Summary
In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves in a battle for our minds. Just as the serpent cast doubt on God’s word in the Garden of Eden, we too face constant challenges to our beliefs. The question ‘Did God really say?’ echoes through time, from Eden to Pilate, and into our modern world. This message reminds us that truth isn’t relative, but revealed by God. His word doesn’t shift with culture; it remains constant, bringing order to our chaotic world. As we navigate life’s ‘mirror maze’ of deceptions, we’re called to anchor ourselves in God’s truth. By submitting to His word, filling our minds with scripture, and rejecting partial obedience, we can experience the freedom Jesus promised. Remember, ‘You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’ Let’s commit to daily engagement with God’s word, allowing it to transform our thinking and guide our actions.
Key Scripture
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 | Colossians 2:8
Opening Discussion:
What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why?
Key Takeaways:
- Truth isn’t relative; it’s revealed by God through His Word.
- Truth doesn’t shift with culture; it remains constant.
- Truth brings order, while relativism brings chaos.
- Freedom comes from knowing and living in God’s truth, not from the absence of rules.
Discussion Questions:
- How have you seen or experienced relativism in today’s culture? How has it affected your own thinking or the thinking of those around you?
- The sermon mentions that “Did God really say?” is a recurring lie throughout history. How have you experienced this in your own life? Any areas where it is tempting to bend God’s Word?
- Reflect on Romans 12:2. What does it mean to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind”? How can we practically apply this in our daily lives?
- Stephen emphasizes the importance of submitting to God’s truth rather than “my truth” or “your truth.” What challenges do you face in fully submitting to God’s truth?
- Discuss the concept of “Scripture has veto power.” How can we apply this principle when our emotions, preferences, or cultural influences conflict with Biblical teachings?
- The sermon stresses the importance of both Grace and Truth. Do you typically lean towards one over the other? How can we balance these in our interactions with others, especially when discussing difficult topics?
Practical Applications:
- Daily Truth Intake: Commit to reading and meditating on God’s Word daily this week. Share with the group how this practice impacts your thinking and decision-making.
- Truth Check: Identify one area in your life where you might be practicing “partial obedience” to God’s truth. What steps can you take to align fully with Scripture in this area?
- Grace and Truth in Action: Think of a situation where you need to speak truth to someone. Discuss with a partner how you can approach this conversation with both grace and truth.
- Media Discernment: Pay attention to the messages you consume through media this week. Note any instances of relativism and discuss how they compare to biblical truth.
- Memorization Challenge: Choose a key verse about truth (e.g., John 8:32, John 14:6, or Psalm 119:160) to memorize as a group. Recite it together next week.
Closing Prayer:
Thank God for His unchanging truth and ask for His help in anchoring our lives to it. Pray for discernment in a world of relativism and for the courage to live out God’s truth with both grace and conviction.
Supporting Scripture:
Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon, along with some relevant verses for the main themes discussed:
- 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
- Colossians 2:8
- Genesis 2:16-17
- Genesis 3:1-6
- John 17:17
- Isaiah 5:20 (alluded to, not directly quoted)
- Hebrews 13:8
- Proverbs 29:18
- John 8:32
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17
- Matthew 7:24-27 (alluded to, regarding Christ as firm foundation)
- Romans 12:2
- Ephesians 4:15
- Galatians 6:1
- 2 Timothy 2:24-25
- John 8:2-11 (story of woman caught in adultery)
- John 1:14 (reference to Jesus being full of grace and truth)
- Luke 6:46 (paraphrased as “Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and not do what I say?”)
- Hebrews 9:27 (paraphrased as “it’s appointed once for man to die and then judgment”)
- Romans 3:23 (alluded to, “we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”)
Additional relevant verses for main themes:
On truth:
- John 14:6
- Psalm 119:160
- 1 John 1:6
On relativism and absolute truth:
- Proverbs 14:12
- Isaiah 5:20
- 2 Timothy 4:3-4
On renewing the mind:
- Philippians 4:8
- Colossians 3:2
- 1 Peter 1:13
On speaking the truth in love:
- Proverbs 27:6
- 1 Corinthians 13:6
- Ephesians 4:29