Walking In Truth

WALKING IN TRUTH

III JOHN 3, 4

For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth

I.                   BE TRUTHFUL WITH GOD

Proverbs 12:22 “The Lord detest lying lips, and he delights in men who are truthful.” Psalm 51:6 “You desire truth in the inner parts.” There are three barriers to honest with God:

A.   RATIONALIZATION. Rationalization says “My sings are not as bad as those others are committing.”

B.   JUSTIFICATION. We tell ourselves that we are exceptions to the rules.

C.   PROJECTION. We quickly discern and judge the sins of others so that we do not have to deal with our own sins.

II.                BE TRUTHFUL WITH OTHERS. The Bible says to speak the truth in love and that each of us is to “put of falsehood and speak truhtfully to his neighbor (Ephesians 4:15, 25)

A.   IN REGARD TO RELATIONSHIPS. Lying and deceit causes people no to trust us

B.   IN REGARD TO SINS. To God and to others.

III.             BE TRUTHFUL WITH YOURSELF

A.   WE PLAY GAMES TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT PEOPLE WANT FROM US SO THAT THEY WILL LOVE US

B.   OLD SAYING “IN OUR 20’S WE WORRY ABOUT WHAT PEOPLE THINK OF US. IN OUR 40’S WE DON’T CARE WHAT THEY THINK, AND IN OUR 60’S WE REALIZE THEY HAVEN’T BEEN THINKING ABOUT US AT ALL!”

C.   THERE IS NO ONE IN THE WORLD JUST LIKE YOU.

1.     You are unique, and you bring something unique to this world that your family, friends and associates need from you.

2.     The church needs your gifts and service so that it can be all that it is designed to be.

The Church is only whole when all the parts of the body are fully functioning. So let your light shine – the unique, individual light of your personality.