools."
3. Psalm 19:1 - "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork."

---

Observation Questions:

1. According to the sermon, how does moral relativism challenge our ability to hold firm convictions? [02:06]

2. What examples from daily life were given in the sermon to illustrate the need for objective standards? [04:36]

3. How does the sermon describe humanity's rebellion against God and its consequences? [08:29]

4. What role does Jesus play in God's remedy for our condition, as described in the sermon? [13:02]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the statement "I am the way, the truth, and the life" in John 14:6 shape a Christian's understanding of truth and purpose? [14:24]

2. In Romans 1:21-22, what does it mean for people to become "futile in their thinking" and how does this relate to the sermon’s discussion on moral relativism? [11:06]

3. How does Psalm 19:1 support the sermon’s claim about the evidence of God's existence in creation? [10:22]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of engaging in meaningful conversations about truth and purpose? [16:53]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you struggled with the concept of truth. How did you resolve this struggle, and what role did your faith play in it? [02:06]

2. Consider the objective standards in your life, such as rules or expectations. How do these standards help you maintain order and justice in your daily interactions? [04:36]

3. In what ways have you experienced or witnessed the consequences of humanity's rebellion against God? How can you seek redemption through Jesus in these areas? [08:29]

4. How can you incorporate the truth of Jesus being "the way, the truth, and the life" into your daily decision-making and interactions with others? [14:24]

5. Think of a friend or family member who is uncertain or skeptical about faith. How can you engage them in a meaningful conversation about truth and purpose with grace and compassion? [16:53]

6. Identify a distraction in your life that prevents you from seeking truth in God's Word. What steps can you take this week to minimize this distraction and focus on your spiritual growth? [19:05]

7. How can you respond to God's invitation to find life and purpose in Him, especially in areas where you feel uncertain or skeptical? [19:46]

Devotional

Day 1: Truth as Divine Revelation
In a world where moral relativism is prevalent, the search for truth becomes a vital pursuit. Truth is not subjective or based on personal opinion; it is grounded in the existence and revelation of God. This divine truth provides a solid foundation for life, guiding our beliefs and actions. Without this anchor, we are left in a state of uncertainty, unable to hold firm convictions. The Bible offers a clear understanding of truth, beginning with the acknowledgment of God's existence and His authority over creation. As we seek truth, we are called to respond with submission and faith, recognizing that Jesus declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." [02:06]

"Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:17, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on subjective truths rather than seeking God's divine revelation? How can you begin to align your beliefs and actions with the truth found in God's Word today?


Day 2: The Impact of Sin on Perception
Humanity's rebellion against God has led to a corrupted state of mind and heart, described as sin. This condition affects our ability to perceive and accept truth, as our minds and hearts are clouded by doubts and questions. Despite this, God offers redemption through Jesus Christ, who lived a life of obedience and died as our substitute. His resurrection affirms His authority and the promise of salvation for those who believe. By acknowledging our sinful condition and accepting God's remedy, we can begin to see the truth more clearly and live in alignment with His will. [08:29]

"For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened." (Romans 1:21, ESV)

Reflection: How has sin affected your ability to perceive and accept truth in your life? What steps can you take to seek God's redemption and clarity in your understanding of truth?


Day 3: Recognizing God's Authority
Just as we respect rules in our homes, we must recognize God's authority over His creation. His rules are not oppressive but are designed for our good. Our rebellion distorts this order, leading to chaos and confusion. However, God's love and mercy provide a path to restoration, inviting us to submit to His authority and experience the peace and order He intends for us. By acknowledging God's authority, we can find purpose and direction in our lives, trusting that His ways are higher than our own. [09:38]

"For the Lord is our judge; the Lord is our lawgiver; the Lord is our king; he will save us." (Isaiah 33:22, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you resisted God's authority in your life? How can you begin to submit to His loving rule and experience the peace and order He offers?


Day 4: Engaging in Conversations with Grace
Christians are encouraged to engage others in discussions about truth and purpose. These conversations should be conducted with grace and compassion, aiming to inspire reflection and understanding rather than shame or embarrassment. By representing God's character and sharing the hope found in His Word, we can encourage others to seek truth and find their purpose in Him. Meaningful conversations can be a powerful tool for transformation, as we listen and respond with love and empathy. [16:53]

"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." (Colossians 4:6, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life could benefit from a conversation about truth and purpose? How can you approach this conversation with grace and compassion, reflecting God's love and character?


