Truth's Transforming Power

"And the truth shall make you free!"
John 8:32

Paul J. Bucknell

Index
#1 Drifted Away from the Truth
#2 Developing Confidence in the Truth
#3 Being Set Free by the Truth

Drifted away from the truth

A. Have we really drifted from the truth?

1. Jesus said that the Jews had drifted from the truth. They just never realized it. They then challenged Jesus by saying. "We ... have never been enslaved to anyone." (John 8:33)?
How would we respond if someone told us that we were enslaved and needed freedom?

Most people assume they have a good understanding of truth. However, the scriptures strongly point out a contrary viewpoint.

We are aware that we have drifted from the truth.

Let's look at what Jesus said in John 8:30-34. John 8:30-34. "As He spoke these things, many came to believe in Him. Jesus, therefore, was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered Him, "We are Abraham's offspring, and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, "You shall become free"? Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin."

Are we really aware of the truth?
We might not be conscious of our awareness of absolute truth, but this does not mean that we are not aware. Ask yourself, Who is most aware of the rules and laws in our society? There are two groups:

Law Makers
Those who made them
Law Breakers
Those who break

Guilt acknowledges this broken standard. The more we break the laws, the more we are aware of them until we have become seared in our conscience.

The world, for the most part, is unaware of how far they have drifted from the truth. In fact, they have most clearly expressed this waywardness in their religions! Their explanations of how a man can correct himself is a blatant statement that they do not receive God's truth about God or human beings. They simply can not see their sin!
The truth is nearby, but it is being heavily suppressed. They resist it.

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness"
(Romans 1:18, NASB).

deception blocks truth from entering We also see three ways in Romans 1 how man has gradually lost his ability to discern and love truth. In order to reject truth, man must be prodded to respond to it. We see this 3 step process of rejection in Romans 1, 21-28.

Romans 1:21, 25, 28
"21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
"25 For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen."
"28 And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper."

And the truth shall set you free!" Truth that Transforms John 8:32