What steps can we take to ensure we are living by biblical truth? Setting the Scene from John 18:38 Pilate’s cynical question, “What is truth?” (John 18:38), exposes the timeless struggle between shifting human opinion and God’s unchanging Word. Jesus had just declared, “I came into the world to testify to the truth” (v. 37). The contrast is sharp: Christ stands as Truth incarnate; Pilate wavers in relativism. From this moment we draw practical steps for living by biblical truth today. 1. Start with Scripture—Truth’s Fixed Reference Point • John 17:17: “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” • Psalm 119:160: “The entirety of Your word is truth.” • 2 Timothy 3:16-17: Scripture teaches, rebukes, corrects, and trains, equipping us “for every good work.” Steps: 1. Read the Word daily—schedule it like a vital appointment. 2. Observe context; let Scripture interpret Scripture. 3. Memorize key verses so truth is always within reach (Psalm 119:11). 2. Invite the Holy Spirit—Our Internal Guide to Truth • John 16:13: “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” Steps: 1. Ask the Spirit to illuminate the passage before and during reading. 2. Stay sensitive to conviction; respond quickly in confession and obedience. 3. Rely on His power to apply truth (Galatians 5:16). 3. Practice Berean Discernment—Test Everything • Acts 17:11: The Bereans “examined the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings were true.” Steps: 1. Compare every sermon, podcast, or social post with Scripture. 2. Reject anything contradictory, no matter how popular. 3. Keep a journal of findings to reinforce discernment skills. 4. Obey Immediately—Truth Applied Becomes Truth Lived • James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” • John 14:15: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Steps: 1. Identify one actionable takeaway from each study session. 2. Set concrete, time-bound plans (e.g., forgive that person this week). 3. Share progress with a trusted believer for accountability. 5. Walk in Community—Truth Flourishes Together • Ephesians 4:14-15: Grow out of deception by “speaking the truth in love.” • Hebrews 10:24-25: Spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Steps: 1. Join a biblically grounded small group or class. 2. Welcome loving correction; it safeguards against personal blind spots. 3. Serve alongside others—truth strengthens when put into collective action. 6. Guard Against Cultural Drift—Hold Fast to the Anchor • Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” • Colossians 2:8: Beware of empty philosophy “that depends on human tradition.” Steps: 1. Regular media audit: assess what shapes your worldview. 2. Replace worldly inputs with Scripture, worship music, and Christ-centered literature. 3. Affirm biblical absolutes aloud when culture questions them. 7. Evaluate Regularly—Let the Word Examine You • Hebrews 4:12: “The word of God is living and active… judging the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” • Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart.” Steps: 1. End each week with a self-check: Where did I conform or resist? 2. Celebrate victories; repent of compromises. 3. Recalibrate goals for the next week in light of discoveries. Living Answer to Pilate’s Question When Scripture defines reality, the Spirit illumines it, and obedience follows, we embody the answer Pilate never sought: Truth is found in Jesus and His Word. Each step above keeps us tethered to that unchanging standard, ensuring we are not merely asking, “What is truth?” but daily walking in it. |
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