LESSON 2 - STEWARDS OF THE TRUTH
TEXT: JOHN 18:33-38a; 1Co 4:1-2
Introduction:
Last week, we began this series of messages on Stewardship. We discussed the measure of a
life. We found that our faith is the foundation of our life, and upon that foundation of faith comes our
values. Our values, in turn form our choices. In other words, we are what we believe, and what we
believe is reflected in our choices. We then put our choices in front of the mirror of God’s Word, as the
Lord said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of Heaven, and all these things shall be added unto you.” Do we
believe the Kingdom of Heaven is before us? Do we then value that kingdom more than this passing
one? What choices do we make that reflect that value based on that belief? What choices do we make
that betray that value based on that belief?
Vance Havner says, “God is faithful, and He expects His people to be faithful. God’s Word
speaks of faithful servants, faithful in a few things, faithful in the least, faithful in the Lord, faithful
ministers. And all points up that day when He will say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
“What terrible times we have in our churches trying to keep people faithful in attendance and
loyalty! How we reward and picnic and coax and tantalize church members into doing things they don’t
want to do but which they would do if they loved God! The only service that counts is faithful service..
“True faith shows up in faithfulness. Not everyone can sing or preach, but all can be faithful.”
The remainder of this series will illustrate the Christian’s Stewardship responsibilities, which,
when carried out, will serve well to help us formulate our lives in such a way that when we get to be with
the Lord, we may very well hear “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” We want our lives to
measure up to our Savior’s standards. We’ve been saved by the blood of Jesus Christ (at least I hope
you have, and if you haven’t, then you need to be). Now what? How do we please this savior that has
given us so much hope, joy, love, and peace? What responsibilities has He given us as members of His
kingdom?
We will see our stewardship in several areas: today, the stewardship of God’s truth, next week,
Stewardship of God’s house, and finally, stewardship of God’s things.
****Read text (JOHN 18:33-38a)****
At this point in Pilate’s interrogation of Him, Jesus lays claim to a kingdom, a kingdom
established on truth. Jesus replies, "To this end I was born." I was born a king to bring forth a kingdom.
"And for this cause I came into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth." Jesus came into the
world as a steward of truth.
To this Pilate replied, "What is truth?" In other words:
How can we tell what is truth and what is error?
Who defines truth?
Where is truth to found?
What makes one thing true and another to be false?
Stanford Research Institute was studying the differences in vocational perceptions. They
devised a short but succinct test. The first to be tested was an engineer. The researchers asked him: “
What does two plus two make?” The engineer simply said, “In absolute terms: four.” After making their
notes and dismissing him, they called an architect. To the same question, he responded, “Well, there
are several possibilities: two and two make four, but so does three and one -- or two point five and one
point five -- they also make four. So, it is all a matter of choosing the right option.” The researchers
thanked him and made their notes. Finally, they called an attorney. When he heard the question, he
looked around slyly, asked if he could close the door for privacy, and then came over close, leaned
toward them and said, “Well, tell me, what would you like it to be?”
Men have been debating these questions for centuries, and have embraced several different
philosophies:
Rationalism: Man can reason his way to the truth (without having to actually prove that a thing is
true). Truth is what is reasonable.
Pragmatism: Anything that works, is useful, or brings satisfaction is truth. Truth is what works.
Utilitarianism: Truth is that which produces the greatest happiness for the greatest number of
people. Truth is what is beneficial.
Idealism: There is no absolute truth. What is truth to one person may not be truth for another.
Truth is what you want it to be.
The secular mind has no absolute standard of truth. This is where the Believer has the
advantage over the unbeliever. The Scriptures tell us that God is the author of truth; that truth may be
known and be proved reliable and consistent. We can put our confidence in the revealed truth of God
without fear of being let down.
As Believers, we are stewards of the truth. This principle is established in a number of
Scriptures.
We are to Possess the Truth - Colossians 3:15 - Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all
wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another…
We are to Preserve the Truth - 2 Timothy 1:13 - Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou
has heard of me.
We are to Pass On the Truth - 2 Timothy 2:2 - And the things which thou hast heard of me
among many witnesses, the same commit to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
We are to Persevere in the Truth - 2 Timothy 3:14, 16 - But continue thou in the things which
thou hast learned … All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable…
We are to Pronounce the Truth - 1 Peter 3:15 - But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and
be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in
you…
I. Possess the Truth (Col 3:15). There are several sources of truth for us to examine. However,
if we don’t implement that truth into our lives, then we do not possess it. Each source of truth is
important, but not if it doesn’t lead to the apex of truth: Jesus Christ. The man or woman that lets the
truth flow to its conclusion without stopping along the way is the one that receives eternal life. It is the
grace of God that enables us to see the fullness of truth in Jesus Christ.
