Abiding in Truth and Love: The Cornerstone of a Christ-Centered Life

In a world constantly shifting beneath our feet, where "my truth" often clashes with "your truth", how do we find solid ground? The Apostle John, a beacon of divine wisdom, calls us back to the unwavering foundation of God's truth, reminding us that it's not just about what we believe, but how we live—in perfect harmony with love and sound doctrine.

The Unshakeable Power of Absolute Truth

Our society, sadly, is "at war with truth", often promoting the dangerous idea that truth is subjective and changes with the situation. But John, through his Gospel and Epistles, consistently points us to God's truth: a truth that is "absolute", that "never has changed and it never will".

This absolute truth is not merely a theological concept; it's the very air we breathe for a healthy spiritual life:

• It teaches us to learn rightly, grow healthy, and love fully.
• It enables us to function correctly and live godly lives.
• Crucially, it equips us to discern "error and lies”.
  

As believers, we have an undeniable advantage in knowing this truth. We have Jesus Himself, "the Way, the Truth, and the Life" (John 14:6 NKJV). We possess the "written word of truth"—God's Word—which Jesus declared, "Your word is truth" (John 17:17 NKJV). And we are indwelt by the "Holy Spirit of truth," who "dwells with you and will be in you" (John 14:17 NKJV). With these divine resources, "there is no excuse for you not knowing the truth".

Love Without Truth is Deception

This week's sermon powerfully highlights that love and truth are inseparable. While God is love, and His love motivates grace, salvation is ultimately received through grace and mercy, not love alone. This distinction is vital: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV).

The danger lies in a love divorced from truth. Pastor Steve warns that many, including in churches, "all want God's love and relations based on God's love," but desire "different truths based on our own desires". This unbalanced approach is a deceptive path. John paints a vivid picture: "if you have love but you don't have the truth, you don't have it either".

Instead, John reveals a "perfect circle" formed by truth, love, and obedience. By knowing and believing the truth in Christ and His Word, the evidence in our lives will be "love and obedience". This isn't a passive understanding; it's an active "walking in the truth", obeying God's commands and loving Him more deeply as we learn more truth. This "victorious cycle" counters the "vicious cycle" of fleeting feelings and reactions.

The Uncompromising Doctrine of Christ: Fully God, Fully Man

At the core of this absolute truth and genuine love is the doctrine of Christ – the understanding that Jesus is both fully God and fully man. John’s Gospel repeatedly demonstrates "the deity of Jesus, that He is God, He is equal with God". Jesus' very purpose was "to bear witness of the truth" (John 18:37 NKJV). As Pastor Steve said, the "basis of Christian truth stands on the fact that Jesus is God. He came in the flesh. He died for our sins. He rose from the dead. He lives forevermore. And He’s coming back".

This doctrine is our ultimate test against error. "For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist" (2 John 1:7 NKJV). These false teachers, appearing in "sheep's clothing" (Matthew 7:15 NKJV), subtly introduce "destructive heresies" (2 Peter 2:1 NKJV), often by denying the Lord who bought them.

"Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God" (2 John 1:9 NKJV). To "transgress" means to "go beyond the limits" —either taking away from or adding to Scripture. Pastor Steve warns against the danger of "new revelations" that claim to update "outdated doctrines", reminding us that "God has revealed it all to us". True disciples honor both the Father and the Son, for "He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him" (John 5:23 NKJV).

This deep dive into truth, love, and sound doctrine isn't just for theological debate; it's for daily living:

• Diligently Learn and Know Biblical Truth: "Abide in My word... and you shall know the truth" (John 8:31-32 NKJV). This is how we "grow rightly" and "grow healthy". Make time for God's Word daily.

• Let Truth Motivate Your Love and Obedience: Understand that true love is an act of will, driven by God's truth, not just fleeting emotions. Live out your faith in practical obedience.

• Identify and Discern Error: Knowing the truth empowers you to immediately "identify what is wrong". Be vigilant against false teachings, even those subtly mixed with good.


• Protect Your Life and Home: John's strong warning to "not receive" those who do not bring sound doctrine into your house is incredibly relevant today. Our homes are bombarded by various media that can subtly introduce "heresies and false doctrine". Be aware of what you consume and allow into your personal space.



• Seek Fellowship with Truth-Lovers: "Make effort to have fellowship with disciples that love the truth". Surround yourself with believers who desire to grow in truth, for "iron sharpens iron" (Proverbs 27:17 NKJV).


In a world desperate for authenticity, let your life be a testament to absolute truth, expressed through sacrificial love, and grounded in the glorious doctrine of Jesus Christ, fully God and fully Man. As John exhorted, "Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward" (2 John 1:8 NKJV)[cite: 63]. Abide in His Word, and the truth will truly set you free.