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The Importance Of Truth
Contributed by Rodney Kelley on Sep 15, 2008 (message contributor)
Summary: The world cultures pretend to have something better to offer but the real truth can only be found in Jesus Christ and the Word of God
Introduction: Psalm 119:98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. Some commentaries believe that Daniel wrote Psalm 119. Being instructed by God, he was found to have more knowledge than any of the Chaldeans, and his wisdom soon appeared to the whole nation vastly superior to theirs. God’s Truth will always make us wiser than those that do not believe.
Yet across our country legislative bodies, but especially in OREGON, NORTH CAROLINA, SOUTH CAROLINA and VIRGINIA, some public servants have unnecessarily given in to legal threats and have banned legislative prayers in Jesus’ name. Today we are faced with statements like A Freedom FROM Religion, not OF Religion. This is an ANTI-GOD attack. We live in a wicked, defiled world. The whole problem is that we have forgotten the importance of truth. It is through God’s commandments that we will be wise.
Five times the word “Truth” in these 13 verses. Opinions fascinate us, but truth will guide us. When we are challenged with the world’s thinking, we must ask the question - is it Truth?
I. We are to Distinguish the Truth - vs. 1-3
A. The Prerequisite - vs. 2, John 14:6, John 1:17, 1 John 5:20, John 16:13- 14
B. Preparation in Truth - vs. 1, 4
1. The Responsibility of the Home - Deut. 6:6 -7
2. Responsibility of the Pastor - 1 Timothy 4:6, 1 Timothy 4:16
3. Responsibility of the Individual - Isaiah 34:16, Psalm 1:1-3
C. The Provision of Truth - vs. 3
1. Grace God’s Favor - Eph. 2:8
2. Mercy
3. Peace Colossians 1:20
II. We are to Demonstrate the Truth - vs. 4-6
A. The Divine Love in Truth vs. 1, 5
B. The Defense of Truth (Don’t Compromise)
C. The Demand of Truth - vs. 5-6, John 15:12
II. We are to Discern the Truth - vs. 7-1
A. Recognize the Danger vs. 8 Jude vs. 20 21, 1 John 5:21 2. Lose Not
B. Refuse the Deception vs. 7-11
1. Deceivers - vs. 7 1 John 2:18
2. Transgressors - vs. 9
a) Those that add to grace
b) Those that want NEW doctrines
3. It will come to your House, do not let it in or support it!
4. Television
5. Do not bless false doctrine
Conclusion:
• Submit to God’s Word
• Know God’s Word
• Stand on God’s Word
• Live God’s Word!
The enemies of the Gospel, fake doctrines and false teachers of the this world may sound like they have something better, but you can get any better than the old fashion, forever truth of the Word of God!
This world will take our families, we must stand on Truth and never forget that Truth is still important, and truth begins with Christ and His word. Are you training your children in truth?
Have you given in to the world’s leanings that truth is relative (that is against God)?
Are you personally standing for real truth? Are we slipping into the normal mentality of a nation that no longer believes that living the Christian life is important?
Disclaimer: A man once told me that if it is true, it is not new. If it is new, it is not true. We all know there is nothing new under the sun. With that said, I glean ideas for my sermons from God’s Word, my own thoughts and work, and many other sources. Any similarity to my sermons and others, where credit is not given, is either coincidental, or an unintentional mistake on my part. As none of us have a corner on the wisdom and teaching of God’s Word, it is my desire that any of my outlines be an encouragement, a help, and hopefully a motivation for others to preach God’s Word clearly. Please feel free to use any portion of my sermons if they can be of help to you and your ministry. I purposely include a skeleton outline, and not my full text, for this purpose. It is all for His Glory.