Battling Relativism; Acts 17: 16-21, I Timothy 6:3-5
Bro. Tim Baker
First Baptist Church Festus/Crystal City, MO
Acts 17:16-21 & I Timothy 6:3-5
Download: June 22, 2008 AM Audio, mp3
I.Relative Truth V.S. Absolute Truth
Sample conversation of what you might have heard if you were listening to the philosophers in Athens.
“To say of what is that it is not, or of what is not that it is, is false, while to say of what is that it is, and of what is not that it is not, is true; so that he who says of anything that it is, or that it is not, will say either what is true or what is false; but neither what is nor what is not is said to be or not to be.” — Aristotle
“For the meaning of true consists in a matching of thing and understanding, and matching presupposes diversity, not identity. So the notion of truth is first found in understanding when understanding first starts to have something of its own which the external thing doesn’t have, yet which corresponds to the thing and can be expected to match it.” — Thomas Aquinas
A. Simple sayings desensitize truth
1. “Well, it may be true for you, but it’s not for me.”
2. “Look, don’t force your values on me. Just because they are true for you doesn’t mean they’re true for me.”
3. “There are so many religions, how can you say yours is the truth?”
4. “You need to determine what’s right for you and I need to determine what’s right for me. Don’t impose your values upon me.”
B. The definition of relativism
1. There is no objective standard by which truth may be determined, so that truth varies with individuals and circumstances.
2. Meaning that if I grew up being told the light during the day was considered daytime and you grew up being told that it was night time, we would both be right.
3. Relativism leads to universalism in that you can find your own way to God. There is no right or wrong way.
C. The definition of absolute Truth
1. Is not affected by culture and absolute truth transcends time as does God. It is the same all the time.
2. God’s truthfulness means that He is the true God, and that all His knowledge and words are both true and the final standard of truth.
3. Absolute truth leads to exclusivity, meaning that there is only one way to God.
4. Religious exclusivism is the greatest threat to Religious relativism.
II. Warning signs of False Teachers
A. They advocate a different doctrine. I Timothy 6.3a
1. They are conceited and understand nothing. I Timothy 6.4a
2. They teach what is contradictory to God’s Word.
B. They don’t agree with sound words. I Timothy 6.3b
1. He has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words. I Timothy 6.4b
2. Confusion is what is desired above peace.
C. They don’t agree with teaching concerning godliness. I Timothy 6.3c
1. Rather, he will be envious, filled with strife, use abusive language and have evil suspicions. I Timothy 6.4c
2. Nothing will exhibit godliness; rather, they will exhibit signs of the flesh (corruptness).
III.The Truth will Make You Free
John 8.31-32: So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” NASU
A.Know the truth
John 14.6: Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” NASU
1. Jesus Christ will allow you to have answers, peace, and assurance if you will follow Him.
2. Learn of the truth through His Word John 8.31b
B. Live the truth
Prov 3.13-14: How blessed is the man who finds wisdom And the man who gains understanding.
For her profit is better than the profit of silver And her gain better than fine gold. NASU
1. The truth will make you free.
2. There will be both profit and gain.
Tags: absolute truth, Acts, audio, Baker, freedom, heresy, relativism, Timothy, truth, Video, Word of God Speak
Posted by Valerie on June 22, 2008