Introduction – When Truth Gets Twisted
Good morning, church.
Let me ask you something:
Have you ever said something that got completely misunderstood—or maybe twisted into something you never meant?
It happens all the time today, doesn’t it? You share a simple post online—something encouraging, or a Bible verse—and suddenly people are debating your motives in the comments. Some “like” it, some criticize it, and some twist it into something it was never meant to say.
We live in a world that doesn’t just ignore truth—it reshapes it. It redefines it to fit how we feel or what’s trending.
(pause) And that’s exhausting, isn’t it?
We don’t just wrestle with lies anymore—we wrestle with distortion.
That’s nothing new.
In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas travel to the town of Lystra, and they preach the good news of Jesus. The people listen, they see a miracle—and then they completely miss the point.
They take the truth and twist it into something that fits their culture.
Sound familiar?
So today, Our Live series, looking at being different, we’re going to see what it looks like to speak truth in a twisted world—and how to do it without becoming hard, angry, or self-righteous, but with courage, humility, and love.
Read: Acts 14:8–10 (NLT)
1) God’s Truth Speaks to the Individual
Paul wasn’t just speaking to a crowd—he was looking at a person.
He saw one man who had faith to be healed.
I love that detail. In the middle of a crowd, Paul looked into someone’s eyes and recognized faith. That’s what truth does—it meets people personally.
When we talk about truth, we’re not talking about ideas floating in the air. We’re talking about God’s truth meeting real people with real needs.
Truth isn’t just a concept—it’s a connection.
Sometimes we think speaking truth means arguing a point online or winning a debate. But in the Bible, truth is meant to heal, not just to prove someone wrong.
Paul didn’t just preach at people; he spoke into their lives.
And church, that’s what we’re called to do too.
Application:
• When you share truth, remember there’s a person behind the opinion.
• Don’t let the noise of culture make you miss the one person God’s trying to reach through you.
• Truth is always personal before it’s public.
Illustration:
A teacher once noticed a student who had stopped turning in assignments. Instead of scolding him, she wrote a simple note on his paper: “You matter. Don’t forget that.”
That single note became a turning point in his life. Someone saw him—not his mistakes, not his grades—but him.
And that’s exactly how God sees us.
Luke 12:6–7 (NLT)
“What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”
God doesn’t just see the crowd—He sees you.
God’s eyes never overlook you.
He doesn’t just see the crowd—He sees the person.
And when we learn to see others that way, our words begin to carry truth that brings life.
Read: Acts 14:11–13 (NLT)
2) Culture Will Always Try to Twist Truth
The miracle was real—but the meaning was distorted.
The people of Lystra took what God did and tried to interpret it through their cultural lens.
They didn’t reject the truth—they just redefined it.
They believed what they saw—but not what it meant.
They thought Paul and Barnabas were gods come down in human form. Their worldview couldn’t handle a single God who heals by grace, so they twisted it into something that fit their story.
And that’s what happens today too. People still worship gods—just not by name.
• Some bow to success.
• Some to self-image.
• Some to “my truth” or “my feelings.”
It’s the same pattern: when people don’t know God’s truth, they’ll invent their own version of it.
Application:
• Be alert to half-truths that sound good but lead us away from God.
• Culture constantly says, “Live your truth,” but Jesus says, “I am the truth.”
• Don’t let comfort rewrite conviction.
Illustration:
A survey found that over 80% of Americans believe “God helps those who help themselves” is a Bible verse.
It’s not—it’s Ben Franklin.
But it shows how easily we replace God’s Word with cultural wisdom when we stop reading Scripture for ourselves—See how subtle that is? We can sound spiritual but drift from truth.
2 Timothy 4:3-4
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
Read: Acts 14:14–15 (NLT)
3) Truth Requires Humility and Courage
Paul and Barnabas could’ve let the people worship them. They could’ve said, “Well, at least they like us!”
But instead, they tore their clothes—a symbol of grief and humility—and corrected the people immediately.
They refused to accept credit for what God had done. They didn’t soak up the praise—they redirected it to God.
Humility is what keeps truth pure.
When you speak truth without humility, it turns into pride.
But when you speak truth with humility, people see Jesus, not you.
Application:
• Don’t let praise puff you up; let it point people to God.
• Don’t stay silent just because truth is unpopular.
• Humility means giving God the glory even when people applaud you.
Illustration:
After a game, NFL quarterback Brock Purdy was asked how he stays grounded with all the attention. His response:
“My identity is in Christ. Win or lose, I play for an audience of One.”
That’s humility in a culture addicted to fame.
That’s what it looks like when someone refuses to make it about themselves.
