Veritology: What is Truth?

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Outline
Lesson 1 - Veritology: What is Truth?

1. Introduction – A Worldview Tour
   
   
   
   1. Comprehensive – The worldview compass directs us to God's design in all areas of life
   
   
   2. Systematic – Temple structure explains the foundations and framework of course topics
   
   
   3. Purpose of tour – To gaze upon the face of God


2. Why was Jesus Born? Why did He come into the World?
   
   
   
   1. To testify to the Truth – John 18:37
   
   
   2. Scriptural emphasis on Truth – Sanctification and salvation connection to Truth
   
   
   3. Man's sinful nature will suppress, distort, reject, and exchange God's truth for lies


3. The Cosmic Battle – Spirit of Truth vs. Spirit of Falsehood – Reality vs. Illusion
   
   
   
   1. Scene in heaven between God and Satan - Job 1 & 2 - "Did God really say?"
   
   
   2. Link between salvation and truth - 2 Thessalonians 2 - "... God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the spirit and the belief in the truth."
   
   
   3. Two Fathers – John 8:44 – "You belong to your father, the devil"
   
   
   4. Connection between sin, lies and deceit – Every sin that besets us can be traced to a belief in a lie – Our sins take us captive to the lies of the world
   
   
   5. Dealing with outsiders - 2 Timothy 2 and Colossians 4:5-6 – They have been taken captive and we must "gently instruct them" and let our "speech be seasoned with salt"
   
   
   6. Battle of Worldviews – Opposition between God's truth claims and the lies of the world, the flesh, and the devil


4. What is Truth? - Truth as it relates to Reality
   
   
   
   1. Webster's 1828 definition – "Conformity to fact or reality"
   
   
   2. Equating an idol to a lie - Isaiah 44 – Lies are powerful and lead us to insane notions
   
   
   3. What is Insanity? – We all suffer from "Common Insanity" - losing touch with reality
      
      
      
      1. Our actions reflect what we believe to be really real : Jesus' example in Matthew 6 asking "Why do you worry?...will He not care for you, O you of little faith?"
      
      
      2. Connecting faith with our actions and emotions: God is the object of our faith and our hope – Our actions are the most reliable indicator of our belief
   
   
   4. God is the ultimate source of Truth - Colossians 2:2-3


5. Conclusion – "Do you really believe, that what you believe is really real?"