Jesus Is the Truth: Only His Disciples Are Rooted in the Truth

Almost two thousand years ago, Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?” (John 18:38). For some, it is the ever-changing fuzziness of whatever they want it to be. The Bible says Jesus is the essence of truth (John 14:6, Ephesians 4:21). He alone is the way to the Father and abundant life.

Those who live with another focus are not people of the truth, no matter how honest and moral they seem. People of the truth seek God’s glory.

All others seek their own (John 7:18). By default, the devil, who invented lying, controls those who live a self-centered existence (John 8:44). Worshipping what God has made instead of Him (Romans 1:25) reveals their true devotion.

Rebellion against God underlies lying and deception (Jeremiah 9:5, Daniel 8:12). The rebellious disregard God’s truth and reject His correction (Jeremiah 7:28).

Surprisingly, some who love evil and falsehood instruct others about God (Psalm 52:3). They twist the truth to gain followers (Acts 20:30). Beware of lying pretenders. Their lifestyles reflect their true values. By contrast, those who pay attention to the truth turn from sins and receive God’s favor (Daniel 9:13).

We stockpile the truth and its associated wisdom, instruction, and insight (Proverbs 23:23), like chipmunks store food for the winter. Our spiritual health depends on it. We love the truth and what is good (Psalm 52:3, 2 Thessalonians 2:10).

God’s word is truth (Psalm 119:43). It declares what is true and right (Isaiah 45:19, Mark 12:14) and guides us (Psalm 25:5).

The Holy Spirit leads us on the journey toward total truth (John 16:13). When we do what is right and live beyond reproach, we speak the truth from our hearts (Psalm 15:2). We live the truth (2 John 1:4) and live in the light (1 John 1:6). Our good and righteous actions are obvious (John 3:21, Ephesians 5:9).

Jesus Christ, the glorious Son of God and the Word, introduces grace and truth and is full of both (John 1:14, 17). He came to testify to the truth. Those who are for truth listen to Him (John 18:37). When we receive what He has seen and heard from God, we agree that God tells the truth (John 3:33, John 8:40).

Knowing the truth sets us free (John 8:32). By contrast, God will pour out His anger on those who live for themselves and ignore or thumb their noses at the truth (Romans 1:18, Romans 2:8).

The word of truth from God that we must know and believe to be saved is the gospel (Ephesians 1:13, Galatians 2:5, James 1:18). God grants the ability to repent for that to happen (2 Timothy 2:25).

Jesus is the embodied gospel Word. He is the Messenger and the Message. His church is the pillar and foundation of the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:13, 1 Timothy 3:15).

Following Jesus means obeying the truth (Galatians 5:7). Obedience purifies us to sincerely and deeply love other believers (1 Peter 1:22, 1 John 3:18-19).

Approved workers correctly teach God’s truth in love to nourish us and lead us toward spiritual maturity and godliness (Ephesians 4:15, 1 Timothy 3:15, 1 Timothy 4:6, Titus 1:1). Some truths they teach are elementary. Others are not (Hebrews 5:12).

Are we firmly planted in the soil of the truth (2 Peter 1:12)? We are only if our lives are Jesus-centered. What is your takeaway? See additional free spiritual growth resources for Christians.   #freediscipleshipresources #freeevangelismresources #freechristianleadershipresources

God has empowered me to write His Power for Your Weakness—260 Steps Toward Spiritual Strength. It’s a free, evangelistic, devotional, and discipleship e-book. Pastors have used it in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia to lead 6,714 people to Christ and teach the basics of Christianity to 15,936 people. I invite you to explore and use it in your setting.

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