Responding to Truth

RESPONDING TO TRUTH Matthew 14:1-12

1. DEFEND THE TRUTH

For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. Because John had said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her."

Matthew 14:3-4

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, "Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Matthew 3:7

2. DENY THE TRUTH

For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. Matthew 14:3

3. DESTROY THE TRUTH

But at a birthday party for Herod, Herodias's daughter performed a dance that greatly pleased him, so he promised with an oath to give her anything she wanted. At her mother's urging, the girl asked, "I want the head of John the Baptist on a tray!" The king was sorry, but because of his oath and because he didn't want to back down in front of his guests, he issued the necessary orders. So John was beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a tray and given to the girl, who took it to her mother.

Matthew 14:6-11 (NLT)

THE POWER OF TRUTH

Truth will stand the test of time

At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus Matthew 14:1



Our conscience recognizes truth even if we choose to deny it

and said to his servants, "This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him." Matthew 14:2

For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Psalm 51:3

Truth will set us free from guilt

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32

Truth will also set us free from false guilt

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 1 Tim. 4:1-5

Our mission: patiently share the truth

And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. 2 Tim. 2:24-26