Open to Truth

Introduction:
A. Truth is a never changing fact
a. Truth is defined as being absolute and without question
B. How confusing is it today that people can disregard the word truth
a. Today’s standards people tend to accept the thinking of your truth on the matter is okay and mine is different but is okay also and everyone is happy.
C. When there is multiple “truths” there is a need to resolve and clarify t6eh situation.
a. We need a standard or pattern (hence the Bible is our standard of truth)
D. Our Text demonstrates this fact.
a. Everyone wants to do the will of God but in their own Fashion not according to the Standard.
b. This passage demonstrates people were very religious. They thought they were right and truthful in their conduct.
c. Jesus clearly states they weren’t following the truth.
d. According to Jesus the “truth” is “doing the Heavenly Father’s will” not your own individual thing.
E. We apparently can’t decide what is acceptable and then expect God twill adjust himself to us.
a. Shouldn’t we adjust ourselves to God’s will?
b. God created us with the desire that we should worship him and be thankful to him (Acts 17:27)
c. He also revealed his will to us the TRUE TRUTH.
i. So we would follow his will not our own. (James 1:17-22)
d. It is that which was revealed that gives us absolute truth (John 17:17)
e. The path toward true salvation (John 14:6)
f. Also the standard by which we will be judged. (John 12:48)
F. The scriptures declare that truth is specific, absolute and necessary for salvation.
G. All of us should desire salvation and therefore the absolute truth.

I. We need Open Eyes To See The Need For Truth
A. One of the hardest things to do is look at our self.
a. We need to take a reality check and look at our own condition.
b. Before one will change they must see the need to change.
c. Before one will obey God to the Truth they must realize they are lost and need to be saved. So where are we???
B. Every person once the age of accountability has been reached needs salvation through the obedience of the truth. (Rom. 3:23; 6:23)
a. Christ quote’s Isaiah’ prophecy concerning the lack of sight. (Matt. 13:14-16)
b. His final proclamation from that was “Blessed are your eyes for they see…” (V.16)
C. When we open our own eyes to the Gospel we can realize the understanding of the Truth.
a. Truth causes reactions. (Acts 2 ;8; 22:12-16)
b. One who sees the error from understanding the truth will truly understand the need for salvation.
II. We Need Ears To Hear The Truth
A. Once we realize where work isn’t over, neither is God’s help for us.
a. God has delivered the required knowledge.
b. When we see and realize we need God, He continues by giving us right direction.
c. That is when we need to open our ears and listen to the absolute truthful direction.
d. In His message we hear about salvation.
e. We learn we must be obedient to God’s will alone (Matt. 7:21)
f. We must conform our lives to the example of His Son (I. Peter 2:21-23)
g. We learn to be faithful everyday of our lives continually. (Heb. 10:35-39)
h. All these things require us to have open ears.
B. Jesus used an excellent statement at the End of one his parables “He that has ears to hear let him hear” (Matt. 13:9)
a. In other words if we have ears so… use them.
b. We must be willing to listen and have our ears open to the truth always.
i. There will be times when it is harder.
ii. But we need to Challenge ourselves.
c. (Romans 12:1-2) instructs us to be different from the world.
i. (I John 2:15-17) Instructs to deny the world and the things of the world.
d. This isn’t easy and it is very challenging for us.
e. However if we have ears to hear and we have open ears through the knowledge of the Truth we can overcome these obstacles.
III. We Need to Open Our Mouths With The Truth
A. We need to see the change we need to make in our lives.
B. We see the need to have OPEN Ears to hear the truth and fully understand and show we were seeing the changes we need to make in our lives.
C. Ethically we are now bound to share the Truth.
D. Let’s ask ourselves when was the last time you spoke the name of Jesus outside these walls?
a. To our Family, Friends, Co-Workers, Neighbors
b. Have we explained how we heard the gospel the good news for our salvation?
c. Have we explained what we did and are doing to obey that gospel?
d. Have we told other’s it’s available to them?
e. We must realize that there are souls who need this truth.
E. Once we understand the danger of sin and the hope of salvation we can’t ignore the fact that other’s need the same knowledge.
F. Our eyes should look on sinners with great concern. (Matt. 9:36)
G. We should go the next step to strive to give others the knowledge and Understanding of the need for the Truth and bring them to repentance and salvation. (II Peter 3:9)
H. By talking to others and giving them an opportunity to share the greatest gift through the gospel (Romans 5:8)
a. That we may save another soul from condemnation
Conclusion:
A. Do you desire to hear the truth this very hour?
B. The truth is never changing in a changing world.
C. Are you looking for freedom that Christ promises?
D. Open your eyes, your ears to the truth.
a. Then open your mouth in letting others know the truth. (John 8:32)