“What is Truth?” #829

37  Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” 38  Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.” (John 18:37–38, NKJV)

The Truth was standing before him, and still Pilate questioned whether truth even existed! So it still is. Jesus is the embodiment of truth, His voice always spoke truth, and His life always lived truth. There was no fault in Him at all. Although we live in a world that says truth is relative, fluctuating and subjective, that is not at all what Jesus said. Truth is real. Truth is definable. Truth can be known, and truth can be lived (Jno. 8:31-32). The problem does not lie with the truth, but with hearts that will not bend, be shaped and molded by the truth. Like Pilate, the decision is ours. We can defy the truth, or, we can listen to the voice of Jesus. The former brings death, the latter gives life (Jno. 1:17; 14:6).

Do not lie to one another #799

9  Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10  and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him (Colossians 3:9–10, NKJV)

Yes, it happens. Christians, lying to Christians. And so, the apostle give a blunt and direct commandment not to lie to one another. Lying can take different forms, every one of which belongs to the “old man” of sin that was cut away by the circumcision of Christ (Col. 2:11-12). Lies may be verbal, but lies may also occur through deceitful actions. Lies mislead, conceal, divert and deceive. Lying takes place in order to deflect personal responsibility. It is of particular importance that Christians are characterized by truth and truthfulness, not deception, because we are new creatures in Christ. We are to bear the moral likeness of Jesus, not the immoral likeness of the world (v. 10). When you look at yourself in the mirror, do you see someone who speaks truth with his neighbor (Eph. 4:25)? Or, are lying eyes looking back at you? Build godly character, put away lying and speak the truth.

“Let the Peace of God Rule” #773

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. (Colossians 3:15, NKJV)

Anyone who knows baseball knows the umpire has the final say on the field; balls, strikes, safe, out. Players will disagree and coaches will object. But, when the umpire rules, that settles the matter. When Christians face moments of conflict, we must recall and rely on the peace of God to be our “umpire” to bring us to a godly resolution. The peace of God is the decisive factor that controls our hearts and helps us maintain unity in the “one body,” the church. Let each one express thanks to be sharing peace in Christ, who is our means of peace with God and with one another (Eph. 2:14-18). In the moment of conflict, instead of being driven by selfishness, pride, envy, anger and other sinful impulses of the heart, allow God’s peace decide the matter. By using God’s truth to guide you, endeavor “to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3). To be at peace with fellow Christians, remember the peace you share in Christ.

“I Declare Things That Are Right” #762

I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth; I did not say to the seed of Jacob, ‘Seek Me in vain’; I, the Lord, speak righteousness, I declare things that are right. (Isaiah 45:19, NKJV)

God has revealed Himself openly and not in dark caves. Divine truth is not hidden. It is not ambiguous like the heathen oracles of the idolatrous nations round about ancient Israel. In our day, many believe truth is relative, entirely subject to individual feelings and preferences. No. Truth is not superstition elevated to dogma. Truth does not vacillate like a shifting shadow. It is God Himself who speaks truth. He declares what is right. The Bible, God’s word, is right. It is true. In His righteous word we seek for God and His will, and our search is not in vain. Where are you looking for God? You will find Him in His righteous word. “Let God be true but every man a liar” aptly emphasize that God’s word is always right (Rom. 3:4). Build your faith on the solid foundation of God’s word. It is right.

Valiant for the Truth #747

“And like their bow they have bent their tongues for lies. They are not valiant for the truth on the earth. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not know Me,” says the Lord. (Jeremiah 9:3, NKJV)

Among the sins in Judah that brought Jeremiah to tears were the lies that characterized their daily existence. Dishonesty had become their nature; deceit and lies prevailed in the land rather than truth. God is a God of truth and utter integrity, and He hates “a lying tongue” (Prov. 6:16-17). His people must be holy, as He is holy. But, Judah ran from sin to sin, conforming to the evil around them instead of the holiness of Jehovah. This stern warning of divine rebuke and judgment stirs our devotion to truth, to be trustworthy in word and deed. Since “every transgression and disobedience received a just reward” under the Law of Moses, we will not escape if we choose lies over truth (Heb. 2:2-3). Be noble and brave for the truth, even when those around you speak lies. “Refrain your tongue from evil” and your “lips from speaking deceit” (1 Pet. 3:10).

