THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS TRUTH

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The Fruit of the Spirit Is Truth
“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jer. 29:13, NKJV).



Do the Right Thing?
Daniel Smith, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A.
Sabbath Introduction
2 Chron. 25:1, 2

As William stared out the window of the train he rode home from work, he noticed how rapidly the telephone poles were flashing across his view. He won- dered, “Where have the years gone? I feel like they’ve passed by as fast as these telephone poles are passing by. Now what am I going to do?”

Is this an answer to my prayers? No one will ever know if I take these bags.

“William the Wiz.” Once upon a time that’s what everyone called him. Not too long ago, he had graduated at the top of his class with an MBa from Har- vard. Immediately, he landed a six-figure job. Wall Street is where he received his nickname—the boy genius, the financial wizard. William was living the all- american dream—great job, exclusive home, and a loving wife. But then the banks started collapsing. His job and business went bankrupt. He lost all of his money, investments, and the expensive home he and his wife had come to love.

These thoughts raced through William’s mind as he got off the train to walk the rest of the way to the house he’d soon have to leave. He cried out, “Oh, God! Please help me. I’ve been a faithful Christian, and you’ve always blessed me with more than I’ve needed. I haven’t prayed to you in a while, but you know my heart.” What started out as a typical day in William’s world had be- come his worst nightmare. as he walked through the familiar wooded area to get to his estate home, he discovered an armored truck that had crashed down a small hill. The occupants, nowhere in sight, apparently had gone for help. about five steps from William were two bags, each stamped with these words: 1 million dollars.

William thought to himself, Is this an answer to my prayers? No one will ever know if I take these bags. I could pay off my house and get out of debt. He stood there for what seemed like an eternity, analyzing his peculiar dilemma.

“Hello, 911? I’m reporting an accident. I’ll wait here for the authorities.” as William closed his cell phone, a text in Scripture came to him, which he repeated aloud. “Second Chronicles chapter twenty-five verse two. and he did that which was right in the sight of the lord, but not with a loyal heart” (NKJV). although he had been sorely tempted to keep the money, he knew that as a professed Christian, he had to do the right thing. This week, how will the fruit of truth grow in your life, as it grew in William’s the day the banks collapsed?



Practice the Truth to Reveal Fruit
Kimberly A. Hudgens, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A.
Sunday Evidence
John 8:31, 32; John 14:6, 16, 17; 17:17

Jesus proclaimed that He is the Way, the Truth, and the life (John 14:6). He also asked the Father to send us the Holy Spirit (the Comforter), which is the Spirit of truth (verse 17). Because we are unable physically to see Christ or speak to Him as His disciples did, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us to guide us in the truth Christ displayed while on earth. History has taught us that knowing the truth is good. However, we must apply the truth to our lives. How do we do this? John 17:17 says, “ ‘your word is truth’ ” (NKJV). “The Word of God is declared to be ‘truth.’ The Scriptures reveal to us the character of God and of Jesus Christ. We be- come new creatures by making the truths of the Word of God a part of the life.”*

The fruit make up a person’s character. They are what a person does.

Because God’s Word is truth and His Word encompasses the Ten Commandments, we can conclude that truth is displayed by keeping the law. Jesus says, “ ‘you will know them by their fruits’ ” (Matt. 7:16, NKJV). The fruit make up a person’s character. They are what a person does. Thus, our transformation of character when we live by God’s law makes evident the fruit of the Spirit. This fruit is displayed when we put the Word/law of God into action. Christ’s example teaches us how we should keep the law. let us not be like the Pharisees who knew the truth but misapplied it. We thus need to ask the Holy Spirit to help us under- stand God’s Word, as well as to correctly apply it to our daily lives.

If we continue in God’s Word and keep His commandments, we will be His disciples, know the truth, and be free (John 8:31, 32). We must apply the truth by keeping God’s law. Then we can enjoy true spiritual freedom, along with genuine happiness by being at peace with God and with others. Obeying His Word frees us from guilt, condemnation, and pain, because Jesus will replace the void with His fruit (character), which is composed of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22, 23). This fruit is a gift God wants to give everyone. We need to meditate daily on His Word, be obedient to what the Holy Spirit reveals to us as we study, and share the truth we learn with others.

REACT
What are some practical ways we can show the truth to others who do not
know about Jesus? ____________
*The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 1053.



Can You Handle It?
Jason Gibson, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A.
Monday Logos
2 Chron. 25:2; Ps. 51:17; Jer. 29:13; John 7:16, 17; 14:6; 17:3; Heb. 5:14

Religion can be frightening. every religious group claims to have the truth. Many individuals have become confused and have decided to go along with whatever truth feels right to them, hence the growth and popularity of spiritu- alism and the occult. Knowledge, traditions, and life experiences play a major role in what we think is truth. as Christians, what truth do we hold, and how should we respond to it?

Sometimes we have to wait for our spiritual teeth to grow in before we can eat the solids of God’s truth.

Christ the Truth (John 14:6)
The best way to find truth is through our lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Thomas found this out when he asked Jesus where He was going (John 14:5). Jesus’ response revealed a few things about Himself. In order for Thomas to gain access to the place his Master was going, he had to know that Jesus was the Way, the Truth, and the life (John 14:6). The only way to gain access to the Father is through His Son.

True Proof (John 7:16, 17; 2 Chron. 25:2)
Throughout the Bible, God has validated His words through His actions. God is fair and just and doesn’t want us to believe Him without making an educated decision. all of the miracles performed by God and Jesus show that they are truth. Jesus demonstrated this characteristic on earth. When He went to the temple to teach during a feast in Jerusalem, the people asked how He knew the things he taught (John 7:14, 15). He told the people they would have to live what He taught to find out if the doctrine He preached was true or false (John 7:16, 17).

