Introduction
Once when Abraham Lincoln was disputing a law case, he asked his opponent how many legs a cow had. His opponent replied that a cow had four legs. “Now, let us suppose you called the cow’s tail a leg. How many legs does it have?” The man quickly said, “Five.” Lincoln returned, “Now, that's where you're wrong. Calling a cow's tail a leg doesn't make it a leg." Many of us live as if truth is dependent on what we say, think or feel. In reality, however, God defines truth, and that truth is unchanged by our sincerest opinion. 2 John 1-4 talks about several ways that knowing the truth will impact our lives. Read more about how truth relates to daily life …
Observation
Pray
Before reading or studying Scripture, ask God to open your heart and mind to receiving its truth and commit to believing and obeying everything it says.
Read Focus Verses
Read 2 John 1-4 and notice how all of the things the author says tie back to one theme, one reality.
Find the Theme
What is the theme of these verses? What word is repeated in each?
Keyword – Truth
This symbol will help us spot each occurrence of the word "truth" in these verses.
The Truth
Mark the word truth through 2 John 1-4 and notice how many times it is used.
Love
How does the author love the recipients of this book according to verse 1?
Joy
Why is the author full of joy according to verse 4?
Walking in Truth
In verse 4 we are told that walking in the truth is equivalent to what?
Where is Truth?
What is truth’s relative position for a believer in verse 2?
When Will Truth Change?
According to verse 2, when will truth change?
Interpretation
An Important Question
In John 18:38 Pilate asks one of the most significant questions a person can ever ask.
I Am
Jesus had answered that question decisively just the day before in John 14:6.
Who is Truth?
What is the first part of God’s answer to the question What is truth?
God’s Word
The second part of Jesus’ answer is found a few verses later in John 17:17.
What is Truth?
What is the second part of God’s answer to the question What is truth?
In Your Own Words
If someone were to ask you tomorrow, ‘What is truth?’ what would you say?
How?
Now that you understand the Bible’s definition of truth, can you list some of the ways truth lives in believers as seen in verse 2?
Simply Profound
The definition of the word translated ‘truth’ is simple but profound. It impacts every area of our lives.
Strong's G225
Greek,aletheia [al-ay'-thi-a]
--Noun Feminine
Origin: from (227)
Definition:
- objectively
- what is true in any matter under consideration
- truly, in truth, according to truth
- of a truth, in reality, in fact, certainly
- what is true in things appertaining to God and the duties of man, moral and religious truth
- in the greatest latitude
- the true notions of God which are open to human reason without his supernatural intervention
- the truth as taught in the Christian religion, respecting God and the execution of his purposes through Christ, and respecting the duties of man, opposing alike to the superstitions of the Gentiles and the inventions of the Jews, and the corrupt opinions and precepts of false teachers even among Christians
- what is true in any matter under consideration
- subjectively
- truth as a personal excellence
- that candour of mind which is free from affection, pretence, simulation, falsehood, deceit
- truth as a personal excellence
Count the Ways
2 John helps us understand how significant the truth is for daily life. How many ways can you find in this passage that truth changes the way a believer lives and relates to others?
Changed Lives
In this video, apologist Josh McDowell explains the importance of truth changing not just what we say, but how we live.
A 5-Fold Blessing
How are grace, mercy, peace, truth, and love related? Why are they mentioned together in terms of the blessing of verse 3?
Rejoicing
How can you make a godly leader rejoice according to verse 4?
Living it Out
What are some ways that it is evident if a person is walking in the truth and keeping God’s commandments? What might that look like?
Motivation
Notice in 2 John 6 what motivates a believer to walk in truth and keep God’s commandments.
Why?
Why does a believer walk in truth?
Application
Do You Know the Truth?
Do you personally know Jesus Christ and the Bible? Do they dwell in you?
If not…
If you do not personally know the truth, what way did God prescribe to come to know it in John 14:6?
If so…
If you do know the truth, are you walking in it? What ways will you choose to walk in truth by keeping God’s commands today?
Wrapup
Closing
We hope this study has helped you understand better what the truth is, and how it relates to every aspect of a believer’s daily life.
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