I AM: The Truth (Unshakeable Conviction)

Series: Good News to Believe

January 22, 2023
Dave Smith

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. --John 14:6 ---------- In the culture we now live in, right or wrong along with views of what TRUTH is gravitates more and more toward being based strictly upon situational ethics, personal preferences, and behavioral conviction or opinion. In short, we each become our own standard for truth and/or morality. ---------- This idea is defined by the term: “moral relativism.” Moral relativism is the idea that there is no universal or absolute set of moral principles. It’s a version of morality that advocates “to each her own,” and those who follow it say, “Who am I to judge?” ---------- This week, we want to look similarly at the claim he makes of being THE TRUTH with that continued understanding that only through THE TRUTH can someone come to actually know the Father. With this declaration, Jesus leaves no room once again for alternate versions of the truth. Because of this, we either accept that Jesus is the true source of knowledge concerning God or dismiss it in whole. He doesn’t leave room for compromise.

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Episode Notes

BIG IDEA: TRUTH IS UNDER FIRE TODAY


What do we believe about The TRUTH?

19 But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.” —2 Timothy 2:19


  • Absolute TRUTH is a REALITY to RECOGNIZE

Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. —Psalm 86:11


    • TRUTH was created by God

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. —John 1:1, 14


    • TRUTH is Confirmed in Christ

Probably Jesus’ most commonly uttered phrase was, “I tell you the TRUTH…”

Jesus replied, “I am not teaching something I thought up. What I teach comes from the one who sent me. 17 If you really want to obey God, you will know if what I teach comes from God or from me. 18 If I wanted to bring honor to myself, I would speak for myself. But I want to honor the one who sent me. This is why I tell the truth and not a lie.” —John 7:16-18


    • TRUTH will Continue through the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is, in fact, called “The Spirit of Truth”

26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.  —John 15:26

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. —2 Timothy 2:15

13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.  —John 16:13


16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth…  —John 14:16-17a


  • Absolute TRUTH is a STANDARD to SHOW

23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.  —Romans 3:23


    • TRUTH shown in what we think
    • TRUTH shown in what we say
    • TRUTH shown in what we do


8 Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us. —Titus 2:8


  • Absolute TRUTH is a Freedom to Follow

31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  —John 8:31-32


    • The most enticing aspect of sin is the promise of freedom
    • Comforting lies are never as beneficial as loving truth
    • True freedom is found in forgiveness of sin and service to God


What Do We Do with the TRUTH?
  • Be Committed to Know the TRUTH (assimilation of the Word)

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. 2 But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.  —Psalm 1:1-2


    • Through study (reading the Word, digging deeper than the surfac)
    • Through meditation (reflection, consideration, application)
    • Through prayer (asking God to reveal His truth in you and through you)


  • Be Convicted to Show the TRUTH (through your life’s example)
    • In the spiritual habits and disciplines you develop

9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. —Colossians 1:9-10


    • In the day-to-day activities and adventures you pursue

6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.  —1 John 1:6


    • In the private moments of worship and praise you offer

24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”  —John 4:24

  • Be compelled to Sow the TRUTH 
    • Be prepared to present a defense of the TRUTH

2 Let me go on, and I will show you the truth. For I have not finished defending God! 3 I will present profound arguments for the righteousness of my Creator. 4 I am telling you nothing but the truth, for I am a man of great knowledge. —Job 36:2-4


    • Be ready to give witness to the TRUTH

8 …you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. —Acts 1:8



    • Be available to offer testimony to the TRUTH

15 …you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. —1 Peter 3:15-16


NEXT STEP: THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE… PUT IT INTO PRACTICE AND WALK IT EACH DAY!

Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day.  —Psalm 25:5

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