In 1697 a team of dutch explorers discovered black swans in what is now called Australia. Previous to this sighting, for hundreds of years, it had been thought that swans were only white. What they had thought to be true for hundreds of years was actually incorrect. The error was not anything they could control. It was simply a lack of information. Truth can be elusive like this at times. We are limited by our own knowledge in understanding some truths in the world. Some truths are clear and obvious. How do we know and explain the difference? We have to discuss this using logic. This same logic should be applied to our understanding of God and His revealed word.
The psalmist tell us, “The sum of your Word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever” (Psalm 119:160). We comprehend God’s truth when we have looked at the fullness of His word. We can’t simply pick a verse here or there and form a belief around it while we neglect other texts. This would be a poor way to use scripture (2 Tim 2:15). So we have to think carefully about how we will come to truth.
One logical concept that we must agree on to have any meaningful discussion is that statements are either true or false. No matter how I or anyone else feels about them, or whether or not we can ever figure it out, the truth exists. Some matters of truth are simply more clear than others.
Different types of statements:
1. Axiomatic – self-evident- “A whole is greater than any of its parts”
2. Analytical – true by definition “A triangle has three sides”
3. Logical- evaluated based upon rules of logic and deduction. These can be in the form of simple syllogisms: “All men are mortal. Socrates is a man. Therefore, Socrates is mortal.” These are only as good as the assumptions they are based on.
4. Empirical statements – based upon observation. Can be tested. We might say “it is 100 degrees outside.” Someone can test that with a thermometer.
5. Experiential statements – a matter of subjective opinion/feeling. My feelings are true, but they may not be based on reality. I might say “I’m cold,” and it could be 90 degrees in the house. I very well may feel cold, but that is a subjective feeling.
2 Tim. 2:15- do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the Word of truth.
Truth, scripture and certainty:
1. We must follow Gods Word as far as it goes. Most often scripture gives us principles and not precise applications for all situations in life.
2. Universal commands – principles that apply to everyone
3. Conscience – beliefs based upon interpretation of scripture
4. Levels of certainty vary based on the quality and quantity of information available. If very little is said about a topic, we can use principles that are related, but that is the limit of our ability to decipher truth.
Examples:
1. Where is the direct command to build a church building? There isn’t one. So we have to use logic to decide that within the command to meet is the logical conclusion that we need to have a place to meet. One option is to build a building.
2. What about modesty? We have to take into account what is appropriate. We have to apply scripture when there are principles given to make the best choice we can when there are not specifics provided.
Points:
1. Truth finding is hard work. Acts 19:8-10. Paul spends a lot of time everywhere he goes explaining scripture. Speaking, reasoning and persuading – these are words commonly used in teaching the gospel. Paul met in synagogues – for months and months he reasoned with them. Paul wants these people to understand the Word deeply.
2. Truth finding requires humility, Acts 17:5. The Jews hate Paul, they’re jealous and they physically abuse those teaching the gospel. They even followed Paul to Berea from Thessalonica to stir up the crowd against him. Acts 18:12 ff. And when they can’t get to Paul they attack others who were involved with Paul, Sosthenes in this text.
3. Truth claims are subject to scrutiny, Acts 17:11. There is a process when truth is presented where people can challenge what is stated as truth and we will need to work through that and realize it is part of the process of proving what we have said is in fact the truth. Anything said is open to criticism and challenge. Remember, finding truth is hard work. It takes diligence. It takes commitment.
Eph. 1:9-10 God made known to us the mystery of His will according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fulness of times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on earth.
There is truth. It is discernible. We can find it. God provided it to us in a way that we can understand. If we struggle to understand the truth on a matter, it may be that it wasn’t that vital to God.
Sermon by Brent Moody
