1. Throughout Proverbs, Solomon wrote at length about "truth." a. Proverbs 3:3-4 b. Proverbs 12:17 c. Proverbs 14:22 d. Proverbs 16:6 2. In Proverbs 23:23 Solomon touched on the value of truth. a. It is available to those who will pay the price for it -- it can be attained. b. It is so valuable that it must be retained and never sold or discarded. 3. In our lesson we are studying passages that teach us about truth. 4. Let us begin with the Lord. Discussion: I. AS HE WENT ABOUT TEACHING AND PREACHING, JESUS HAD MUCH TO SAY ABOUT "TRUTH"
A. (John 4:23-24) Jesus said that true worshipers worship the Father "in spirit and in truth." B. (John 8:31-32) We can know the truth, and it will make us free. C. (John 14:6) Jesus identified Himself as "the truth." D. (John 17:17) Jesus identified God's Word as truth, and He said that God sanctifies through His truth. E. (John 18:37) As Jesus stood before Pilate, He said that: 1. He came to "bear witness unto the truth" 2. "Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice." F. Jesus certainly had much to say about truth during His ministry. G. The Lord's teaching helps us to understand and appreciate Solomon's statement in Proverbs 23:23. H. Let us turn our attention to the fact that . . . II. TRUTH IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE ARMOR OF GOD
A. In Ephesians 6 Christians are instructed twice to put on "the whole armor of God" (vs.11a, 13a). B. Putting on the armor of God will enable Christians to "stand against the wiles of the devil" (vs.11b, vs.13b). C. Our enemy is Satan, and he is opposed to truth. 1. (John 8:44) Jesus identified Satan as "a liar." 2. (Revelation 12:9) Satan is identified as a deceiver. 3. Satan demonstrated his ability to lie and deceive in his dealings with Eve (Genesis 3:1-5). 4. We are to resist Satan (James 4:7b). D. According to Ephesians 6:14a, the Christian soldier is to have his "loins girt about with truth." E. To be able to withstand Satan, Christians must be armed with "truth." III. WE ARE TO THINK ON "WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE TRUE" (Philippians 4:8) Conclusion:
1. We have examined a number of passages that teach us about the truth. 2. Let us buy it and never sell it. 3. Have you allowed God to sanctify you through His truth? 4. If you have, is truth a part of your armor?
