Proclaiming the Unchanging Truth of Christ

 

Summary

In today's exploration of truth, we delve into the profound statement made by Jesus, "I am the light of the world," which is not merely an expression but a foundational truth claim. This assertion is deeply rooted in the Christian faith, which stands or falls on the truthfulness of specific propositional statements. Christianity is not a mere emotion or mood; it is grounded in the belief in the one true and living God and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent. The power of truth is not just a philosophical concept but a reality that shapes our understanding of the world and our place in it.

We live in an age of confusion about truth, where the very nature of truth is questioned. This confusion is not new; it has roots in historical philosophical debates, such as those posed by Plato and later by Enlightenment thinkers like Immanuel Kant. The Enlightenment brought about a shift in thinking, emphasizing subjective understanding over objective reality, which has led to a fragmented view of truth. This fragmentation is evident in the postmodern claim that all truth is socially constructed, leading to a society where truth is seen as relative and subjective.

However, as Christians, we affirm that truth is singular, objective, and prior to our knowledge. It is unchanged and unchanging, grounded in the very nature of God, who is the source of all truth. The Bible reveals this truth, and it is through knowing Christ that we come to know the ultimate truth. In a world that often denies objective truth, we must stand firm in our belief that truth exists because God exists. Our task is to proclaim this truth boldly, understanding that people are hungry for it and that it is the truth that sets us free.

Key Takeaways:

- Truth and God: Truth exists because God exists. It is not an independent entity but is grounded in the nature of God, who is the source of all truth. Without God, there is no truth, as Nietzsche recognized when he declared God is dead, implying that truth would also be dead. [37:30]

- Theological Foundation of Truth: Truth is primarily a theological category. Without a theological worldview, there is no stable understanding of truth. It is through the lens of theology that we can comprehend the singular, objective nature of truth. [37:48]

- Objective and Singular Truth: Truth is singular, objective, and exists prior to our knowledge. It is not created by us but is something we come to know. This understanding is crucial in an age that often denies objective truth. [38:07]

- Unchanging Nature of Truth: As Martin Lloyd-Jones stated, truth is unchanged and unchanging. It remains constant across time and cultures because it is rooted in the unchanging nature of God. This provides stability and certainty in a world of shifting beliefs. [39:02]

- Christ as the Ultimate Truth: To know Christ is to know truth. Jesus declared Himself as the way, the truth, and the life. This exclusive claim to truth is central to the Christian faith, and it is through abiding in His word that we are set free. [39:40]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:16] - The Foundation of Truth in Christianity
- [01:02] - Jesus as the Light of the World
- [02:10] - Confusion About Truth in Modern Times
- [03:01] - CS Lewis and the Problem of Men Without Chests
- [04:28] - The Post-Truth Society
- [05:18] - The Controversy of Biographical Honesty
- [07:18] - The Question of Truth Through History
- [08:25] - The Christian Worldview and Rationality
- [10:13] - The Enlightenment and the Shift to Subjectivity
- [12:33] - Kant's Division of Truth
- [14:38] - The Two-Story Theory of Truth
- [15:27] - Postmodernism and Socially Constructed Reality
- [19:19] - The Prophets of Suspicion
- [26:08] - The Enemies of Truth in Modern Society
- [32:40] - The Rejection of Subjective Truth
- [36:46] - Theological Truth and Its Implications
- [39:40] - Christ as the Ultimate Truth
- [44:18] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 8:31-32 - "So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, 'If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'"
2. 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.'"
3. Exodus 3:14 - "God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM.' And he said, 'Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.'"

Observation Questions:
1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "I am the light of the world," and how does this relate to the truth claims of Christianity? [01:02]
2. How does the sermon describe the current societal confusion about truth, and what historical roots are mentioned? [02:10]
3. According to the sermon, what role does the Enlightenment play in the modern understanding of truth? [10:13]
4. How does the sermon explain the relationship between truth and God? [37:30]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the statement "I am the light of the world" serve as a foundational truth claim for Christianity, and why is it significant for believers today? [01:02]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that postmodernism has influenced the perception of truth in society, and how should Christians respond? [15:27]
3. How does the sermon interpret the phrase "the truth will set you free" in the context of abiding in Jesus' word? [34:54]
4. What implications does the sermon draw from the idea that truth is unchanged and unchanging, and how does this provide stability for believers? [39:02]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled with understanding or accepting a truth claim of Christianity. How did you resolve this struggle, and what role did Scripture play in that process? [01:02]
2. In what ways can you actively stand firm in your belief in objective truth in a society that often denies it? Consider specific actions you can take in your daily life. [38:07]
3. How can you ensure that your understanding of truth is grounded in the nature of God rather than societal constructs? Identify one area in your life where this might be challenging. [37:30]
4. The sermon mentions the importance of courage in knowing and proclaiming the truth. How can you cultivate courage in your own life to share the truth of the Gospel with others? [40:59]
5. Consider the statement "To know Christ is to know truth." How does this understanding impact your personal relationship with Jesus, and what steps can you take to deepen this relationship? [39:40]
6. How can you apply the concept of abiding in Jesus' word to your daily routine? Identify one practical way to incorporate more Scripture into your life. [34:54]
7. Reflect on the idea that truth is a theological category. How does this perspective influence your approach to studying the Bible and engaging with theological discussions? [37:48]

Devotional

Day 1: Truth Exists Because God Exists
Truth is not an abstract concept floating independently in the universe; it is intrinsically linked to the existence of God. Without God, truth would not have a foundation, as it is grounded in His very nature. This understanding challenges the notion that truth can be subjective or relative. In a world where many claim that truth is a personal or societal construct, Christians hold that truth is objective and singular because it emanates from the one true God. This belief is not just a theological stance but a reality that shapes how we perceive the world and our place in it. As Nietzsche suggested, if God were dead, truth would also be dead, highlighting the inseparable connection between the two. [37:30]

"For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity." (Proverbs 2:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you acknowledge God's presence in your daily decisions, affirming that truth is grounded in Him?


