WHAT IS TRUTH? part 2

In our last post we explained from Gods word (ie: the bible) exactly what TRUTH is…and a few scriptures that tell us what TRUTH is NOT.
Now, lets look at how people treat the truth and what truth does.

Truth will be ‘evil spoken of” or blasphemed. 2 Peter 2:2.

Many become enemies when they are told truth. Galatians 4:16.

Some have no love of truth and therefore believe lies. 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12.

Some err (wander from) the truth after having it. James 5:19.

Some turn away from truth. Titus 1:14.

Some are ever learning but never able to come to a knowledge of truth. 2Timothy 3:7.

Some turn their ears away from truth and turn to fables of men. 2Timothy 4:4.

Some believe and know the truth. 1Timothy 4:3-9. Some obey the truth. 1Peter 1:22.

Others repent unto – (greek: eis) the knowledge of truth. This means they repent (a change of mind that leads to a change of action) in order to receive the truth. How many people know the truth intellectually but will not receive it into their lives? Scripture tells us these people are self condemned. They will have to repent in order – eis) to practice what they understand. Until that time, they go along with error.

For those who accept God’s truth, what does truth do?

Truth makes men free. John 8:32 (frees man from sin if obeyed)

It can make enemies of those who do not want truth. Galatians 4:16

Truth abides in the Christian. 1John 1:6-8;

Truth does not abide in those who do not keep God’s commandments. 1John 2:4.

Truth begets. James 1:18. So that men can be born again. 1Peter 1:22-23.

Truth should be presented as truth! This can only be done by rightly dividing the Word of Truth (ie: the gospel). 2Timothy 2:15.

Truth should be presented in a spirit of love. Ephesians 4:15.

Truth should be presented so that it can be understood. Ephesians 3:3-5.

Truth is to be ‘contended for’. Jude 3. The word translated “contend” means to fight, be a combatant, uphold, make defense

We must be ready always to defend God’s truth. The apostle Paul wrote that he was appointed for the “defense of the gospel”. Philippians 1:16-17.

We are to be ready to give any man answer for the hope in us. 1Peter 3:15.

Some mouths must be stopped by the Word (truth). Titus 1:9

We must teach the Way more perfectly (complete). Acts 18:26

Truth, like faith, comes only by hearing the Word of God. Romans 10:17.
We need to read God’s Word constantly, study it diligently, and teach it fervently.

Man’s whole duty on earth is to “fear God and keep His commandments.” Ecclesiastes 12:13

WHAT IS TRUTH? part 1

Pontius Pilate asked Jesus “what is truth?” John 18:38.

Since time began men have asked this question many times and have come up with varying answers.
What is truth? The bible tells us quite clearly what truth is and is not.

Truth is the Word of God. John 17:17, “sanctify [set apart] them in truth, thy word is truth” prayed Jesus.

Truth is what the Holy Spirit guided the 12 apostles “into all” of in John 16:13.

Truth is what the apostles and other inspired [God breathed] writers taught and wrote. Galatians 1:6-9.

Truth is the thing men must teach or be damned. Galatians 1:6-9

Truth is the law of God for “thy law is truth.” Psalms 119; 142; 151

Truth is NOT a lie, “no lie is of the truth.” 1 John 2:21

A lie or un-truth then cannot be determined by:
Who said it? Whether or not it pleases the ear? How it sounds? Whether we want to believe it? Whether spoken or taught by parents, elders, others? Whether we believed it before or not?

BUT, a lie can be determined by comparing it to the truth which is in God’s word, the bible.

God’s word not only tells us what truth is, it also tells us how long truth will last.
Forever! “And the truth of Jehovah endureth for ever”. Psalms 117:2

Mans flesh and glory will fade away “but the word (truth) of the Lord endureth forever”. 1 Peter 1:24-25.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one cometh unto the Father but by me.” John 14:6.

We must believe that there is One who stood upon the earth and declared Himself to be Truth. All things must be measured by Him to determine if they are true.

“Grace [unmerited favor] and truth [Gods word] came by Jesus Christ.” John 1:17

Do we respect God’s truth?
“Buy the truth and sell it not.” Proverbs 23:23. This tells us that truth is above any price. Worth whatever you have to pay! Priceless! Yet some sell out for less than a mess of pottage. Some sell their morals for the “pleasures of sin for a season”. Hebrews 11:25.

Others sell out their convictions based on the bible for very little. James 5:19. Some follow men’s foolishness rather than God’s word.

“Thou hast redeemed (bought back) me, O Lord God of truth.” Psalms 31:5

We have no doubt that God is truth as he further tells us it is “impossible for God to lie.” Hebrews 6:18.

“Thy word (truth) is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105.

Let us all study the only truth there is….God’s word.

Next article will show how people treat God’s truth.