In what ways can we discern and speak God's truth in our lives? Setting the Scene John 8 finds Jesus in the temple courts during the Feast of Tabernacles, facing opposition from religious leaders. Into the tension He declares His relationship with the Father and the reliability of every word He speaks. Understanding John 8:26 “I have much to say about you and to judge, but the One who sent Me is truthful. And what I have heard from Him, I tell the world.” • Jesus speaks only what He hears from the Father—absolute, unfiltered truth. • His words highlight two intertwined callings for His followers: 1) Discern what the Father is saying. 2) Pass that truth on accurately to the world. How to Discern God’s Truth • Start with Scripture – Psalm 119:160: “The essence of Your word is truth.” – 2 Timothy 3:16: All Scripture is God-breathed, therefore fully trustworthy. • Depend on the Spirit – John 16:13: “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” • Examine everything in the light of Christ – John 14:6: He is “the way, the truth, and the life,” so any claim must align with His character and teaching. • Practice humble listening – James 1:19: Be “quick to listen, slow to speak,” receiving correction from God’s Word and from mature believers. • Keep a tender conscience – Hebrews 4:12: The Word penetrates to judge thoughts and attitudes; let it shape motives as well as actions. How to Speak God’s Truth • Speak what you have first heard from Him – Avoid opinion-driven chatter; share Scripture-shaped convictions. • Speak with Christlike courage – Acts 4:20: “We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” • Speak in love – Ephesians 4:15: “Speaking the truth in love” guards against harshness or compromise. • Speak with clarity and grace – Colossians 4:6: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.” • Speak with gentleness and respect – 1 Peter 3:15: Give an answer, but do it “with gentleness and respect,” trusting God for the results. Living the Lesson • Daily intake of Scripture trains spiritual ears to recognize the Father’s voice. • Regular confession keeps the heart uncluttered, so truth is neither distorted nor withheld. • Fellowship with believers provides accountability and confirmation. • Consistent obedience—doing what the Word says (James 1:22)—cements truth into lived reality. • As truth is discerned and spoken, the watching world sees the reliability of the God who sent the Son, and the gospel moves from mere words to a compelling testimony. |
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