Sunday, January 3, 2010

More Truth

In reading through the Bible in 2009, my selected theme was truth. Earlier this week, Chris primed our pumps asking us what truth is. I am going to finish off the year sharing what I learned from this vital Biblical topic hoping that it encourages and challenges you as much as it did me.

Meditation

Psalm 85:11—Truth will spring up from the earth, and righteousness will look down from heaven.

There are seven themes regarding truth. The first and most common theme deals with the veracity of our words. Approximately, 115 times in 40 books the Bible illustrates importance in the accuracy of what we speak from our mouths.

The second major theme ties truth directly to God as an attribute and expression of His words and nature. In Exodus 34:6 we read, “Then the LORD passed in front of him [Moses] and proclaimed: Yahweh—Yahweh is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in faithful love and truth.” At least 78 times in 21 books of the Bible truth describes God, and His Word. Jesus and the Holy Spirit are also equated with truth.

The third major truth theme has to do with integrity and pertains to the character and actions of people. This is illustrated aptly by the description Jesus gives Nathaniel in John 1:47—“Here is a true Israelite; no deceit is in him.” Fifty-nine times in sixteen books truth is illustrated primarily as an issue of integrity.

The fourth major truth theme is particularly relevant to us because it describes the benefits of living truthfully. Because this list is so encouraging I am going to share at least 25 benefits we gain from truth:

1. God’s truth guides us in how we should live and what we should do.

2. God’s truth guards us and He becomes our shield.

3. We are sanctified by truth.

4. God does not withhold good from those who live with integrity.

5. People of integrity will remain in the land and dwell on the heights

6. Job notes how painful honest words can be. Truth forces us to examine issues we might rather avoid or set aside.

7. God does not reject a person of integrity.

8. Living honestly allows us to dwell in God’s presence

9. The LORD is near to those who call on Him with integrity.

10. The one who follows the way of integrity can serve God.

11. Integrity helps us wait on God whereas living in the flesh pulls us away.

12. Because of our integrity, God supports us.

13. Truth endures forever!

14. An honest witness does not deceive others.

15. A truthful witness rescues lives.

16. The king loves one who speaks honestly.

17. The children of a parent with integrity will be happy

18. An honest answer refreshes people.

19. The one who lives with integrity will be helped.

20. The nations will be blessed by the one who speaks God’s truth

21. The one who lives by truth, comes to the light.

22. The truth will set us free.

23. People of the truth listen to the words of Jesus.

24. Truth leads to godliness and makes us pure in God’s sight

25. Whoever lives with integrity fears the Lord.

The fifth theme reveals truth corrupted or attacked and the consequences that come from not walking in the truth. In sixteen books, 31 times we see truth undermined.

The sixth theme clearly reveals that God expects us to live and speak truthfully. The Old Testament prophets often reminded the people that they were only to speak God’s words. The Apostle Paul reminded the Ephesian church, “Since you put away lying, Speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, because we are members of one another” (Ephesians 4:25). At least 16 books illustrate 27 times that truth is expected.

The least mentioned theme shows how truth is applied to material objects (honest scales, true tabernacle, the book of truth, etc.).

As we enter the year 2010, let us resolve to walk in truth for the glory of the Father of Truth. Our hope in reaching people with the gospel is to walk with integrity thereby gaining God’s favor and help.

Inspiration

I have long sought the Truth, but without finding it. I have travelled far and near, but have never searched it out. In Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, I have found no rest. But I do find rest in what we have heard tonight. Henceforth, I am a believer in Jesus.Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor in Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret