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Before one can truly possess the Love of the Truth, the truth must be known. The truth of which we speak is the truth that can only originate with God. Apart from God's revelation, man may envision many things that are of earthly benefit, but he cannot imagine one single thing that will lead Him to a remedy for sin or reconciliation with God! Furthermore, even if man could stumble upon one of the gospel's saving truths, he could not know it was the truth without God's revelation of the fact. So, how can man – any man – know the truth and know that he knows it? This question establishes the background for today's message and the four that follow.

“Now it happened on a certain day, as He [Jesus] was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them. Then behold, men brought on a bed a man who was paralyzed, whom they sought to bring in and lay before Him. And when they could not find how they might bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the housetop and let him down with his bed through the tiling into the midst before Jesus. When He saw their faith, He said to him, 'Man, your sins are forgiven you.' And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, 'Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?' But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered and said to them, 'Why are you reasoning in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, “Your sins are forgiven you,” or to say, “Rise up and walk?” But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins' ——He said to the man who was paralyzed, 'I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.' Immediately he rose up before them, took up what he had been lying on, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.” (Luke 5.17-25).

We seek the answer to this crucial question: How can man know the truth and know that he knows it? The answer, the elusive answer, must also come from God! Actually, this answer can be found in several places in the Bible, but it is tucked inside the text quoted in the previous paragraph. We will examine that paragraph and extract from it the answer to the timeless question just posed, the most important question any man can ask!

“Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Rise up and walk?' But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins ——He said to the man who was paralyzed, 'I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.'” Any man can claim to forgive sins! I can claim it; you can claim it, your pastor can claim it, the Pope can claim it – any man can claim it. But claims aren't proof! Furthermore, if sins are forgiven at all under any circumstances, that fact must be revealed and confirmed by God and God alone! Think about it! If there is any truth that is self evident, this is that truth.

The pursuit of truth can be such a daunting task! If God exists (and He does), truth originates from Him, is revealed by Him, is confirmed by Him, is preserved by Him, and will be the basis by which He will judge His creation. In spite of all else, pursue it!

Questions:

1. How many people, organizations, movements, and entities claim to possess truth? Think about it! Is it possible that a true seeker could be confused in pursuit of truth?

2. Some people say that truth cannot be known – and they know that for sure. What would you say to them?

3. Why is it necessary that saving truth only come from and be confirmed by God?

4. If saving truth exists, what motives might be behind those who claim that it does not exist, or who try to distort or change it?

"Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life" from Tom Kelley

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