YOUR TRUTH VS THE TRUTH (BY ZACH BUNYE)

Two Types of Truth

1. Objective Truth: Statements that are true regardless of individual beliefs, opinions, or perspectives; based on facts and evidence.
2. Subjective Truth: Based on opinions of an individual (Depende sa tao).

• According to Urban Dictionary, “my truth” is a non-negotiable personal opinion, a convenient phrase for avoiding arguments because people can contradict your opinion but not your truth.
• This thinking is dangerous because it suggests that all truth is subjective.
• If we don’t know the truth, how can we know what love, power, freedom, or anything is?
• This issue is not new. Even in Jesus’ days, this was happening – John 18:35-39:
  • Pilate saw the truth that Jesus is innocent and not a political rival.
  • The Jews wanted Jesus dead.
  • The majority decided Jesus was guilty, making Him “guilty” in their eyes.
  • Pilate released Barabbas, a murderer and rebel, instead of Jesus. This highlights the problem of lacking a foundation of truth – everything is true except the truth.
  • Majority wins. Social media dictates what becomes “truth,” even if it’s harmful.

Proverbs 12:15

• The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.
• The best advice for your life can be found in the Bible.
• Sadly, this generation will choose Barabbas over Jesus. Barabbas represents “your truth.”
  • Your truth feeds your pleasure, feelings, and comfort.
  • Your truth allows you to stay the same, but the Truth requires change, submission, repentance, and turning to God.
• People want to live their own truth. It’s a heart problem. People want to be their own God, determining their own good and bad.
• Proverbs 14:12 – There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

What is Truth?

• John 8:31-32: This statement is powerful because of who said it.
• John 14:6: Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
• Jesus is saying He IS the TRUTH. We can reread John 8:32 as – And you will know me, “Jesus”, and I, “Jesus” will set you free.
• And whom the Son sets free is free indeed!
• Jesus has proven He can conquer death. He has the power.
• The Truth is powerful because it is True.
• But honestly, there are parts in our lives where we still choose Barabbas instead of Jesus.
  • Barabbas – robber (steal), murderer (kill), rebel (destroy).
  • John 10:10: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
• We have a choice: Is it the thief or Jesus?
• We usually pick what is more comfortable to us. Choosing Jesus is going to be uncomfortable. It’s not always an easy ride because our flesh is weak. We resist change because we like how we live our lives.
• But when you choose Jesus, something will change inside you – God will give you a new heart, a pure heart. Once you receive Jesus and your new heart, everything changes. Your flesh will resist, but your heart with the leading of the Holy Spirit will start thinking kung tama ba ‘to?
• Choosing Jesus is not comfortable, but the Bible tells us that He has a hope and a future for us. Even though we choose Barabbas in certain aspects of our lives, He still loves us and is patient with us. He’s still standing beside you, waiting. He will not force His truth on you.
• It’s time to ask ourselves – why are we still choosing our truths? Why aren’t we choosing the truth, His plans for us?
• Before anything else, the Bible tells us to seek first the kingdom of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on earth.
• We are to put God’s truth as a priority before our truth. The truth before your truth.
• If our truth does not align with God’s truth or simply the truth, we have to have the humility to say: “Alright, Lord, You are right, and I am wrong. Your ways are higher than mine.”
• There is no truth apart from Jesus. Everything else apart from Jesus is opinion or false. Jesus is the truth, not a truth. He is THE truth.
• 2 Timothy 4:3-4: Even in churches, people look for those who will affirm their own truth. They make their own subjective truth within the Bible.
• There is a foundational truth that we can stand on – Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross.