1. In vs.32 Jesus mentioned an important objective -- "knowing the truth." 2. Knowing the truth is not accomplished by accident -- we must continue in the Lord's Word. 3. The truth provides a special blessing -- it makes us free. 4. In our lesson we are studying a number of passages that teach us about the truth -- as we study, "let us learn about the truth." 5. The first point we need to make is that . . . Discussion: I. SOLOMON TOUCHED ON THE PURSUIT OF "TRUTH" (Proverbs 23:23a)
A. "Buy the truth" indicates that there is a price to pay to attain truth -- it is attainable. B. "Sell it not" indicates that truth must be retained -- it must not be discarded. C. God's people are to pursue truth -- buy it and don't sell it. II. DURING HIS MINISTRY 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 1. Jesus said that He came to "bear witness unto the truth." 2. "Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice." F. While Jesus had much to say about truth during His ministry, let us turn our attention to the fact that . . . III. 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. 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." IV. 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. Have you allowed God to sanctify you through His truth? 3. If you have, is truth a part of your armor?
