Opening Prayer:
Make me know Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Lead me by Your truth and Direct me through the difficult decisions of life, for You are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in You (adapted from Psalm 24:5, NLT). In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Today’s Bible Verse: Read John 8:31-32
Jesus therefore was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you abide in My Word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" John 8:31-32.
Associated Scriptures:
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path (Psalm 119:105).
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6-7).
Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14).
Supportive Quotes:
Relativism comes into play when someone says, “There is no objective, external standard for right and wrong that is valid for everyone.[1] – John Piper
One must keep on pointing out that Christianity is a statement which, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The one thing it cannot be is moderately important."[2] – C. S. Lewis
The Christian's first line of defense against Satan's deceitful schemes is a knowledge of the truth about God and His ways.[3] – David Jeremiah
Biblical Analysis:
Introduction: God is absolute Truth.
I have noticed recently that there is broadening belief and practice in our society that unenforceable laws don’t need to be obeyed. When driving a car, for example, since the police cannot be everywhere at one time, many people drive in the H. O. V. lane with only one person in the car. Most drivers today do not come to a complete stop at stop signs, and many ignore them all together. Behavior has become a product of expediency. Truth, in the case of man’s laws, depends on the individual’s situation and on the authority of man. The rule of law is no longer obeyed.
God’s truth and His righteousness are absolutes. Mankind’s attempt to rationalize God’s truth is in vain. Truth is relative to God. Moral truth relies on the authority of God as outlined in His Word, the Bible. Mankind rationalizes man’s laws. We try to do the same with God’s truth. However, unlike the police, God is always there.
Because God is absolute truth…
You are truly My disciples if you keep obeying My teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:31-32 NLT).
We all desire freedom. However, true freedom, the freedom taught in the Bible, requires that we be obedient to God. If we are to experience the freedom Jesus is promising His disciples, we must obey His teachings. The foundation for Christ’s teachings are found in the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:36-40), love God and love others, and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), spread the gospel message, baptize those who accept it, and disciple those who believe by teaching them His truth, the Bible.
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him (John 3:36).
God has given us a myriad of promises in His Word. However, none is so precious or so terrifying as the one found in John 3:36. To those who believe in Him (Romans 10:9-10) and have made Jesus the Lord of their lives, He promises eternal life. This promise is the precious part. But to those who reject Jesus, the promise is the full wrath of God, eternal wrath. This means unrelenting eternal punishment.
The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous (Psalm 19:8-9b, NASB)
In Psalm 19: 8-9b we see three interesting benefits of the words of God. First, we see that since God’s Word is right (righteous), He will give us a rejoicing heart. Secondly, God’s message is pure (without any spot). Finally, we see that God’s Word is firm (not wavering). The Word of God will cause us to be upright and stable in our ways (Psalm 119:11).
His merciful kindness is great toward us, and the truth of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord (Psalm 117:2)!
God’s truth endures forever because He has no beginning or end and He is eternal and immutable.
Spiritual Application:
When we face moral decisions in life, we know right from wrong. Paul tells us that even without the law, by our conscience we do the things that are written in the law (Romans 2:24-25). Knowing this, we should be obedient to God in all things (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Lesson Within the Lesson:
How does the truth of God set us free? Study and discuss 2 Corinthians 3:17 and John 8:36.
Why does Jesus set us free? Consider Galatians 5:13-14 and Acts 13:38-39.
How can we know that God will fulfill His promises? Use Joshua 21:45 and Ezekiel 12:28.
How important is the conscience to unbelievers? Analyze Romans 2:15.
[1] John Piper, The Challenge of Relativism, © By John Piper. Desiring God Foundation. Source: desiringGod.org, desiringgod.org/messages/the-challenge-of-relativism.
[2] C. S. Lewis, On the Question of Truth, Copyright (c) 2011 Apologetics 315, apologetics315.com/2012/07/cs-lewis-on-question-of-truth.html.
[3] David Jeremiah, The Gridle of Truth, copyright 2000 - 2018 Dr. David Jeremiah, turning point for God. All rights reserved.
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