REACTION TO GOD'S TRUTH

Acts 17:1-12.

INTRO:

1. During the past two weeks, we have brought three lessons on the subject of the truth.

A. We hope that these lessons have made us more aware of the enormity of the subject.

B. We also hope that we now understand what the truth of God really is. Jno. 17:17.

1) If we do, we realize that it is the sum-total of what He has said in His Word, the Bible. Psa. 119:160.

2. So, with these thoughts in mind, we should be able to determine our REACTION to God's truth.

3. Webster says that reaction is: "Reciprocal or return action or influence...to act in response...as one's reaction to a certain piece of news."

4. The word "reaction" is not found in the Bible.

A. Yet, we see much response, either affirmative or negative, take place with regard to God's word.

5. So, let us now try to determine what our reactions or responses are to God's truth.

I. SOME GLADLY ACCEPTED.

A. Those on the day of Pentecost. Acts 2:38-41.

B. The eunuch on the road from Jerusalem to Gaza. Acts 8:26-39.

C. Cornelius in Caesarea. Acts 10:1-8,33.

D. Those of Berea. Acts 17:10-12.

II. SOME DELAYED.

A. Felix the governor. Acts 24:24,25.

B. David did not delay. Psa. 119:60.

III. SOME SADLY DECLINED ALTOGETHER.

A. The rich young ruler. Matt. 19:16-22.

B. The inhabitants of Jerusalem. Matt. 23:37.

C. King Agrippa. Acts 26:28,29.

IV. SOME ARE INDIFFERENT AND IGNORE.

A. Those that hear and do nothing about it. Matt. 7:26,27.

1. The greatest sin is to be conscious of none!

B. Those that close their eyes and stop their ears. Matt. 13:14,15.

C. Those that do not unite their hearing with faith. Heb. 4:1,2.

D. The Gentiles of Paul's day. Eph. 4:17-19.

E. Those that wrest the scriptures to their own destruction. 2 Pet. 3:14-18.

V. SOME ARE FILLED WITH ANGER AND HATE.

A. The children of Israel after crossing the Red Sea. Exo. 16:2,3.

B. Naaman, the Syrian captain. 2 Kgs. 5:8-12.

C. Ahab, King of Israel. 1 Kgs. 22:1-28.

D. The Galatians in Paul's day. Gal. 4:16.

VI. SOME STAND IN OPPOSITION.

A. The Jewish priests. Acts 4;13-18.

B. Elymas, or Bar-Jesus. Acts 13:6-10.

VII. SOME TRY TO TWIST AND PERVERT.

A. The same Elymas mentioned above. Acts 13:10.

B. Some among the Galatians. Gal. 1:6-9.

C. To add or subtract from the word of God is forbidden. Rev. 22:18,19.

VIII. WHAT IS YOUR REACTION TO THE TRUTH OF GOD, ON:

A. Marrige and Divorce? Matt. 5:32; 19:3-9; Rom. 7:1-3.

B. Worldliness? Jas. 4:4; 1 Jno. 2:15-17.

C. Faithfulness? 1 Cor. 15: 58; Heb. 10:25.

D. Giving? 1 Cor. 16:1,2; 2 Cor. 9:6,7.

E. Obedience? Matt. 7;21; Heb. 5:8,9.

F. The Church? Matt. 16:18; Acts 2:47; 20:28; Eph. 1:22,23; 4:4; 5:23.

G. Belief? Heb. 11:6; Jno. 8:24.

H. Repentance? Lk. 13:3; Acts 17;30,31.

I. Confession? Matt. 10:32,33.

J. Baptism? Matt. 28;18,19; Mk. 16:15,16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21.

K. Worship? Jno. 4:;23,24; Acts 2:42.

L. Heaven and Hell? Matt. 25:46.

CONCLUSION:

1. You are reacting in some way to the truth that you have heard today.

2. God's truth will not be changed for you, me, or our loved ones.

A. It is established in heaven and will stand forever. Psa. 119:160; Matt. 24:35; Jno. 12:48.

By Jim Sasser

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