THE TRUTH

By David J. Riggs

Intro.
   A. Prov. 23:23 says, "Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom,
      and instruction, and understanding."
   B. Whatever the truth may cost (time, money, lands, houses,       
      family, friends, or physical suffering), it is well worth the  
      price; and once obtained, should not be sold for anything.

I. TRUTH IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY IN THE PRACTICE OF PURE         
   RELIGION.
   A. It matters little what we think, feel, imagine, suppose, or    
      would like to believe; the truth is what counts.
   B. Apollos was an eloquent man, mighty in the Scriptures, fervent 
      in spirit, bold, convincing; however, he lacked the one thing  
      which all need in order to be successful in preaching - the    
      whole truth. 
      1. Priscilla and Aquila had to take him aside and explain the
         way of truth more accurately.  Acts 18:24-28

II. THERE ARE MANY DECEIVERS IN OUR RELIGIOUS WORLD TODAY.
   A. Eph. 4:14 says, "...That we henceforth be no more children,
      tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of        
      doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness,       
      whereby they lie in wait to deceive..."
      1. The word "sleight" is from the Greek word, "kubos," which
         meant "cube" and referred literally to "dice-playing."
      2. It was used metaphorically for "deception" because dice
         players often cheated and defrauded their fellow players. 
      3. Like people who find themselves victims of professional
         gamblers, so are the unlearned before the winds of error.
      4. Dishonesty and trickery are the name of the game for false
         teachers. They use an assortment of trickery, craftiness,   
         and deceit to disguise their teaching as divine truth.
   B. Eph. 4:15 says, "...But speaking the truth in love, may grow up
      into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ..."
      1. Let us be on guard against those who lie in wait to deceive.
      2. Let us continue to speak the truth in love and grow in      
         Christ.
 
III. ALSO, LET US NOT THINK THAT BY IGNORING SOMEONE'S ERROR WE ARE  
   BEING KIND TO THEM.
   A. The truth, and only the truth, can make us free from the       
      bondage of the traditions and doctrines of men.
   B. If anyone has been overtaken by error, let us seek to save them
      from eternal death.  James 5:19-20

Concl.
   A. To disregard, neglect, ignore, reject, shun, or deny the truth 
      can prove fatal to our souls.
   B. Let us have a genuine love for the truth, daily seeking to be
      thoroughly acquainted with it, for only the truth can make us  
      free, and lead us to the joys of heaven.  John 8:31-32