HOW DO I KNOW WHAT’S TRUE? Part 2
BELIEVE
“Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.” Proverbs 4:23 (GNT; TEV)
“Learn the truth and never reject it. Get wisdom, self-control, and understanding.” Proverbs 23:23 (NCV)
It starts with an attitude of OPEN-MINDEDNESS and SINCERITY
“If you seek me, you will find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
Your worldview, whatever it is should answer life’s four necessary questions:
• The question of Origin.
• The question of Meaning.
• The question of Morality.
• The question of Destiny.
Test for truth.
• Logical Consistency
• Empirical adequacy
• Experiential relevance
II. HOW DO I KNOW WHAT’S TRUE?
1. THROUGH CREATION
“… Since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that [men] are without excuse.” Romans 1:20 (NIV)
“… The basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is!” Romans 1:19 (MSG)
2. THROUGH CONSCIENCE
“Some people naturally obey [God’s] commands, even though they don’t have the Law. This proves that the conscience is like a law written in the human heart. And it will show whether we are forgiven or condemned.” Romans 2:14-15 (CEV)
“[This shows] that God’s law is not something alien, imposed on us from without, but its woven into the very fabric of our creation. There is something deep within [us] that echoes God’s yes and no, right and wrong.” Romans 2:14-15 (MSG)
“The LORD gave us mind and conscience; we cannot hide from ourselves.” Proverbs 20:27 (GNT; TEV)
3. THROUGH CONSIDERATION
“… Consider carefully your ways.” Haggai 1:7
“Examine yourself, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourself…” 2 Corinthians 13:5
“Watch where you are going.” Proverbs 4:26
• Examine your Resources.
“Fools will believe anything, but the wise think about what they do.” Proverbs 14:15 (NCV)
• Examine the Voices you allow to speak to you.
Jesus: “Beware of false teachers … You can detect them by the way they act, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit.”
Matthew 7:15-16 (TLB)
“…Don’t be impressed with charisma. Look for character.” Matthew 7:17 (MSG)
• Listen to God’s Spirit when you are listening to a teacher.
“… the Father will give you another Helper, who will stay with you forever. [He is the Spirit, who reveals the truth about God].” John 14:16-17 (GNT; TEV)
4. THROUGH GOD’S COMMANDMENTS
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It [straightens] us [out] and teaches us to do what is right.” Timothy 3:16 (NLT)
5. THROUGH CHRIST
“… I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 (NIV)
“Those who believe Him discover that God is true.” John 3:33