Episode 17: Walking in Truth

Many today would say that “doctrine divides” so let’s just lay aside those areas of disagreement and love Jesus. Is that good direction? On first consideration, that may sound good but is it possible to love Jesus without walking in truth? What truth is important and what is not? It would not be hard to make up a list of basic doctrines that divide Christians today. I think we know that God wants us to be in harmony and have His mind in all things. Why does this seem so hard? Why are there so many different doctrines, Bible Schools, and fundamental issues that divide Christians? Is it possible to have the “same mind and same judgment” in all things (I Cor. 1:10)?

• Truth is defined in Christ (John 14:6)
o The truth that we are concerned with always relates to the person of Christ
o Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ (John 1:14)
o Jesus embodied truth (who He is, what He said, what He did)
o Truth includes the goal, plan, character, and ways of God in Christ Jesus
• The Holy Spirit has been given to lead us into truth (John 16:13)
o The Holy Spirit must indwell and control (union with God)
o In the New Covenant God writes His word on our hearts and mind (Heb. 8:10)
o The truth cannot be known simply by intellectual study (I Cor. 2:9)
o Truth must always be held in love (Eph. 4:15-16)
• Christ is formed in our lives as we “walk in truth” (3 John 2-4)
o To walk in truth is to walk in Christ (or abide in Him)
o As we live God’s life the character of Christ (truth) is formed in us (Gal. 4:19)
o As we walk in truth our mind is renewed (Rom. 12:1-2)
• Some practical expressions of the character of Christ:
o Love (I Cor. 13)
o Holiness (separation from sin and this world)
o God’s order in creation (man and woman)
o Expression of Christ, not self (John 15:5)
o Humility, submission one to another
• Truth takes expression in us as an individual and in the corporate gathering
o The family of God is the “pillar and ground of the truth” (I Tim. 3:15)
o To see a gathering of God’s people express truth (Christ) takes spiritual work
o All truth is important at the right time and place according to God’s direction
o The importance of a pure testimony for the glory of God must compel us to action

http://www.ntchurchsource.com/literature/read/walking-in-truth/

• Additional resources at  http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]