He Who Speaks the Truth in His Heart #736

1  Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? 2  He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart… (Psalm 15:1-2, NKJV)

The honest of heart are given permission to enter and remain in God’s tent for the rest of His holy presence and the protection of His sovereign care. King Solomon counseled his son to guard his heart diligently, “for out of it spring the issues of life” (Prov. 4:23). In another place he reminds us that a person is what he thinks (Prov. 23:7). Truth proceeds from the heart of the honest person. He speaks truth to his neighbor, rather than deceit (Eph. 4:25; 1 Pet. 3:10). A deceptive heart speaks lies, whereas an honest heart has the truth written upon it. When we speak, may it always be from a heart that esteems and demands the truth. With such a heart we establish and maintain the character of honesty, integrity and trustworthiness that pleases God.

Who has Bewitched You? #722

O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? (Galatians 3:1, NKJV)

It is not enough to believe Jesus Christ died for our sins in order to be saved. His crucifixion has been posted like a billboard for all to see through preaching “Christ crucified” (1 Cor. 1:23). Yet, to be saved from our sins and kept in Christ’s blessed care Christians must faithfully run the race and “obey the truth” (see Gal. 5:7). The Christians in Galatia had fallen under an evil influence that convinced them they could be true to Christ yet not obey the truth. Many continue to be bewitched with the evil influence of salvation by a faith that fails to obey the truth. Genuine faith in Christ calls for our obedience, for He is “the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Heb. 5:9). “Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is,” and by faith obey His truth (Eph. 5:17).

False Teachers Among You #631

1  But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2  And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.” (2 Peter 2:1–2, NKJV)

False teachers. They existed in Peter’s day. They still do. Their teaching is false; destructive and divisive as it denies the Lord and His truth. By their error they bring upon themselves swift and sure destruction of the Lord’s judgment. The “way of truth”, God’s word, is the standard that exposes false teaching and the false teacher. The false teacher’s error blasphemes truth, and tragically, “many will follow their destructive ways” of error. Make no mistake, it matters what you teach, what you believe and what you follow. Otherwise, this text is meaningless. Be sure you are teaching the “way of truth”, not error. And, be sure you are following the Lord’s way of truth and not false teachers who will lead you to destruction. Examine the Scriptures. Teach, believe and follow the truth of God (Acts 17:11-12).

Lying Lips #606

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight.” (Proverbs 12:22, NKJV)

Honesty must be part of the defining character of every Christian. Deceit takes different forms, all of which are detestable to God. A lie is a deliberate falsehood (Gen. 27:19). It can take the form of an evasive answer, as when Cain answered God’s question about Abel (Gen. 4:9). The misrepresentation of facts is also lying, as when Gehazi lied to Naaman (2 Kgs. 5:20-27). Misrepresenting oneself to others is also lying, as when Ananias and his wife lied (Acts 5:1-4). God takes joy in those who are truthful in their dealing with others. On the other hand, dishonesty is hostile to God and to His truth. Lying originates from the devil, and all liars will join him in the eternal fire of hell (Jno. 8:44; Rev. 21:8, 27). Put away lying in all its forms and speak the truth (Eph. 4:24-25).

The Desires of Your Father #604

43  Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. 44  You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. (John 8:43–44, NKJV)

Jesus challenged His audience to examine why they argued with Him and opposed His teachings. Why did they refuse to know and abide in the truth (Jno. 8:31-32)? Why couldn’t they understand what He was saying? Not because it was unknowable, but because they were not listening to Him with willing hearts. They were not committed to knowing and following His word (v. 43). Why were their hearts so closed that they would not believe and follow Jesus? Because they desired the sins of the devil instead of the truth of God (v. 44). The devil is a liar who convinces people not to believe the Bible, the word of God. He lies about Jesus, the Son of God. He lies about His gospel, God’s power to save. He lies about Christians as they follow the truth of Christ. At some point, all who reject the word of Jesus must face what is apparent: They are children of the devil, not children of God. That which we desire will be reflected in our attitude and actions toward Jesus and His word of truth.