Day 2: Theological Foundation of Truth
Truth is primarily a theological category, meaning that without a theological framework, our understanding of truth becomes unstable. The Enlightenment's emphasis on subjective understanding over objective reality has led to a fragmented view of truth, where it is often seen as relative. However, through a theological lens, truth is seen as singular and objective, existing prior to our knowledge. This perspective provides a stable foundation in a world that often denies objective truth. By understanding truth through theology, we can comprehend its unchanging nature and its grounding in the character of God. [37:48]

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

Reflection: How can you incorporate theological study into your routine to deepen your understanding of truth?


Day 3: Objective and Singular Truth
In an age where truth is often seen as subjective and relative, Christians affirm that truth is objective and singular. It is not something we create but something we come to know, grounded in the nature of God. This understanding is crucial in a world that often denies objective truth, leading to confusion and fragmentation. By recognizing that truth exists prior to our knowledge, we can navigate the complexities of life with confidence and clarity. This belief challenges the postmodern claim that all truth is socially constructed, affirming instead that truth is a reality we discover, not invent. [38:07]

"Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding." (Proverbs 23:23, ESV)

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you have been swayed by subjective truths. How can you realign this area with the objective truth of God?


Day 4: Unchanging Nature of Truth
Truth is unchanged and unchanging, providing stability and certainty in a world of shifting beliefs. This constancy is rooted in the unchanging nature of God, who is the source of all truth. As Martin Lloyd-Jones stated, truth remains constant across time and cultures, offering a firm foundation for our lives. In a society where beliefs and values often fluctuate, the unchanging nature of truth offers a sense of security and assurance. By anchoring our lives in this truth, we can navigate the uncertainties of life with confidence and peace. [39:02]

"Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your years have no end." (Psalm 102:25-27, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a recent change in your life. How can the unchanging nature of God's truth provide comfort and guidance during this transition?


Day 5: Christ as the Ultimate Truth
To know Christ is to know truth, as He declared Himself to be the way, the truth, and the life. This exclusive claim to truth is central to the Christian faith, emphasizing that it is through abiding in His word that we are set free. In a world that often denies objective truth, the person of Christ stands as the ultimate revelation of truth. By knowing Him, we come to understand the reality of God's truth and its implications for our lives. This relationship with Christ is not just an intellectual assent but a transformative experience that shapes our understanding of truth and freedom. [39:40]

"For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority." (Colossians 2:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: How can you deepen your relationship with Christ today to better understand and live out His truth in your life?

Quotes



Christianity stands or falls on the truthfulness of specific propositional statements. Christianity is not a mood; it is not an emotion; it is not a form of Expressionism. It is grounded in belief in the one true and living God and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent. [00:00:27]

We live in a time horribly confused about truth itself, not just confused about grammar and sentences, but confused about the very nature of truth. CS Lewis warned about this in 1943 in his lectures that were published as "The Abolition of Man." [00:02:04]

The Enlightenment came, and at least part of what the Enlightenment brought was what's called the great shift to the subject. In other words, you have a subject in knowing something and an object. The subject does the knowing; the object is what is known. [00:11:23]

Immanuel Kant came along and helped to accentuate that great split, that great divide, by saying there are really two different worlds and two different worlds of truth. There's the phenomenal world, that's the world of objects and people, and then there's the noumenal world, that's the world of spirit. [00:12:33]

Postmodernism is a lie; it doesn't work. While the philosophers and the literary critics are upstairs arguing that all truth is relative and it's all socially constructed and there's no such thing as objective truth, you better pray that somewhere there's some engineers who believe in objective truth. [00:18:38]

Truth exists because God exists. Truth doesn't exist as some independent entity in the cosmos. The cosmos only exists because of God. God is the only self-existent one, and God is thus the source of all truth. He is truth with no mixture of untruth. [00:36:46]

Truth is first and above all a theological category. Without a theological worldview, there is no stable, workable understanding of truth. It just dissolves. Truth is singular, objective, and prior to our knowledge. That's really important. It's singular, it's objective, and prior to our knowledge. [00:37:48]

Truth is, as Martin Lloyd-Jones said, unchanged and unchanging. If it's true truth, it's unchanged and unchanging. If it was true for Abraham, it was true for Paul, it's true for you, and it's true for me and for all those who will follow. [00:39:02]

To know Christ is to know truth. I am the way, the truth, and the life. If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Are we making an exclusive claim to truth? Yes. [00:39:40]

The Bible reveals truth. God loves us so much that He revealed Himself in His word, and in His word, His verbally inspired, inerrant, infallible Word, we're given truth. We're given truth that was given to us as God's gift because He loves us. [00:40:14]

Courage comes by knowing truth, by preaching truth, by obeying truth. That's where courage comes from. Men without chests—how can that disaster be averted? Not by therapy, not by human philosophy, not by some kind of intellectual recovery, not by patriotism, only by Christ. [00:40:48]

Our task as Christians is to give people the truth, understanding that they are hungry for it, they're dying for it, and everything—far more than was true even in the darkest hours of World War II with eternity at stake—everything comes down to whether or not we believe the truth. [00:43:33]

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Transcript
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