Galatians 2:20
My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Read: Acts 14:19–20 (NLT)
4) Truth Will Cost You Something—but It’s Worth It
The same crowd that tried to worship Paul now turns on him and stones him.
That’s how quickly public opinion can change when truth confronts comfort.
But here’s what amazes me most—Paul got back up.
He walked right back into the same city that rejected him.
That’s what it means to be different.
That’s what it means to live by conviction instead of convenience.
Application:
• Speaking truth may not make you popular, but it will make you faithful.
• Don’t let criticism silence you.
• If Paul could get up after being stoned, you can get up after being misunderstood.
Illustration:
A pastor once said, “If you preach to please people, you’ll eventually betray both them and God. But if you preach to please God, you’ll serve people best.”
That’s the tension Paul lived in—loving people enough to tell them the truth, even when they didn’t want to hear it.
Read Galatians 1:6-12
Practical Takeaways
1. Know the truth. Read Scripture regularly so your beliefs stay anchored.
2. Speak with grace. Truth without love is harsh; love without truth is hollow.
3. Stay faithful. When others fall away or turn against you, stand firm in what’s right.
Conclusion – Be Different
Paul and Barnabas didn’t water down the message.
They didn’t let the world reshape their faith.
They spoke truth—clearly, humbly, and consistently—even when it cost them.
And that’s what we’re called to do.
Be different.
See the one God puts in front of you.
Recognize when culture twists truth.
Stay humble and faithful even when it’s not easy.
Because the world doesn’t need more noise—
it needs people who live and speak God’s truth with grace.
Here is Paul’s Charge to Timothy, but it is also God’s Charge to us today…
2 Timothy 4:1–2, 5 (NLT)
“I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom:
Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not.
Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching...
But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord.
Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.”
Church, that’s our calling.
In a twisted world, we’re not just to know the truth — we’re to live it and speak it.
Not with pride, but with courage.
Not with anger, but with grace.
May we be people who speak the truth of Christ so clearly that the world around us can’t help but see His light shining through us.
Altar/Challenge
Church, before we close today, I want to take a moment and bring this close to home.
Maybe as we’ve been talking, the Holy Spirit has been nudging your heart.
Maybe you’ve realized there have been times you’ve stayed quiet when God wanted you to speak.
Or maybe you’ve spoken truth—but without the grace that makes it healing instead of harsh.
This isn’t about guilt—it’s about realignment.
About saying, “Lord, help me see people like You see them. Help me speak truth with Your heart.”
And for some of us, this is a moment of courage—
to say, “God, I want to live for Your truth even when it’s unpopular.
I want to stand firm when culture shifts.
I want to be a voice that points people back to You.”
If that’s you—if you’re ready to be that kind of follower of Jesus—
I want to invite you to respond right where you are.
You can lift your hand, you can step out and come forward,
or you can simply open your hands before God and say, “Lord, I’m Yours.”
And maybe today, there’s someone here—or watching online—who realizes that you’ve been searching for truth your whole life, but you’ve never met the One who is the Truth.
Friend, Jesus sees you.
He knows you by name.
And He’s not waiting for you to get everything right—He’s inviting you to come home.
If that’s you today, if you’re ready to give your life to Him,
just whisper a simple prayer:
“Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God.
I believe You died and rose again for me.
Forgive me of my sins.
Come into my life and lead me in Your truth.”
Whether this is your first step or your next step, this is your moment to respond to Him.
Don’t leave this moment unchanged. Let the Holy Spirit stir your heart and strengthen your resolve.”
Now is the time to respond the altars are here for you today.
You know, as we respond today, I just want to make this our prayer.
That we wouldn’t just talk about truth… we’d speak the truth — we’d speak Jesus — over every heart, every home, every hurting place.
If you know it, sing it with me.
If you don’t, just close your eyes and let the words wash over you.
I Speak Jesus
Closing Prayer
Lord, in a world that bends truth to fit desire, help us to be people who live by Your truth.
Give us courage to speak it, humility to live it, and compassion to share it.
May we reflect Your heart in every conversation we have this week.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Benediction:
Church, as you go this week—
remember, you carry the truth of Jesus into a world that’s still searching for it.
Don’t be afraid to stand for what’s right,
but do it with a heart that’s humble and a spirit that’s full of grace.
Let your words be steady,
your heart be gentle,
and your life be a reflection of the One who called you to be different.
May the Holy Spirit give you courage when truth feels costly,
wisdom when the noise around you gets loud,
and peace that reminds you—you are never standing alone.
Go in His truth.
Go in His love.
Go and be the light that points others back to Him.
And now, receive this blessing:
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you His favor and give you His peace.
Amen.
