Truth Matters by Pastor Dave

“Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long.”
Psalm 25: 5
 
Reading: 2 Timothy 3: 1-7
 
Introduction
     On Sunday we held our act of Remembrance and considered the Grace of God within conflict and war. We remembered a man called Paul Schneider and his stance, as an ordained Pastor, against Hitler, untruth and evil; ultimately, he gave his life. We understood that unless we learn from our history, we often repeat it; evil exists, the vulnerable suffer so truth matters. The essential truth of life is that of Jesus Christ and the salvation God offers through Him in His grace. This is humanity’s true hope, joy, eternal destiny and amazing inheritance (1 Peter 1: 3-9)
 
Truth Matters
     Pilate famously asked Jesus Christ, at His so-called trial, “What is truth?” (John 18: 38). Jesus is said to be the ‘truth,’ He said this of Himself (John 14: 6). What do you believe is the truth of life; what do you understand Jesus to mean when He says He is ‘the way, the truth and the life?’
    
Application Questions
     What other ‘truths’ does culture and society believe in? Read 2 Timothy 3: 1-7. What trends do you see in this passage that are reflected in our society, church and lives?
     Paul Schneider gave His life for the truth of God that he committed to and believed in. Where do you think his courage and strength came from; would you be able to make such a stand? Consider 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10 and Hebrews 4: 16.
     Jesus has walked this path before us and for us. Death and sin have been defeated through His self-sacrifice and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15: 56-57). Remember His prayer in Gethsemane (Matthew 26: 36-46), remember His motives (Hebrews 12: 1-2) and His journey (Philippians 2: 5-11). How does such grace and faith provide us with strength and confidence? How will you live in God’s truth today, how will you know His freedom (John 8: 32)?
   
Prayer
    God of compassion and love may we know your grace and joy through faith in Jesus. Forgive our sins, relieve our misery, satisfy our longing, and fulfill all our hopes for peace; through your Son Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen
 
Praise 
Abide with Me sung by Audrey Assad
Ain’t no Grave – Bethel Music and Molly Skaggs