You CAN Handle the Truth

Bible Passage: 1 John 2:26–27, Proverbs 19:9

A state trooper pulls a car over for speeding. The officer says to the driver, “I clocked you at 84 miles per hour, sir.’”

The driver says, “Oh my, officer, I had it on cruise control at 65; perhaps your radar needs calibrating.”

Not looking up from her cell phone the wife says, “Now don’t be silly, dear, you know the cruise control stopped working years ago.”

As the officer writes out the ticket, the driver looked over at his wife and growls, “Can’t you please keep quiet for once?!”

His wife smiles demurely and says, “You should be thankful your radar detector went off when it did.”

As the officer makes out the second ticket for the illegal radar detector unit, the man looks at his wife again and through gritted teeth he says, “Woman, can’t you keep quiet?!”

The officer frowns and says, “I noticed you’re not wearing your seat belt, sir. That’s an automatic $75 fine.”

The driver says, “Yeah, well, you see officer, I had it on, but took it off when you pulled me over so I could get my license out of my back pocket.”

The man’s wife said, “Now, honey, you never wear your seat belt when you’re driving.”

As the police officer is now writing out the third ticket the driver turns to his wife and barks, ‘Pleease shut up!”

The officer looks over at the woman and asks, “Does your husband always talk to you this way, ma’am?” and she says, “Only when he’s been drinking.”

“I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.” (1 John 2:26–27, ESV)

Summary: In a world filled with misinformation and false beliefs, 1 John 2:26-27 emphasizes the importance of the anointing we have from the Holy One, which teaches us the truth. Proverbs 19:9 warns that a false witness will not go unpunished, highlighting the severity of deceit.

Application: This sermon can help Christians and others understand the significance of seeking divine wisdom and discernment in an age of deception. It encourages the audience to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and to seek truth in their lives, combating the lies that permeate our culture.

Teaching: The teaching centers on the necessity of discernment and reliance on the Holy Spirit as well as the consequences of falsehood. It presents tools for understanding true wisdom and contrasts it with the lies presented in contemporary society.

How this passage could point to Christ: Christ fulfills the role of truth and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. He is the one who anoints believers, equipping them to discern truth from error and live righteously in a world of lies.

Big Idea: While the world may present countless lies, the truth we find in Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit enable us to navigate through deception and stand firm in our faith.

Recommended Study: In preparing this sermon, consider diving into the historical context of 1 John to understand the early church's struggles with false teachings using your Logos library. Explore the meanings of 'anointing' and 'truth' in biblical literature and look at various commentaries on Proverbs to grasp how wisdom literature addresses the theme of deception. Additionally, review resources on contemporary cultural influences that challenge Christian truth claims.

1. Recognize Deceptive Distractions

1 John 2:26

You could start by addressing the deceptive messages surrounding us and the potential for Christians to be led astray. This passage highlights the need to remain vigilant and discerning, recognizing that many are trying to deceive. Emphasize the importance of inviting Christ into our decision-making to seek truth amidst lies and the anointing as a resource for true knowledge.

2. Rely on Divine Anointing

1 John 2:27

Perhaps, draw attention to the anointing received from God, which teaches us everything we need to know. This point can reassure the audience of the guidance and reliability of the Holy Spirit, encouraging them to stay true to what they have learned from Christ. Focus on cultivating a life that rests on the Holy Spirit's wisdom, transcending the noise of worldly deception.

3. Repercussions of False Testimony

Proverbs 19:9

Explore the theme of accountability in this verse and the ultimate justice of God. Maybe illustrate the eventual downfall of lies with real-world examples and stress the assurance we have in God's justice. This point should remind the audience of the serious repercussions of deceit and the value of integrity found in Christ.

4. Reflect Christ's Truth

Proverbs 19:9

Dive into the ethos of truth living through Christ. Highlight how believers, emboldened by their faith, can serve as beacons of truth in a deceitful world. This suggests that our lives should reflect Christ's truth, influencing society positively and understanding that our witness in honesty aligns with divine justice.