1. Transformed by Truth
Graeme Sterne
2005

2. The Truth Transforms us
“People need more than bread for their life; they must feed on every word of God.”
Matthew 4:4 (NLT)
“Take all these words I have solemnly declared to you … they are not just idle words for you they are your life!”
Deuteronomy 32: 46 (NIV)

3. Spiritual growth is a process of replacing lies with truth
For example:
“Doing wrong things is no problem, so long as no one gets hurt”
“Sin is just something Christians make up to spoil my fun”
“I’m useless” or “I’m the centre of things”
“There are many ways to heaven”
“Truth is relative. It depends on the situation”

4. What were the reasons for this?
The kings of Israel were commanded to make a copy of the Law and keep it beside them all the time Deuteronomy 17:18
What were the reasons for this?
To learn to revere the Lord
To follow carefully all the words of this law
To not consider himself better than his brothers
To ensure they would not turn aside from God
The word of God tells me the truth and keeps bringing me back to what’s important

5. The Bible is far more than a doctrinal guidebook
God’s word generates life
Creates faith
Produces change
Frightens the Devil
Causes miracles
Heals hurts
Builds character
Imparts joy

6. Do you live by the Word of God?
Do you accept its authority?
Or do you live according one of the following?
Culture (Everyone is doing it)
Tradition (That’s how we always do it)
Reason (It makes sense to do it this way)
Emotion (it feels good to do it this way)

7. Do you live by the Word of God?
Do you assimilate its truth?
Remember the story about the different soils?
Mark 4
Hard soil (closed mind)
Shallow soil (superficial receiver)
Soil with weeds (competing interests)

8. You can’t watch TV for three hours, then read the Bible for three minutes and expect to grow

9. How’s your Bible intake?
Receive by hearing from others
Read it for yourself (or others)
Research it
Remember it
Reflect on it
How many minutes per week are dedicated to this?

10. Are you applying it?
We fool ourselves when we assume that because we have heard or read something, we have internalized it
Write down what you will do
Share your decision with another person
Do not rush onto new things without addressing the things God has already said to you
Develop a tendency towards obedience

11. “If you hold to My teaching, you are truly My disciples
“If you hold to My teaching, you are truly My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” John 8:32