TRUTHS IN TENSION

Jude 1:3-4

The corruption of truth begins the end of a

.

Faith involves confidence IN a

of truths.

“Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word…” —Romans 10:17

CONTEND OR COUNTERFEIT?

There are always appeals to

for that truth.

Dear friends, although I was eager to write you about the salvation we share, I found it necessary to write, appealing to you to contend for the faith that was delivered to the saints once for all. —Jude 3 (CSB)

Christian truth is a…

from the past.

Reveal Answer

for God’s people.

Reveal Answer

for prevention.

There are always attempts to

that truth.

For some people, who were designated for this judgment long ago, have come in by stealth; they are ungodly, turning the grace of our God into sensuality and denying Jesus Christ, our only Master and Lord. —Jude 4 (CSB)

Counterfeit truth…
Looks

on the surface.
Rejects

Reveal Answer

at the root.
Twists God’s

Reveal Answer

into license.
Denies the

Reveal Answer

of Jesus Christ.

Truth is always a

between salvation and judgment.

DISCUSS:

1. How would you describe the difference between the biblical vision for “truth” and our cultural definition? What are the implications of this difference at a practical level?

2. What does “contending for the faith once delivered” look like in our culture at a practical level? What should we pursue? What should we avoid? How should we go about it?

3. The sermon discussed “weaponized virtue.” Where have you seen this dynamic at play? What effect did it have?

4. Discuss truth as a gift, guide and gate. Which image stands out to you and why? What imagine might you use and why?

5. Discuss the marks of counterfeit truths. Which stands out most to you and why? Why might you add or change?

6. Do you live as though truth has eternal and personal implications? How might your thinking need to change?

APPLY:

1. Evaluate your core assumptions. Has a godless or irreverent spirit gotten through the gate? Confess and repent of anything God reveals. Follow it to the root in your heart.

2. Identify one area where you have an opportunity to contend for truth. Write it down and put it somewhere you’ll see it. As you enter that place tomorrow pray for help and wisdom.

3. Think about the most transformative truth you’ve received so far. Commit to sharing that truth with someone else this week. Consider learning a similar truth from someone else.

4. Commit to memorizing a Christian creed or studying a doctrinal statement. Do so for the next 6 to 8 weeks.