1. Characteristics of Truth

2. Truth doesn’t contradict itself
1 Corinthians 1:10, 13 – speak the same thing
1 Corinthians 14:33 – God is not the author of confusion
1 Corinthians 4:17 – Paul taught the same thing everywhere
Many today reject God’s word thinking it is filled with contradictions
There are answers!

3. Truth can be understood
2 Timothy 3:16-17 – with God’s word we can be complete
Ephesians 5:17, understand His will (commanded)
Ephesians 3:4, Paul wrote so that they could understand
2 Timothy 2:15, BUT, we have to work at it

4. Truth comes at a cost
While freely available to all, it comes at a high price – YOU!
Matthew 16:24-26, 10:34-39, will we put Him first?
Matthew 19:21-22, the rich, young ruler went away sorrowful
While the price is high, the dividend makes it worthwhile – Romans 8:18, Philippians 3:7-9
Proverbs 23:23

5. Truth is no respecter…
We sometimes are respecters of persons. But truth is unbiased
James 2:1-9, do we show partiality?
Galatians 2:11-14, Peter condemned for partiality
God shows no partiality – Acts 10:34-35, Romans 2:8-11 (John 12:47-48) On the day of judgment we will be judged by the books – Revelation 20:12, 15

6. Truth sets us apart John 17:17, sanctify – means to set apart
We are to be set apart – 1 Peter 2:9
We are to be set apart from those practicing/teaching error – Ephesians 5:11, 2 Corinthians 6:17
Matthew 25:31-32 – on that day there will be a separation

7. Truth hurts at times
Truth is not always pleasant! How many avoid the truth because of consequences?
Also true spiritually – sever relationships, fellowship, give up behaviors, etc.
Galatians 4:16, Romans 9:1-3
Matthew 23:37-39, Luke 19:41– Jesus grieved

8. Truth hurts at times Hebrews 4:12
But while truth hurts, it is for our best – cf. Hebrews 12:3-11

9. Truth is simple
What we are told to do is simple to understand. Bible is written on a 12th-7th grade level (different versions)
Mark 12:37, Matthew 11:25-26 – Jesus was thankful for this
1 Timothy 2:3-4, God wants all to be saved

10. Truth is simple
Much of God’s teaching is straight forward, understandable and doable.
Until it is manipulated or twisted
Why do so many not obey? Because, while it is simple, it is hard. Cf. Matthew 19:23-24
It’s about what we want to do

11. Truth can convict you
Convict – convince, pronounce as guilty. To be firmly persuaded
Acts 2:37 - Pentecost
Josiah – 2 Kings 22:10-11, when Hezekiah found the book
The woman caught in adultery John 8:9, each one, convicted by conscience, left without charging her

12. Truth can convict you We need to be convicted by God’s word!
If you have not obeyed the gospel – why not? The truth is there. Will you let it convict you?
If you have become unfaithful, will the truth convict you again? Take care of it – 1 John 1:9

13. John 8:31-32 Let the truth make you free