Speaking the Truth in Love
Pastor Tan Thai · Aug 2, 2014
This sermon challenges the congregation to stand firm on the absolute truth of God's Word in a world that promotes relativism. The pastor emphasizes that truth and love are not in conflict but must go hand in hand in the life and witness of every believer.
The sermon opens by analyzing the influence of relativism in American education, citing an article by a prominent school principal and Alan Bloom's well-known book 'The Closing of the American Mind.' The pastor points out that students today are taught that there is no absolute truth, leading even those who claim to believe in Christ to doubt the truth of Scripture. The sermon then affirms the church's absolute convictions: the authority of the Bible, the deity of Jesus Christ, salvation through faith, and His second coming.
The core of the sermon examines John chapter 6, where Jesus spoke clearly to the crowd following Him for free bread. When He declared Himself to be the living bread from heaven, many grumbled, argued, and walked away. Even some disciples turned back and no longer followed Him. The lesson drawn is that believers cannot selectively accept teachings of Scripture based on personal preference but must receive the whole truth even when it is hard to hear. Peter's declaration 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life' (John 6:68) serves as a model of faithful commitment.
The pastor also stresses the critical distinction between the absolute truth of God and the limited, sinful messengers who proclaim His Word. Apostles, pastors, and even the Pope are not the truth but only know the truth. Therefore, every believer has the responsibility to examine Scripture like the Bereans (Acts 17:11) so as not to be misled by false teachers. Scripture also does not provide detailed instructions for every circumstance, which is why legitimate diversity exists among denominations regarding church structure and worship practices.
The sermon applies the principle of 'speaking the truth in love' from Ephesians 4:14-15, affirming that truth and love are not opposites but complements. Speaking truth without love causes fear and avoidance; love without truth is blind and useless. The illustration of the prophet Nathan using a parable to help David recognize his sin demonstrates how truth is best shared with care, sensitivity, and the goal of helping others change rather than shaming them.
The sermon concludes with two calls to action: first, for those who do not yet believe, to sincerely seek God with the assurance of Jeremiah 29:13 and Matthew 7:7, since God promises that all who truly seek Him will find Him. Second, in matters where Scripture does not give specific directives, the church should apply the principle 'In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity,' grounded in Romans 14.