See 2020 Truth / 2 Timothy 3

Introduction:

Seeing Truth as truth

A lot of people have a pragmatic view of truth

As Christians we rely on Scripture

Today, we will assume that the Bible is true.

John 18:38 NET

38 Pilate asked, “What is truth?” When he had said this he went back outside to the Jewish leaders and announced, “I find no basis for an accusation against him.

1. It (truth) is not about you

Post Modern / Post Truth era

People are focused on personal feelings and pleasure

You may want to be rich and you can steal, but reaching your goal doesn’t make stealing right.

Dallas Willard wrote about a female student’s story in his book, The Divine Conspiracy. The student asked the ethics professor, “What is the point of knowing good if you don’t keep trying to become a good person?”

2 Timothy 3:1–9 NET

1 But understand this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2 For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, savage, opposed to what is good, 4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, loving pleasure rather than loving God. 5 They will maintain the outward appearance of religion but will have repudiated its power. So avoid people like these.6 For some of these insinuate themselves into households and captivate weak women who are overwhelmed with sins and led along by various passions. 7 Such women are always seeking instruction, yet never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 8 And just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these people—who have warped minds and are disqualified in the faith—also oppose the truth. 9 But they will not go much further, for their foolishness will be obvious to everyone, just like it was with Jannes and Jambres.

2. It is all about God’s Glory

2 Timothy 3:10–17 NET

10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, my endurance, 11 as well as the persecutions and sufferings that happened to me in Antioch, in Iconium, and in Lystra. I endured these persecutions and the Lord delivered me from them all. 12 Now in fact all who want to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 13 But evil people and charlatans will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived themselves.14 You, however, must continue in the things you have learned and are confident about. You know who taught you15 and how from infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.

3. We have ample ways to know God better

A. Spirit

B. Scripture

C. School

Conclusion: Go get your eyes checked!

Are you eyes rolling back just to be seeing yourself?

Are you pursuing God through Spirit, Scripture and School?

Are you sharing, serving and loving others?

See 2020 Truth