Let God Be True

STORY: Truth Be Told

One of my favorite songs on the airways right now is “Truth Be Told” by Matthew West. It speaks to me regarding so many of the things that matter in my life. But one aspect is universal—we all are in the pursuit of truth and sadly, there is so much false truth and fake news out there, it is sometimes hard to differentiate between truth and lies.

Let us seek and find truth, above all other treasures. When we find truth, it is the key that unlocks all the rest.

STUDY: Truth in Gospel of John

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 1:14 ESV)

• We know the Word to be Jesus Christ. It sounds as if he inherited some pretty important attributes from the Father, including glory.
• Why is it special to you that Jesus is full of grace and truth?

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:17 ESV)

• The law demanded justice. Grace provides forgiveness.
• This is the second time we’ve seen grace and truth paired together. What can they offer us together that they can’t if they come alone?

We can provide an opportunity for the light of truth to clear up the misunderstanding if we are willing to walk in that truth. Jesus told Nicodemus, “But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God” (John 3:21 ESV).

• Apart from Christ, people prefer darkness to light because they can remain comfortable in their sinful choices.
• When we come to faith in Jesus, we step into the light. What do light and truth have to do with each other?

But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23–24 NLT)

• How do you worship God in spirit?
• How do you worship God in truth?

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31–32 NLT)

• How is it we will know the truth?
• What do you think the truth sets you free from?

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” (John 14:6 NLT)

• The way provides the method to get to God. The truth provides the answers to be with God. The life gives us a reason to come to God.
• What happens if someone proclaims to be living a life of truth apart from a life in Jesus?

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. (John 14:16–17 NLT)

• What is comforting about Jesus asking the Father to send us the Advocate (Holy Spirit)?
• In this life, the pursuit of truth can get messy. How does God lead you into all truth?
• If the Advocate lives in you, how does that help you recognize truth?

“But I will send you the Advocate—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me. (John 15:26 NLT)

• How is the Holy Spirit your advocate? Knowing he is the Spirit of truth, how do his words to your heart and mind make a difference in your perspective and your actions?
• Notice the trinity here. The Spirit comes from the Father and is here to testify (tell us) all about Jesus.

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. (John 16:13 NLT)

• Who is the Spirit of truth? When did he come into your life?
• How does the Spirit of truth guide you into all truth?

Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. (John 17:17  NLT)

• How does truth make us holy?
• How is God’s Word truth?
• How have you personally pursued holiness through God’s Word?

Pilate said, “So you are a king?” Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.” (John 18:37 NLT)

• What was Jesus’s purpose for coming to earth? How is that different than coming as king?
• What does it mean to love the truth?
• What personally resonated with you about Jesus when you recognized that what he says is true?

STEPS: Discerning Truth

1. Find the truth of a matter. What issue is causing you to seek truth right now? How will you go about finding it? Ask the Holy Spirit to shine the light on truth and make it known.
2. Be a part of the truth team. Rather than being part of the problem, be intentional about dispelling falsehoods and promoting truth. Be careful to do it in a way that isn’t divisive. Share truth in a positive way so others have information to walk away from myths. What topic do you see that being an issue right now?

Copyright © 2021 Kathy Carlton Willis, used with permission.