To turn our lives into the way to live according to the scriptures. To succeed at any task, we must be equip of the knowledge of the truth or have the proper tools and the ability to use them.
There are only two kinds of Truth claims. Subjective truth claims are grounded in object. Here are two easy ways to discover which kind of truth claim is being made. If you can change a truth claim, it is subjective. If not, It's objective. Ex: Vanilla is the best flavor of ice cream vs. George Washington was a President. If you can verify or falsify a claim, it is objective. if not, it's subjective.
1. Subjective Truth - is a judgment or belief that is compelling for some rational (reason) beings, (subjects) but not compelling (force) for others. If truth is subjective (relative), each person is right in what they believe. regardless of the Bible, or of the belief of others. To many, the truth changes to fit the circumstances.
2. Objective Truth - The truth is objective (absolute). In other words, truth does not need any permission or consent to be true. It is truth & will be truth with or without anybody's acceptance or obedience. Christianity affirms that truth itself is true, grounded in God's character, & worth pursuing. We use God's revealed Word and his world to grow our understanding of who he is, who we are, and the nature of his created order. God is the ultimate reality, he is truth and reveals truth.
I. Introduction:
1. God's Truth - It is practical & life changing (Psa. 119:105) "Thy Word is a Lamp unto my Feet and a Light unto my Path" Forming Christ within us is the essence of being a True Christian.
a) Formed Christ within us (Gal. 4:16 & 19)
b) Keep My Words, meaning our life is according to God's Living Word (John 14:23)
2. Challenge: How do we turn our lives on what the Scriptures say the way we live?
a) How do I shape my heart into this type of heart in the scriptures?
b) How to be humble as a submissive wife according to the scripture?
c) How do we lead my family as a loving father (Eph. 5: 25-27)
d) How do we grew into maturity? (2 Pet. 3:18)
3. To succeed in any job. We need the proper tools and the ability to use them (Ex. Plumber, electrician, mechanic, doctor)
II. Topics to discuss: Tools that we need to apply TRUTH in our lives.
A. A good heart (Psa 119:9-11)
1. An Unprejudiced Mind - That willingly receives & holds fast to God's truth. (Acts 17:11)
a) Clean heart - First, cleanse the heart of sin (Matt 23:25-26)
b) Willing heart - Take a good heart to willingly submit to the indictments, corrections, and regulation of life in the Bible (2 Tim. 3:16-17)
c) Cling to the Truth - Whatever it cost - hold it fast (Luke 8:15)
B. An obedient life
a) Obedience. Noah (Heb 11:7) Sarah (Heb 11:11-12); Moses crossing red Sea (Heb 11:29)
b) True Success - Because they trusted God's way. It works and it is best.
b-1) Success in God's way - Trust can improve relationship (Col. 3:13-15)
b-2) Success in God's way (2) - Trusting our labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Cor. 15:58)
c) Our faith responds - Obedience when we trust God's way, it works & it's best for us (James 2:18)
C. Total Commitment - The purpose of the heart (Act 11:23 & Rom. 12:11)
1. Our priority - We pursue what is valuable to us (Matt 6:19-20)
a) The treasure - Why do some have great zeal, diligence, and devotion to godly living? Because that is their treasure. (Matt 6:21)
b) Two Master - Double vision problem: one is earthly and the other is heavenly. (Matt. 6:22-24)
2. Zealous Christian - They use God's Word to nourish them (Heb 5:13-14)
a) The milk - No progress beyond the basic.
b) The meat - Uses exercises and discerns good and evil.
c) Maturity. Build upon the foundational truth to mature in Christ (Heb 6:1-3)
D. Serious Study of God's Word (2 Tim. 2:15)
1. Our guide - The bible must be our final authority (John 6:63&68)
a) Our life is only in Christ's words - Our life must be Bible centered (Act 17:11)
b) Our life directions - Consult scripture often to direct our life (Pro 3:5-6)
b1) His Sensitivity - This is the Spirit filled that directed our life (Gal 5:16, 18)
b2) Life's treasure - God's Word should be inside (hid) in our hearts. (Psa 119:11, Heb 8:10)
2. God's approval - Study with the intension of obeying God (Matt 7:24)
a) Wise man - Hear God's Word and put into action - (Matt 7:24)
b) Christ-like or with-in-us - To be complete until we stayed in a place of trusting Jesus. (Gal. 2:20)
E. Self-examination using God's Word (2 Cor. 13:5 & James 1:25)
1. Warning - Don't waste time comparing yourself to the wrong things
a) others (2 Cor. 10:12)
b) worldly wisdom (Col 2:8)
c) Opinions (Prov. 14:12)
2. Self-evaluation - Person who examines himself develop spiritual growth by repenting of sins, then bearing righteous fruit (forming Christ within)
Conclusion:
We can bear good fruit with Christ in us (John 15:4-5). These tools are at our disposal to form Christ within us so we can live the hope of glory. (Col. 1:27)
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!