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Introduction:
… In fact, for this reason I was born, and for
this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. John
18:37 A.
Purpose For Answering This Question 1.
You will be able to better discern and stand against
worldly lies. Col.
2:8 2.
Col.
2:23 - the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and
self-abasement … 3.
1
Tim. 6:20 - avoid worldly and empty chatter and the
opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge.” Discussion: I.
What the World Believes A.
Barna Survey (1991) 1.
“No
such thing as absolute truth”. 66% of Americans agreed: 72% of
18-25 year olds, 59% of 55+ year olds. a.
"Truth is whatever you believe." b.
"There is no absolute truth." c.
"If there were such a thing as absolute truth, how
could we know what it is?" d.
"People who believe in absolute truth are
dangerous." B.
Barna Survey (March 2009) 1.
Only 34% believe that moral truth is absolute a.
Not much difference between 1991 and 2009 b.
What has that said for the way parents have raised their
children during the last 20 years? 2.
Only 9% have a “biblical world view.”* C.
“Biblical World View” 1.
Believing that absolute moral truth exists; 2.
The Bible is totally accurate in all of the principles it
teaches. 3.
Satan is considered to be a real being or force, not merely
symbolic. 4.
A person cannot earn their way into Heaven by trying to be
good or do good works. 5.
Jesus Christ lived a sinless life on earth. 6.
God is the all-knowing, all-powerful creator of the world
who still rules the universe today. D.
Barna: “Why It Matters” 1.
“Barna’s research has discovered that there are
unusually large differences in behavior related to matters such as
media use, profanity, gambling, alcohol use, honesty, civility,
and sexual choices.” 2.
“Barna concluded by noting that the lack of movement in
the worldview status of adults reflects the fact that children are
not provided with the basic ability to think in ways that
correspond to foundational biblical teachings.” E.
Proof Is In The Pudding 1.
I asked group of teenagers/college age students: “What is
Truth?” 2.
None were able to answer the question. 3.
When I pressed one student no definitive or conclusive
answer was given. 4.
The group realized the need to be able to concretely
understand biblical fundamentals. II.
What the Bible Says A.
What is Truth? 1.
Truth is what we must conform to based upon the character,
will or revelation from God. a.
Love
is true because God’s character and motives are all based upon
such. 1
Jn. 4:8-11 b.
Lying
is sin … because God cannot lie. Heb.
6:18 c.
The
world is flat?
… no. Isa.
40:22 d.
Jesus
is “the truth” whom must conform to. Jn.
14:6; Rom. 8:29 B.
Truth Begins with God 1.
Jesus, the express image of God (Heb.
1:3; Matt. 1:23) claims to BE “the truth”. Jn.
14:6 2.
Therefore – Because God is the source of truth, we must
conform our lives to His will if we hope to have salvation. Jn.
8:32 III.
How Christians Should React A.
We must decide 1.
From the beginning. Gen.
1-3 a.
Believe God or a lie. Gen.
3:1-5 2.
Even today. Rom.
1:20-25; 2 Thess. 2:8-12 a.
That Jesus is the Christ. 1
Jn. 2:21-27 (4:3) b.
He was born in the flesh. 2
Jn. 7-11 B.
Choose Whom You Will Believe 1.
Jesus – “He who believes and is baptized will be
saved.” Mk.
16:16 2.
The world – No need to believe … no need to be
baptized. Deception of men. Conclusion: A.
Conforming to Christ (Truth) 1.
We move from 1) accepting to being convicted, 2) from doing
to doing with conviction. a. It is when we become convicted that our lives are transformed. Rom. 12:1-2
Glory
to God in the church by Christ Jesus
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