2. Seeking the Truth

3. “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. (John 17:20-21 ESV) Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1 ESV)

4. and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32 ESV) This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:3-4 ESV)

5. The first battle is with one’s own will Because of sacrifice Because of challenge Because of change

6. If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. John 7:17) Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:17 ESV) If you want the truth you CAN find it… Good and honest heart must come first.

7. Then, one must have a respectful attitude toward truth “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. (Matthew 7:7-8 ESV) Searching is a waste of time without accepting truth

8. …and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. …, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12)

9. One must have a reliable source of information Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. (John 17:17 ESV) For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:21 ESV) Did NOT speak opinions, culture, or traditions

10. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, (2 Timothy 3:16 ESV) BIBLE

11. Many are not concerned about their truth source… Inherit from their parents Are joined with friends Popular with the world Follow their feelings Get so traditionally ingrained that the truth becomes suspect

12. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. (Acts 17:11 ESV) BIBLE

13. Know that NO man has authority to change the truth No Doctor of Divinity No pastor No preacher No priest No pope No theologian

14. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, 13 which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. (1 Corinthians 2:12-13, NASV)

15. Allow no one to hinder your obedience to the truth Seek truth like the Ethiopian treasurer Prove truth by scripture like the Bereans Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly