GETTING READY FOR THE WEEK
SUNDAY, MAY 18
READING: 2 TIMOTHY 3:16 | COLOSSIANS 3:16 | 1 TIMOTHY 3:14-15
Jesus believed God's Word is truth, and he believed the Scripture was a trustworthy guide for holy and truthful living. In John 17:17 Jesus prayed, "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” The Psalmist agreed when he penned his prayer in Psalm 25:5 - "Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation …”
Truth is important, even critical. Basing our conclusions and decisions on something that is NOT true is likely to spoil our plans, lead us in the wrong direction, and in some cases may even cost us our lives. If we say things that are NOT true in the court of law we will likely face legal penalties. We expect a good scientist, historian or detective to do thorough work and make conclusions based on truth and reality.
A strange phrase we often hear today is connected to the idea that we should each “find our own truth.” This idea has led to all sorts of wrong conclusions and further problems. As D. Willard says, “Truth reveals reality, and reality can be described as what we humans run into when we are wrong, a collision in which we always lose.”
“Finding your own truth” is based on listening to yourself for guidance, being aware of your preferred truth, and taking action based on that truth. It is about living a life that is “authentic” to who you think you are as you try to break free from expectations and limitations — and embrace your unique SELF. I think we can agree that this trend of self-referencing as a source of truth is NOT going so well.
When followers of Jesus come to the important matter of truth, we want to enter this realm with HIM praying, “Jesus, here too, I will be your student. I will learn what you want me to learn about TRUTH. You are my point of reference in all of life. I ask for grace and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to learn to think and reason like you.”
Truth is important, even critical. Basing our conclusions and decisions on something that is NOT true is likely to spoil our plans, lead us in the wrong direction, and in some cases may even cost us our lives. If we say things that are NOT true in the court of law we will likely face legal penalties. We expect a good scientist, historian or detective to do thorough work and make conclusions based on truth and reality.
A strange phrase we often hear today is connected to the idea that we should each “find our own truth.” This idea has led to all sorts of wrong conclusions and further problems. As D. Willard says, “Truth reveals reality, and reality can be described as what we humans run into when we are wrong, a collision in which we always lose.”
“Finding your own truth” is based on listening to yourself for guidance, being aware of your preferred truth, and taking action based on that truth. It is about living a life that is “authentic” to who you think you are as you try to break free from expectations and limitations — and embrace your unique SELF. I think we can agree that this trend of self-referencing as a source of truth is NOT going so well.
When followers of Jesus come to the important matter of truth, we want to enter this realm with HIM praying, “Jesus, here too, I will be your student. I will learn what you want me to learn about TRUTH. You are my point of reference in all of life. I ask for grace and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to learn to think and reason like you.”
JOURNALING QUESTIONS | PRAYER PROMPTS
Jesus believed the Hebrew Bible was God’s inspired WORD. He taught his disciples that Scripture has the authority to correct our thinking and behavior. As you consider the importance of Jesus’ teaching, write a prayer in your journal seeking wisdom and understanding. Remember, Jesus is not intimidated by our questions — we can ask him anything! Try starting your prayer with a few of these prompts:
*Consider a helpful passage like Col 3:5 … put to death whatever belongs to your earthly nature — sexual immortality, impurity, lust, evil desires, greed and idolatry, anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie. Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and LOVE.
- Jesus, I am confused about …
- Lord, help me correct my thinking about …
- Holy Spirit, guide me to a better understanding of …
- Father, I know what your word says about *______, please help me reform my thinking to realign with your thoughts about _____.
*Consider a helpful passage like Col 3:5 … put to death whatever belongs to your earthly nature — sexual immortality, impurity, lust, evil desires, greed and idolatry, anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie. Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and LOVE.