"The Truth”

 

Scripture Text

(John 14:6)

INTRODUCTION: The most remarkable statement by Jesus is found in this one verse. This statement was made in a discussion with His disciples as He prepared them for His impending death. Jesus claims to be three things: "The Way, The Truth, And The Life." Last time we looked at Jesus as “The Way.” Today we will take a closer look at this scripture, where we observe that Jesus is..THE TRUTH. If it's anything the world needs today in the midst of so much lies, deception is truth, because Jesus said it sets us free.

I. WHAT IS TRUTH...? [John 18:37-38] John 18:37-38 (NKJV)
³⁷  Pilate therefore said to Him, "Are You a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."
³⁸  Pilate said to Him, "What is truth?" And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, "I find no fault in Him at all.” In verse 37 Jesus told Pilate He came to bear witness to the truth. Then in verse 38 Pontius Pilate asked Jesus, what is truth? Consider the meaning of the Greek words translated as "true" and "truth." True means opposed to a lie." It means “real, ideal, genuine.'" Truth means The facts, certainty, reality, honesty, integrity. Truth is what Jesus came to this earth to bear witness to. Truth never changes!

A. Why is truth important? To many government officials, our society and social media, truth is whatever the majority of people agree with or whatever helps advance their own personal power and political goals. To many, the rulings of the Supreme Court are truth. Without the truth of God's word as a foundation, there is no basis for moral right and wrong. Today, Justice and truth has become whatever works or whatever helps those in power. When the government, the Supreme Court or society goes against the truth found in God's Holy Bible; we stay with the truth of the bible. There is no room for compromise on God’s word. When we change the truth of God’s word for a lie, God’s judgment is right around the corner. In Jesus and His word we have the standard for truth and our moral behavior.            B. JESUS IS THE TRUTH. By proclaiming that truth is real and knowable. [John 8:31-36(NKJV) ³¹  Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. ³²  And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." ³³  They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can you say, 'You will be made free'?" ³⁴  Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. ³⁵  And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. ³⁶  Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.                             1. To know the truth we must study and live in God’s word. It is the standard for truth. Jesus urged those who really wanted to live by the truth and be His disciples, we are to abide, which means to hold on to, and continue in, and conform to his teachings. [V:31] Jesus proclaims when we abide (continue in) the truth and conform to its teaching, it can set one free from the bondage of sin, lies and deception of Satan and the world. (v:32)

2. People who don’t know the truth are unaware of their bondage to Satan and sin. (v:33-35) The Jews had been in bondage ever since they had rejected God's word and Jesus as their Messiah and King. Those living in lifestyles that are contrary to God’s word don’t realize they are slaves to Satan, sin and death, both physical and spiritual. God’s truth as taught by Jesus and found in Him can set people free of their bondage to Satan, sin and the deception of the world and the flesh. We are to help spread His truth.

3. Jesus as God's Son abides forever and He can set slaves totally free from bondage. (v:36)

4. Jesus speaks truth because He faithfully proclaimed His Father's Word. [John 17:17] Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. The Father’s word is truth. It sanctifies or sets us apart for God's use, it makes us holy. It purifies and frees us from sin!

Conclusion: In John 17:18 Jesus said He has sent us into the world just as God sent Him. We must carry His message of truth to the world regardless of the situation or circumstance, trusting God for his protection. As we pray and give to the Easter mission offering we support our missionaries that are going into all of North America with the truth of the gospel. The gospel is the only cure for all the problems that people have. You and I have the opportunity through the Easter offering to fulfill the command of Jesus and bring honor and glory to Him. Jesus came to this earth to bear witness of the truth which is the word of God. The world needs that truth and it can change a person's life for the good. Will you help spread the gospel? When we hear, read and study the word of God and obey it, and share it with others, Freedom from the bondage of sin and death becomes even more meaningful as we consider how Jesus is...the Truth and has the answers to the world's sin problems.

Invitation: Do you know the truth about whether you are saved or not? If not now is the time to find out the truth about where you stand with God and His Son Jesus. Jesus said you must be born again by the Spirit to ever see the kingdom of God. That is the truth! Confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you and invite Him into your life and He will guide you into all truth by His Spirit.