DOES IT REALLY MATTER WHICH “TRUTH” I BELIEVE?
John 3:19–21; 8:31–36
What do a witness at a trial and an elected official have in common? Each is obligated to take an oath to “tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.” We are in a culture where terms such as “my truth” and “your truth” can make it a challenge for the Church to know how to respond. For most Christians, knowing what we believe is not enough. We must be able to communicate the “why” of our beliefs and how real, lasting truth can only be found in Jesus.
Throughout these next few sessions, we will look at some of the more difficult questions of life and how the Bible is applicable and relevant in each situation.
The truths of God’s Word transcend time and place for all who seek it. With all the voices in our society claiming to be alternative paths to truth, we need to be familiar with — and anchored in — Jesus Christ.
Truth is revealed in the light of Jesus. (3:19–21)
People don’t enjoy the inconvenience of their electricity being interrupted. In the darkness, we realize our great need and appreciation for light and other services afforded by electricity.
Sadly, many in our world have become so accustomed to the spiritual darkness surrounding them that they believe it is acceptable. Many choose to believe God does not exist; therefore, they think their evil deeds and choices are without consequence. Christians know better.
As the Light, Jesus exposes both our great need for Him and His great love for us. Nicodemus was sincere but confused. His hope for salvation was based on a belief it could be attained by religiously keeping the Jewish law. Jesus wanted Nicodemus to understand that genuine salvation was a relationship, not a religion.
The truth of Jesus sets us free to live. (8:31–32)
There is nothing quite as liberating as the truth. It is especially beneficial if your memory isn’t what it used to be. Mark Twain once stated, “If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.” Knowing Christ is the only way to experience true and lasting freedom. Our common enemy has not changed his tactics after all these years. He twisted and lied about God’s Word in the Garden of Eden, and today he still attacks the validity and authority of Scripture.
God does not require us to memorize a list of trivial facts about the Bible, but He does require us to know the truth whose name is Jesus. Christ came to set us free from the bondage of the law and rules. Eternal freedom is only found in the person and completed work of Jesus. Are you truly free?
The truth of Jesus sets us free from sin. (8:33–36)
Christ reminds us we are all slaves to sin, and our only liberation is through Him. Never think we are free to sin; rather, we are free from sin. With each choice I make, I am either declaring my independence from sin or my dependence on it. The often-quoted reminders found in John 14:6 serve us well in our love for the truth. With Jesus, we have every one of our spiritual needs met — and that is the truth.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
