The following notes are from a message Jim McCracken gave to our church this past Sunday.
HOW THE TRUTH SETS US FREE
For the people of God, every generation has had unique challenges (to represent God). In the book of Esther, when God’s people faced extinction, Mordecai spoke the famous words to Esther: “Perhaps you have come to this royal place for such a time as this”.
Christians have always related to that statement knowing we are God’s people representing the Lord in our generation. At this time, one of our greatest challenges is also a great opportunity – a golden opportunity – it is concerning God’s truth.
Jesus said, “The truth will set you free.” How does the truth set us free? This saying of Jesus, “The truth will set you free,” is quoted a lot, even in the secular world – even in Hollywood movies! Unfortunately, this phrase is almost always quoted out of context, which, ironically, makes it no longer the truth, but actually makes it false. For example: If I commit a crime and the truth comes out about my misdeed, the truth actually puts me in jail! If we modify the truth and change it “to fit our own desires” we cannot expect to be set free by the truth.
The actual words of Jesus were spoken to a group of Jewish people who believed him and it went like this in John 8: “If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth will make you free.” (KJV)
“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (NIV)
Jesus, while on trial in John 18 before Pontius Pilate said: “I came to testify to the truth…if you listen to me you are on the side of truth”. Pontius Pilate replied, “What is truth?”
Jesus doesn’t just tell the truth.
Jesus doesn’t just speak the truth.
JESUS IS THE TRUTH (JOHN 14:6 = “I AM THE TRUTH”)
What does it mean that Jesus IS the truth?
In eternity past, with the Father and Holy Spirit, Jesus CREATED TRUTH.
In heaven, Jesus represents all that is true in past, present, and future.
On earth, Jesus represented everything that was true and right.
Truth is Jesus’ native language. (compared to John 8:44 where Jesus says “when the devil lies he is speaking his native language”)
Jesus is the embodiment of truth.
A. We are set free by the person of Jesus who is the embodiment of truth.
Grace and truth came in Jesus Christ.
B. Knowledge is not the same as truth. (We are not set free by knowledge)
Knowledge is increasing very fast. Some say human knowledge doubles every five years, others say every seven years – it is very fast.
Daniel 12:4 = “in the last days people will run to and fro and knowledge will increase.” It does not say that truth will increase.
Increase in knowledge does not mean an increase in truth.
In fact, when knowledge increases truth can become SCARCE.
2 Timothy 3:7 = Paul says in the last days people will be “ever learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth”.
C. Truth comes from the inside out.
Ephesians 1:18 = Paul’s prayer is that “the eyes of your heart would be opened / enlightened”
D. Truth is revealed in slow motion
Much like a replay in slow motion shows whether the pitch was a ball or strike, a catch was completed or trapped – truth is revealed in slow motion.
The truth setting us free is: A Set of Specific Experiences Happening over Time
Four Things to Remember!
1. DISCERN – surrounded by knowledge, don’t mistake it for truth
2. TRUST – Christ in you giving you specific experience over time: Don’t be anxious
3. PRAY – like Paul: for open eyes, enlightenment of heart
4. ENJOY – your freedom!!
HOW THE TRUTH SETS US FREE
For the people of God, every generation has had unique challenges (to represent God). In the book of Esther, when God’s people faced extinction, Mordecai spoke the famous words to Esther: “Perhaps you have come to this royal place for such a time as this”.
Christians have always related to that statement knowing we are God’s people representing the Lord in our generation. At this time, one of our greatest challenges is also a great opportunity – a golden opportunity – it is concerning God’s truth.
Jesus said, “The truth will set you free.” How does the truth set us free? This saying of Jesus, “The truth will set you free,” is quoted a lot, even in the secular world – even in Hollywood movies! Unfortunately, this phrase is almost always quoted out of context, which, ironically, makes it no longer the truth, but actually makes it false. For example: If I commit a crime and the truth comes out about my misdeed, the truth actually puts me in jail! If we modify the truth and change it “to fit our own desires” we cannot expect to be set free by the truth.
The actual words of Jesus were spoken to a group of Jewish people who believed him and it went like this in John 8: “If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth will make you free.” (KJV)
“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (NIV)
Jesus, while on trial in John 18 before Pontius Pilate said: “I came to testify to the truth…if you listen to me you are on the side of truth”. Pontius Pilate replied, “What is truth?”
Jesus doesn’t just tell the truth.
Jesus doesn’t just speak the truth.
JESUS IS THE TRUTH (JOHN 14:6 = “I AM THE TRUTH”)
What does it mean that Jesus IS the truth?
In eternity past, with the Father and Holy Spirit, Jesus CREATED TRUTH.
In heaven, Jesus represents all that is true in past, present, and future.
On earth, Jesus represented everything that was true and right.
Truth is Jesus’ native language. (compared to John 8:44 where Jesus says “when the devil lies he is speaking his native language”)
Jesus is the embodiment of truth.
A. We are set free by the person of Jesus who is the embodiment of truth.
Grace and truth came in Jesus Christ.
B. Knowledge is not the same as truth. (We are not set free by knowledge)
Knowledge is increasing very fast. Some say human knowledge doubles every five years, others say every seven years – it is very fast.
Daniel 12:4 = “in the last days people will run to and fro and knowledge will increase.” It does not say that truth will increase.
Increase in knowledge does not mean an increase in truth.
In fact, when knowledge increases truth can become SCARCE.
2 Timothy 3:7 = Paul says in the last days people will be “ever learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth”.
C. Truth comes from the inside out.
Ephesians 1:18 = Paul’s prayer is that “the eyes of your heart would be opened / enlightened”
D. Truth is revealed in slow motion
Much like a replay in slow motion shows whether the pitch was a ball or strike, a catch was completed or trapped – truth is revealed in slow motion.
The truth setting us free is: A Set of Specific Experiences Happening over Time
Four Things to Remember!
1. DISCERN – surrounded by knowledge, don’t mistake it for truth
2. TRUST – Christ in you giving you specific experience over time: Don’t be anxious
3. PRAY – like Paul: for open eyes, enlightenment of heart
4. ENJOY – your freedom!!
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