Culture Wars: Truth Being Relative
Jesus declares that God’s Word is truth — not
one truth among many, but the truth. In a culture that elevates personal
opinion, feelings, and social consensus, Scripture alone stands as the final
authority. Truth is not discovered within ourselves or determined by the world;
it is revealed by God. We resist confusion and compromise by submitting our
lives to the authority of God’s Word.
As Jesus was rejected and despised because of
truth, so too will we when we build our lives on this same truth. By standing
on God’s Word, followers of Christ are set apart from a culture that clamors in
the chaos of subjectivity. Subjective truth is not truth at all but is rather
lies that our enemy wants us to believe. There is only one truth, and we must
be a people that live under its rule.
John 17:14-19
14 I have given them Your word, and the world
has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the
world. 15 I do not ask that You take them out of the world, but that You keep
them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the
world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me
into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I
consecrate Myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.
The
Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001
by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. John
17:14-19.
Discussion Questions
- How does our culture define truth? How does that differ from Jesus’ words in this passage?
- Why is it tempting to allow opinion, emotion, or social pressure to shape our beliefs?
- What dangers arise when the Church compromises biblical truth to fit cultural norms?
- How does being grounded in Scripture protect us from confusion and compromise?
Closing Thoughts
In an ever-increasing hostile culture to
truth, we must be devoted to daily and weekly gospel community that studies the
Word of God together. The culture around us itches to hear only what it wants
to hear (2 Timothy 4:3), but we must proclaim truth to the world. This means
that we do not shy away from hard conversations but are bold to speak on the
things that God has clearly revealed.
END
Teacher Notes:
“What is Truth?”
(John 17:14–19)
Absolute – Despised – Sanctified - Missional
Last week we discussed a truth: that God
determines our moments.
How do you see God’s intervention
and man’s free will
at play in this very scene?
Pilate’s wife had a dream in Matthew 27:19 that said, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered horribly in a dream today on account of Him.” Some say this was Pilate’s final God-given opportunity to act justly.
Summary
Pilate’s wife dreamed because God sovereignly
intervened to announce Jesus’ innocence, fulfill prophetic patterns, extend
Gentile witness, and intensify Pilate’s accountability — all while advancing
the redemptive plan intact. The episode stands as a historically grounded,
theologically rich illustration of how the Father orchestrates even the
subconscious realm to spotlight His Son, to compel moral decision, and to move
history toward the culminating triumph of the resurrection. This was God’s
sovereignty at work as well as man’s free will.
When you hear the phrase “live your truth,”
what comes to mind?
What makes this phrase so appealing?
It promises freedom, dignity, self-expression, protection from judgment
- That’s why it resonates culturally.
John 17:14-19
14 I have given them Your word, and the world
has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the
world. 15 I do not ask that You take them out of the world, but that You keep
them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the
world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me
into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I
consecrate Myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.
Jesus is the Model
John 1:14 says Jesus was: “Full of grace and truth.” Not 50/50. Not
alternating between the two. Full of both at the same time.
In John 17, He prays for sanctification by truth.
In John 18, He speaks truth calmly before Pilate — without anger.
Truth anchored in love looks like Christ.