.....Consider.....
A. Natural Revelation
Natural revelation is that which God has made known through the physical universe - truth that can be
discerned through our senses. Men have discovered certain laws, or truths, which govern our universe.
Laws of Science. (Gravity, Inertia, etc.)
Laws of Mathematics.
Laws of Morality. (Though often rejected today).
God has created an ordered universe that operates on principles of truth. Natural revelation ought to
convince men that an Intelligent Designer is responsible for the order and balance they see.
B. Biblical Revelation
1. The Word of God gives us truth that man cannot discover for himself apart from direct
communication from God.
a. It declares God’s name, and how He can be known.
b. It identifies our origin - we are a product of God’s creation.
c. It reveals the source of sin, and God’s solution for sin.
2. The Bible is an accurate and reliable record of God’s written Word.
a. It is not the product of human reasoning, but the direct activity of the Holy Spirit.
b. Supernaturally given and preserved, it is inerrant.
It may be trusted in all matters, whether spiritual, historical, or prophetic.
When human reasoning conflicts with God’s Word, we can be sure that God’s Word is
true and our reasoning is in error.
C. Christological Revelation
1. Jesus is truth personified.
a. His life was "full of truth." There was no lie, error, or deception in Him.
b. If men would know what God is like, what He expects of them, and what He considers
important, they need only study the life of Christ.
2. In the teachings of Jesus Christ, we have the truth of things both spiritual and secular.
a. He tells us the truth about salvation: there is no other way to heaven apart from faith
in His completed work on the cross.
b. He tells us the truth about living. The teaching of Christ is a true and dependable
guide for life.
The secular world would have us to believe that truth is relative, that it can vary and adapt to
the changes in society. God’s revelation tells us that truth is constant.
Our universe is still operating according to the Laws God established
His Word is still relevant and accurate
Jesus Christ is "the same yesterday, today, and forever."
Unchanging truth is available to men if they will accept it.
But consider this: If you know that Jesus is the Savior: you see His power in creation, you read the Word
of God and know that God desires you to be saved, and then you read how to be saved through Christ,
but you don’t implement it, then you do not possess the truth. You have not let the truth flow to the apex
or conclusion: YOU NEED TO BE SAVED! Won’t you invite Jesus into your heart today? I invite you
now to receive Him as your Savior. Believe upon Him, and confess it before men as He expects, and
your soul will be saved. Your life will have new meaning, and hope and joy will replace discouragement
and emptiness.
The Believer is a steward of truth, especially of God’s written revelation. We can use God’s
natural revelation to point men towards God. By comparing their lives to the life of Christ, we
can show them a need for God. However, to bring men to a saving faith in Christ and to give
them a reliable guide for life, we must eventually take them to the Word of God - where a
decision about Jesus Christ MUST be made by each person.
II. Preserve the Truth (2Ti 1:13).
In order to Hold Fast the form of sound words, we must first have these sound words. They
come from the Bible. Paul is instructing Timothy to know and to protect the teachings of scripture. False
doctrine is in the wind, even as it was 2,000 years ago. We are no better now than they were then. We
must beware that we don’t let our imaginations, our reasoning, our peers, our culture change the way we
interpret the Word of God. It is timeless, and we are to adhere to it. It is intended to mold us into God’s
image. It is not intended for us to mold it into our image. We are subject to It. It is not subject to us.
A. We are to study it. 2 Timothy 2:15
1. The study of God’s Word involves many aspects:
a. Reading it.
b. Memorizing it.
c. Meditating upon it.
d. Obeying it.
2. Through the study of the Word of God we learn the truth about God, ourselves, the world,
and all that we need to know to live successfully.
B. We are to live by it.
1. Biblical truth is not optional for successful living; it’s essential.
2. Living by the Word means knowing what it says and applying it to our lives. The blessings
of life come to us through God’s word.
a. Salvation - man’s first and greatest need.
b. Abundant living through the application of God’s principles:
How to handle our money
How to fulfill our roles in marriage
How to properly relate to others
How to love, worship, and serve God
III. Pass On the Truth (2Ti 2:2).
As we consider this aspect of our stewardship, we need to remember that this is very important.
