The Belt of Truth - SERMON NOTES

Below are Pastor Ben's sermon notes from this past Sunday, in case they may be helpful for further study. To listen to the sermon, click the link above.

Intro: (1) series recap -- last week’s handout (2) 2023 word of the year

Truth in Concept

1. Truth as a belt: (1) belt holds everything together -- Jax tackling while pulling his pants up (2) the other parts of the armor rely on the foundation of the belt (3) could also imply persevering in truth (cf. Jesus’ teachings in Luke 12, 17) -- avoiding being “caught with our pants down” at the return of Christ (4) least compelling piece -- Christian life not always “exciting”

2. Truth from the Bible: (1) 2 Timothy 3:14-17 (2) source of the scriptures is God, purpose of the scriptures is to bring one to salvation and equip to bear fruit in keeping with repentance
(3) culture’s lean against absolute truth is itself a system of belief (cf. taking test with answer
key) (4) beginning with whether there is a God, what he’s like, and what he wants from me

Truth in Christ

1. Truth of who he is: (1) John 14:6 -- the distinguishing mark of Christianity (2) a statement of
exclusivity (cf. John 3:16-18) (3) a fulfillment of OT prophecy (cf. Isaiah 11:1-5) (4) the only one
who has ever perfectly defeated Satan’s temptations (5) liar, lunatic, Lord -- shortcoming of
being a good teacher (6) Isaiah 28:15 -- Jesus offers truth amidst lesser choices of living a
facade

2. Truth of what he’s done: (1) 1 Timothy 2:4-6  the redemptive work of Christ is one of the most common ways “truth” is defined in the NT (2) “mediator” -- the one who bridges the gap (3) “ransom” -- the one who pays the price (4) lies thrown at Christ even as he hung on the cross (5) biggest problem has been solved (6) appeal to unbelievers

Truth in Practice

1. Truth about God: (1) lies to avoid -- God just wants me to be happy, God is perpetually
disappointed with me, God is vindictive toward me when I sin, God doesn’t care what is going on with me (2) truths to embrace -- God wants to know me and be known by me, God enjoys me, God is patient and kind toward me, God is intimately aware of every detail in my life

2. Truth about ourselves: (1) lies to avoid -- my feelings are reality/I define what truth is, I can
figure out my own problems, staying busy can fix the pain I feel, my worth is determined by my productivity, I can fill my emptiness with relationships or possessions (2) truths to embrace -- God alone is truth, wisdom, able to heal, my identity, my fulfillment

Conclusion: incorrect tattoo