Topical Bible: Truth: Teach In

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Definition and Importance

In the biblical context, "truth" is a fundamental concept that signifies the ultimate reality and faithfulness of God, His Word, and His commandments. It is a central theme throughout Scripture, representing the divine standard against which all things are measured. Truth is not merely factual accuracy but encompasses moral and spiritual integrity, aligning with God's nature and His revelation to humanity.

Old Testament Understanding

The Hebrew word for truth, "emet," conveys notions of firmness, stability, and faithfulness. In the Old Testament, truth is often associated with God's character and His covenantal faithfulness. For instance, in Exodus 34:6, God is described as "abounding in loving devotion and truth." The psalmist declares, "The entirety of Your word is truth, and all Your righteous judgments endure forever" (Psalm 119:160), emphasizing the reliability and eternal nature of God's Word.

New Testament Revelation

In the New Testament, truth is personified in Jesus Christ, who embodies the fullness of divine revelation. Jesus declares, "I am the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6), indicating that He is the ultimate source and standard of truth. The Greek word "aletheia" is used to describe truth as unveiled reality, aligning with God's redemptive purposes.

The Holy Spirit is also identified as the "Spirit of truth" (John 16:13), guiding believers into all truth and illuminating the teachings of Christ. The apostle Paul emphasizes the transformative power of truth in the believer's life, urging the Ephesians to "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15) and to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:24).

Truth in Christian Living

Truth is foundational to Christian ethics and conduct. Believers are called to live in accordance with the truth, reflecting God's character in their actions and relationships. The apostle John writes, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth" (3 John 1:4), highlighting the importance of truth in the Christian community.

The pursuit of truth involves a commitment to Scripture, as it is the authoritative source of divine revelation. Jesus, in His high priestly prayer, asks the Father to "Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth" (John 17:17), underscoring the sanctifying power of God's Word in the believer's life.

Challenges and Exhortations

In a world often characterized by relativism and deception, the call to uphold and teach truth is ever more pressing. The apostle Paul warns Timothy of a time when people "will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths" (2 Timothy 4:4). Therefore, believers are exhorted to "contend earnestly for the faith" (Jude 1:3) and to be diligent in teaching and defending the truth of the Gospel.

The teaching of truth is not only a doctrinal responsibility but also a relational one, as believers are to "love one another deeply, from a pure heart" (1 Peter 1:22), demonstrating the truth of the Gospel through love and unity.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Timothy 2:7
Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek

4822. sumbibazo -- to join together, hence to consider, by ext. to ...
... put together in reasoning, and so: I conclude, prove, (c) I teach, instruct ... combine),
"causing to stride together" (); (figuratively) to grasp a truth by ideas ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4822.htm - 8k

4994. sophronizo -- to recall one to his senses, admonish
... This radical-moderation requires a perspective that is eclectic, combining the
legitimate extremities of truth from both ... correct, discipline, teach to be sober ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4994.htm - 8k

Library

In Spirit and Truth;' or the True Worshippers.
... True worship is that which is in spirit and truth. The Son has come to open the
way for this worship in spirit and in truth, and teach it us. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/murray/lord teach us to pray/in spirit and truth or.htm

The Apostles did in all Cases Teach the Whole Truth to the Whole ...
... Chapter XXVI."The Apostles Did in All Cases Teach the Whole Truth to the Whole Church
No Reservation, Nor Partial Communication to Favourite Friends. ...
/.../the prescription against heretics/chapter xxvi the apostles did in.htm

Those who Teach Others, Ought to Excel in virtues.
... Chapter IX."Those Who Teach Others, Ought to Excel in Virtues ... For he both thinks
and speaks the truth; unless at any time, medicinally, as a physician for the ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter ix those who teach others.htm

The Aim of the Orator, According to Cicero, is to Teach, to ...
... Therefore, to teach is a necessity ... Neither is it a necessity to give pleasure; for
when, in the course of an address, the truth is clearly pointed out (and this ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 12 the aim of the.htm

The Man Whose Life is in Harmony with his Teaching Will Teach with ...
... the truth; yet we see that the truth can be preached, though not in truth,"that
is ... For though they seek their own objects, they do not dare to teach their own ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 27 the man whose life.htm

What the Scriptures Principally Teach: the Ruin and Recovery of ...
... very sum and compend of the law, the fulfilling of it; for the truth is the ... and more
of this in the heart, would make ministers feed well, and teach well, and ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture vi what the scriptures.htm

Defence of the Truth Should Precede Discussions Regarding It.
... Neither surely can he who wishes to teach the truth persuade any one by speaking
about it, so long as there is a false opinion lurking in the mind of his ...
/.../the treatise on the resurrection of the dead/chapter i defence of the truth.htm

Truth is More Important than Expression. What is Meant by Strife ...
... or vehemently, uses words with no other purpose than to make the truth plain, pleasing ...
object than if his body too were deformed, so men who teach lies are the ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 28 truth is more important.htm

Psalm XXV.
... 5. "In Thy truth guide me:" avoiding error. "And teach me:" for by myself
I know nothing, but falsehood. "For Thou art the God of ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxv.htm

John Chapter xvi. 12, 13
... He was not then, of whom He went on immediately to add the words, "Howbeit when
He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will teach you all truth," thereby showing ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xcvi john chapter xvi.htm