Day 5: Responding to God's Invitation
For those seeking answers, it's crucial to turn away from distractions and seek truth in God's Word. Jesus' invitation to find life and purpose in Him is open to all, offering forgiveness and a new path for those who believe. By embracing His invitation, we can experience the transformative power of His love and forgiveness, finding our true identity and purpose in Him. This requires courage and a willingness to let go of the distractions that keep us from fully engaging with God's truth. [19:05]

"Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near." (Isaiah 55:6, ESV)

Reflection: What distractions are keeping you from fully engaging with God's truth? How can you intentionally seek His presence and respond to His invitation today?

Quotes

"What is truth?" What is truth? You see, the answer to this question lays a foundation by which other questions are answered themselves and which their answer is built on a solid foundation or not. And how you answer that question says a lot about what you believe and how you will live and how you will think and what that will look like for you. [00:01:42]

The best way I think I could describe today is it seems as if it is a time of moral relativism. Moral relativism, a time where people are really deciding individually, independent from each other, what they believe is right and wrong. And perhaps, it is not defined just simply based on the individual, but perhaps on a group of people who are deciding. [00:03:06]

See, we're not okay with moral relativist bankers who believe that they have a different number in their mind of what is in our bank account than we have. No, we want objective standards. We want people to respect property and person, possessions, and the idea of how we interact together. [00:05:04]

It is the truth of what we see from God Himself in His Word and illustrated in this world, that there is indeed truth. You see, questions like, "Where did we come from? What is the meaning of life? How shall we live while we are here? What is our destiny? What comes next?" These are questions about origin, meaning, morality, and destiny, all questions that relate back to truth. [00:06:25]

But the Bible doesn't leave us to our own confusing ways. It recognizes this problem, this personal spiritual malware that we all have that is corrupting the hard drives of our life, where our mind and will and emotions and desires are contaminated, corrupted, a virus that has plagued all of us. God describes this condition as sin, these acts of disobedience against Him as rebellion. [00:08:12]

But here is the truth: The truth is when we live here in this world we live in God's house. He created it. He owns it. He has authority over all those in it and He establishes the rules, rules that are not oppressive, rules that are loving and wise, good and right, beautiful and perfect. [00:09:19]

Yet thankfully, God has not left us in this way. He has not left us to our imaginations or unto our own vices, but He knowing our condition even greater than we are willing to admit ourselves, provides a remedy. John chapter 18 verse 38, Jesus Himself is standing before Pilate, a government official at that time in first century Judaism in Jewish land there, in Palestine. [00:11:40]

He creates and He communicates because here is the truth. The truth is that there is God. He created you and me in His image, but then we have rebelled against Him, but He being unbelievably merciful and gracious, kind and patient, that His kindness would lead us to repentance, provided His Son, Jesus Christ the Savior, who would come and be a substitute for us. [00:12:56]

This is truth and this is the lens by which all the world is known and seen and should respond to. Though it is not popular, though it is not believed by all, it is true. Because you see, friends, truth is not a group experiment. It is not a democratic process where we cast a ballot, but it is instead something that we read and respond to, we submit to for being good and wise and right. [00:14:24]

Now I think about, for those of you who are Christians, who think about these conversations, perhaps understandably at the young age of the teenage year that you are at, you maybe feel uncomfortable and maybe incompetent in these kind of discussions, wanting instead to maybe recommend a book to a friend or wanting instead to maybe bring that friend to a pastor to talk to, both of which you can do. [00:15:18]

See, friends, these are the kind of meaningful questions that teenagers can be and should be asking each other. And there are good answers that God provides for His people in His Word. But as you do this, do this with graciousness and kindness. Do this with compassion and love, Represent the character of God as you speak with conviction from the Word of God. [00:17:08]

Let me ask you to do that. Turn down the distractions of life around you. Stop scrolling endlessly on your Instagram feed. Stop checking in on all the friendships on all the social media platforms, and just take a minute and ask some real questions. And maybe open a Bible like you never have before and maybe grab a good Christian friend and say, "Man, help me think through this together. What is truth?" [00:18:53]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Oct 29, 2020. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?