** Truth must come first...
...Truth inspires Reason and Faith which produce sound Belief.
3 Convincing or Confusing Kinds of Truth
Truth 1 – Truths based in Faith and not seemingly of Reason.
…revealed in God’s Word but not evident by observing creation
Truth 2 – Truths based in both Faith and Reason
…revealed in God’s Word and clearly evident by Reason (observation).
Romans 1:19-20 – “ They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. 20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.” (NLT)
Truth 3 – Truths based in Reason but not of Faith
…not discussed in God’s Word but is clearly evident or real.
** Basically:
a. Truth is truth ...no matter its source or how we come to understand it.
b. Truth does not contradict another truth…otherwise, one or both are false, not “truth.”
c. There is no such thing as “my truth”....you may have preferences and opinions, but there is no subjectivetruth.
Point: The question is, will we accept the Truth when the evidence is clear and undeniable?
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer
to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
But do this with gentleness and respect.”
- 1 Peter 3:15
“Faith” = a sound response to truth...
or a confident acceptance of the evidence presented.
Josh McDowell – “Evidence is not for proving the Word of God, but rather for providing a basis for faith.”
“Reason” = an ability to acknowledge and embrace Truth when given the evidence.
Augustine - “Faith and reason work together to help people know God.”
The Impact of Truth as Received by Faith and Reason
Impact 1 – Truth frees us to please God.
** Faith and Reason inspire us to respond to Truth through anointed acceptance.
Hebrews 11:1-3, 6 – “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”
Impact 2 – Truth leads to greater trust and less anxiety.
** Since “Trust” is rooted in “Truth”... Christians say, “Only a Fool would NOT trust God.”
Matthew 6:30-34 – Jesus said, “But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you – you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ 32 For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
Impact 3 – Truth leads to miraculous outcomes.
Matthew 21:21 - Jesus answered them, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ it will be done.”
Application: Of course, the most miraculous outcome for Christians is the Resurrection.
No comments:
Post a Comment