Walking in Truth: Beyond Sentimentality to a Life that Honors God

In a world increasingly shaped by subjective feelings and personal preferences, the very concept of "truth" often feels fluid, adapting to individual desires or cultural whims. Yet, for the believer, the Apostle John, through his profound writings, particularly Third John, presents an unyielding counter-narrative: biblical truth is absolute, unchanging, and foundational to every aspect of a life that honors God. This isn't merely an academic point; it's a call to deep, transformative application that challenges our modern definitions of love and authentic living.

John’s emphasis on truth is undeniable. Across his Gospel and three Epistles, the word "truth" appears a remarkable 44 times, accounting for 40% of its usage in the entire New Testament. This singular focus underscores a vital principle: God's truth is not relative; it "never has changed and it never will change". What God declared thousands of years ago remains truth for today. This absolute nature of biblical truth is the very foundation upon which we "learn rightly," "love fully," "grow healthy," and "live godly". Without it, our lives are inevitably "out of whack".

Crucially, John clarifies that we are without excuse when it comes to knowing this truth. Our access points are clear: Jesus Christ Himself is "the way, the truth, and the life". The Word of God is truth, as Jesus prayed, "Sanctify them by Your word. Your word is truth". And the Holy Spirit, our "helper," is "the Spirit of truth" who abides with us forever. With Jesus, His Word, and the indwelling Spirit, believers possess all the necessary resources to know and understand divine truth.

The challenge, however, often arises when our understanding of truth clashes with popular, often sentimental, notions of "love." In contemporary American culture, love is frequently equated with unconditional affirmation, avoiding discomfort, or simply letting people do as they please. Yet, the sermon powerfully illustrates that when "truth and love are in conflict, truth must win". Consider the example of a child who loves candy: true love, rooted in truth, would limit the candy to protect their health, even if it causes momentary unhappiness. This highlights that genuine love is always tethered to what is truly good and beneficial, which is defined by God's unchanging truth. Our ability to love others effectively stems from our grounding in truth, for it is "from the truth that we recognize and reject lies and deception".

This brings us to the core distinction between "abiding in truth" and "walking in truth." Second John emphasizes the internal reception and indwelling of truth. But Third John presses further, calling us to "walk in the truth, taking what is abiding in us and living it out in our lives". Knowledge without action is dead. If we claim to know the truth but do not live it, it means nothing.

Gaius stands as a remarkable example of walking in truth. He not only knew the truth, but he "actively obeyed it and lived it". His excellent spiritual health was evident in his consistent hospitality towards traveling ministers and strangers. This practical demonstration of truth reveals that walking in truth means speaking truth, both the truth about Jesus and general honesty. It means "rightly dividing the word of truth," understanding scripture in context and avoiding twisting it to fit personal desires. And it means living the truth, as Jesus did, without wavering or compromising, and without showing favoritism. Our lives should be transparent, consistent whether in public or private.

In stark contrast to Gaius, Diotrephes serves as a cautionary tale of hindering and suppressing the truth. Driven by pride and a desire for "preeminence," he refused to receive John or the traveling brethren, even expelling those who wished to show hospitality. Diotrephes embodies the danger of "suppressing the truth in unrighteousness," which means to "exclude [truth] from consciousness," "to keep it from public knowledge," and "to put it down by authority or force". This highlights that if truth doesn't move from our head to our heart and out into our actions, it's being suppressed.

Finally, Demetrius provides another positive example of walking in truth. His "good testimony from all and from the truth itself" signifies a life so aligned with God's truth that the truth itself bore witness of him. Demetrius wasn't the standard by which truth was tested; rather, truth was the standard by which he was tested and found approved. This challenges us: "How would your life stand when tested by the truth?". Does the truth bear witness of you, demonstrating the "fruit of the Spirit" rather than the "works of the flesh"?.

In essence, walking in truth is about actively crucifying the flesh and its desires, allowing the Spirit of truth to guide us into love, joy, peace, and all righteousness. It's a continuous journey of turning from darkness to God's light. As Psalm 86:11 states, "Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name." This powerful call to unity with God's truth, prioritizing it above all else, is the pathway to a life that truly glorifies Him and offers genuine peace amidst the world's turmoil

The truths revealed in John's writings, and echoed in the sermon, demand more than just a ‘head knowledge. These truths must be lived out from the heart as they call for radical, daily application. Here’s how we can practically live out an unwavering commitment to biblical truth in a world that often resists it:

• Self-Examination: Are there areas in your life where you've allowed personal feelings, cultural norms, or even well-meaning but untethered "love" to supersede what God's Word clearly states? Identify these areas.
• Discernment in Relationships: In your interactions, do you shy away from speaking truth (in love) for fear of causing discomfort or being seen as un-"loving" by worldly standards? Remember that true love, like a good parent, offers what is truly beneficial, even if it's difficult. This may mean gently correcting, setting boundaries, or simply upholding biblical principles even when they are unpopular.

• Consistent Study: Make daily Bible reading and study a non-negotiable. Don't just read for information, but for transformation. Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate His Word and apply it to your specific circumstances.
• "Rightly Dividing": When you study, seek to understand scripture in its proper context. Beware of isolating verses to justify personal desires or create doctrines that contradict the overall message of the Bible. Utilize reliable commentaries and trusted teachers to deepen your understanding.

• Honest Speech: Commit to speaking the truth in all your communications – at work, with family, among friends, and even in casual conversations. Avoid exaggeration, gossip, and anything that is deceptive or dishonest.
• Consistency: Strive for consistency between your private life and your public persona. Are you the same person at home as you are in church or at work? Let your actions consistently reflect the truth you claim to believe.
• Confronting the "Flesh": Recognize that your "flesh" (sinful nature) will always battle against walking in the Spirit and living in truth. Actively choose to put off the "works of the flesh" (Galatians 5:19-21) and instead cultivate the "fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22-23) in your life. This is a daily, conscious decision.

• Rejecting Suppression: Be vigilant against any temptation to "suppress the truth" – whether by ignoring it in your own life, keeping it from public knowledge, or allowing it to be silenced by external pressures.
• Following God's Example: Just as Gaius courageously walked in truth, and Demetrius lived a life where "the truth itself" bore witness of him, seek to live in such a way that your life is a clear demonstration of God's reality. This might mean making uncomfortable choices, but it ultimately leads to genuine peace and glorifies God.