John 18:37-38

The Quest For Truth

Introduction

In the “Flowers From a Puritan Garden” C.H. Spurgeon writes about how the devil needs not the whole gospel chariot, but only tiny lynch pins.  He states it this way, “We are bidden to be cautious how we condemn those who only differ on small points; whereas the truths which they would take away from us have important bearings upon other truths, and cannot be denied without serious break-up of the whole doctrinal chain. Satan knows that we would never consent to give up a wheel of the gospel chariot, and therefore in his craftiness he only asks for the lynch-pins to be handed over to him.”

We who have been given a treasure of Christian doctrine must not be fraudulent trustees. II Tim. 1:14 “Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.”

I. BEARING WITNESS TO THE TRUTH

A. Truth in connection with the way of salvation –Turn To: John 3:16-23

1. Pilate was inquisitive about Jesus statement concerning truth.

2. Pilate was disillusioned with Greek Philosophers.

3. Plato, Stoics and the Epicureans

B. Jesus had the answer to the truth:

1. He Himself is the Truth – John 14:6

2. Jesus promoted the way of God in Truth – Turn To: Matthew 22:15-22; II Peter 2:1-3

3. Jesus reveals the truth and has appointed Pastors to teach the truth – John 3:1-15; 8:28ff.

C. Pastoral Epistles

1. The need to study the truth – II Tim.2:15

2. There were those who denied the Resurrection – II Tim.2:18; I Tim.4:1-5; II Tim.3:1-19

3. “The advancement of higher education – II Tim. 3:7; 4:3-4 (II Tim. 3:8; Tit. 1:14)

4. Every citizen of Jesus’ Kingdom is of the truth – v.37b; John10:3, 16, 27

II. TRUTH DEFINED

A. The question that troubled Pilate – “What is Truth?”

1. Pilate not interested in tangling with Jesus about truth.

2. Pilate is enslaved by his own skepticism.

B. What modern man has any time for absolute truth?

1. He is too proud

2. He has more important things to do.

3. He would rather be an agnostic (neutral) Luke 11:23

   (Gordon Keddie puts it right on target…)

   (DA Carson hits the bull’s eye…)

4. Truth and Sovereign Election – Eph.1:4

a. Jonathan Edward’s brilliant quote…

b. John Owen - Precise truth…

Conclusion:

1.  Do not be like Pilate ignoring the Truth. – Matthew 7:23; 25:41

2.  I urge you to listen to the gospel call – Matt. 22:14

Pastor Nick Iamaio Reformed Presbyterian Church 207 South First Street, Fulton, NY 13069

Web Site fultonrpc.org

(10/14/2007)