Our Lord cautions us in Matthew 7:6: “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your
pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” Those that
become leaders in the church need to be considered faithful servants, able to preserve the truth as Paul
did. We do the Lord no favors by passing on the truth to unfaithful servants. They won’t preserve it as
the Lord wants. They will corrupt it, and teach their corruptions as truth, replacing the Word of God with
the word of man, leading many astray. We must NOT let this happen. Those that are faithful, to them
we must teach the Word and the Doctrines. To them we may elevate to leadership in the church. The
church leadership must have a succession, or the church will die.
This is with respect to ministers. Timothy is not only to pass on the torch to those that are faithful
in some ways, but to those that are able to teach. They are not only to exhibit fidelity or integrity in their
lives and toward the Word of God, but they are to be apt to teach. This sacred trust or deposit in the
younger generation of leaders is essential to the life of the church.
This then is a warning or a challenge. It is a challenge to the young, and a warning to the old.
To the young, you are challenged by God to be faithful in small things now. Do not shirk the
responsibilities given you by those over you. However, do not intrude upon the ministry as a vocation. If
you are to enter into ministry, you will be tried, trained, and tested. Your time will come if you are faithful.
Be patient. At the same time, do not shirk the responsibility given you by God to minister at whatever
level you are at in a faithful manner. Your faithfulness in small things will find you increasing in your
stewardship responsibilities. No teenager does well to assume adult authority and power without being
faithfully taught adult responsibilities. To be faithful in a small way is to be given more and more
opportunity to be faithful. Beware the laizes faire attitude, for that also diminishes the reward in heaven.
To the old, we are warned to be careful about who we pass the mantle on to. We get what we
make, in a way. If we train well, those that would be faithful will be faithful indeed. But if we do not train
well, the mantle we pass on will be to those not prepared to carry it. It is sacred, and the truth MUST be
passed on.
IV. Persevere in the Truth (2Ti 3:14-16).
Perseverance is of utmost importance to the steward. A steward that works for a while, and then
quits, isn’t much of a steward. We are commanded to continue in the truth, and that continuance must
NOT waiver.
We must persevere in learning it.
We must persevere in doing it.
We must persevere in teaching it.
We must persevere in living it.
Two frogs fell into a tub of cream. One looked at the sides of the tub, and saw that it was too
high to crawl over and said, “It’s hopeless.” He resigned himself to death, relaxed, and sank to the
bottom. The other one determined to keep swimming as long as he could. “Something might happen,”
he said. And it did. He kept kicking and churning, and finally he found himself on a solid platform of
butter and jumped to safety.
To those who persevere, the Lord promises a crown. We are given rewards in heaven, and the
faithful, steadfast servant is given the greater rewards.
Let’s return to last week’s principle: faith is the foundation, and upon it are values.
Upon the values we make our choices. To the quitter, the choice of quitting was made because the
value of persevering was not strong because the belief or faith in the Lord’s abilities to preserve us
wasn’t there. But to the faithful man who believes the Lord, quitting isn’t an option.
V. Pronounce the Truth (1Pe 3:15).
The good steward of God’s Truth will faithfully share his faith with others. He will be anxious to
tell others about God’s grace and salvation, he will be instant (ready) in season and out of season.
Always ready. Can you explain why you are as you are? Do you know what you believe and why?
Being able to answer those simple questions will do more to help you in your stewardship than anything.
You cannot teach another, nor preach the Word, nor tell your testimony if you cannot explain your faith.
Articulating your faith is good for you, not something to be shunned.
We are to speak it. Ephesians 4:15
1. Share the Gospel with the lost. 1 Thessalonians 2:4
2. Teach principles of growth with the new Christian. I Peter 2:2
a. Tell them of their relationship to Christ through the indwelling Holy Spirit.
b. Direct them to the truth of God’s Word that will meet their needs and provide
solutions for their problems.
3. Instruct our children in Christian principles. Ephesians 6:4
a. A Christian home should provide an environment for establishing faith in
children.
b. The most significant contribution a parent can give to his children is to give
them a foundation of biblical truth on which to build their lives.
4. Defend our faith. I Peter 3:15; Jude 1:3
a. Faith and truth are constantly under attack.
b. They must be defended with the word of God, not the reasoning of man.
Conclusion:
People are still asking, "What is truth?" The believer who will accept his stewardship of God’s truth can
give them that answer. We can demonstrate a powerful difference between the philosophies of the world
and the truth of God’s Word - if we are good stewards of the truth.
Do you possess it?
Do you study it?
Do you live it?
Do you speak it?