Imagine if, as Christians, we all lived the teachings of Christ. Many people would then be blessed by our lives, and the truth would be stamped and sealed in the minds of the individuals being blessed. even having the truth as it is in God, we sometimes become anesthetized by our spiritual routines and tradi- tion. It is possible to know God’s truth and to do His will with an unwilling
heart. read 2 Chronicles 25:2. This text is speaking of King amaziah of Judah, who carried out the law without his heart being in it. If we are willing, the Holy Spirit is able to make our hearts of iron malleable.

Exchange (Ps. 51:17; Jer. 29:13)
In order to learn something new, we have to give up something in exchange. In order to gain the knowledge of a mechanical engineer, it is necessary to give up one’s personal time to study a variety of math and science concepts. One would also have to invest money in an educational institute to receive training. What do we have to give up to know Christ? read Psalm 51:17 and Jeremiah 29:13.

Like a Baby (Heb. 5:14)
Babies are born without teeth. The variety of foods they can eat progresses as they grow—at first liquids, then soft foods, and when the teeth come in, hard solids. When we first receive knowledge of the truth, we are like a baby. It takes time and spiritual maturity to learn everything Christ has to teach us. Sometimes we have to wait for our spiritual teeth to grow in before we can eat the solids of God’s truth. With maturity, we may be able to discern truth, and, therefore distinguish good from evil (Heb. 5:14). Paul explained this concept so that we may preach the truth to those around us without bombarding them with spiritual things they aren’t yet able to understand.

Eternal Life (Luke 4:18; John 17:3)
When our Savior came to earth to dwell as a human, He devoted His life to completing His mission—healing the sick and brokenhearted and preaching the gospel (luke 4:18). Most of all, He came to give His life for everyone so that we all can live eternally with Him. Jesus revealed the truth about eternal life when He looked to heaven and uttered these words, “ ‘and this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent’ ” (John 17:3, NKJV). eternal life consists of knowing the truth about the Father through His Son Jesus Christ, who is the Way.

REACT
How did your life change when you found the truth as it is in Christ?
What other things did Jesus say or do to demonstrate His knowledge of the truth?



“The Truth That Changes”
Neville and Keisher Peter, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A.
Tuesday Testimony
John 16:13, 14; 1 Cor. 2:10, 11

When we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us, the truth shall be revealed. This experience has been manifested in my life as well as my wife’s.

Neither of us had any formal Bible studies. We relied on the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truths.

Growing up in an adventist home, Bible study and knowledge of church doc- trines were required. These requirements were fulfilled out of obligation rather than a heart-felt desire. as a result, when I grew older, I drifted away. However, at the age of 25, I accepted Christ as my lord and Savior. Shortly after that, someone bought me the Bible on CDs. I rarely missed a day of listening to them. It was only after listening to God’s Word with a heartfelt desire that a transformation occurred in my life.

My wife grew up in a Catholic home. In her early twenties, situations caused her to seek the lord beyond the realm of that denomination. So, she began read- ing the Bible. Feeling something was missing from her church, she began attend- ing a Pentecostal church. after three years of attending that church, she still felt something was missing. So she began praying to God about it. Shortly afterward, she heard the adventist message. For three months, she studied on her own with the aid of the Holy Spirit. The truth she longed for was finally being revealed to her.

Neither of us had any formal Bible studies. We relied on the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truths.

“God intends that even in this life the truths of His word shall be ever unfolding to His people. There is only one way in which this knowledge can be obtained. We can attain to an understanding of God’s Word only through the illumination of that Spirit by which the word was given. ‘The things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God;’ ‘for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:10, 11. and the Saviour’s promise to His followers was, ‘When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth. . . . For He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you. John 16:13, 14.’ ”*

REACT
What great truth about yourself has the Spirit revealed to you? Is there any-
thing that needs to change? If so, how will you go about making that change?
____________
*Steps to Christ, p. 109.



Christ in Us, Faithful and True
Stacey-Ann Montañez, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A.
Wednesday How-to
Pss. 15:1, 2; 119:11; 3 John 4; Rev. 19:11; 22:6, 7

In order to be Christlike, we must seek truth, obey it, and believe in truth’s power. The Bible is comprised of truth. Over the centuries, the Word has dis- proved its many critics, as its prophetic writings have come to pass and continue to come to pass even in our day.

Whenever we are tempted to tell a lie . . . let us remember who our Father is.

John 1 tells us that, in the beginning, the Word was with God, the Word was God, and “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14, NKJV). God’s Holy Spirit overshadowed a virgin and gave power to the word that He gave to the prophet Isaiah (see Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:18–23). So then Jesus, whose mother is of human flesh, and whose Father is God, manifested char- acteristics of His Father’s Word. John reveals Jesus’ name as Faithful and True. Through personal experience, many Christians have found Jesus to be exactly that. Furthermore, these are the same characteristics of the words in the Bible. Jesus, like God’s Word, is faithful and true (rev. 3:14; 19:11; 21:5; 22:6).

Because we are God’s children, we should also be faithful and true (1 John 3:1–3, 18, 19). Here then are ways we can show our Father’s character and can worship Him in spirit and in truth.

Confess. James 5:16 says to confess our sins to one another and to pray for each other. It is good to have trustworthy friends with whom we can do this. However, there are some people we cannot trust, and there are some sins it would be wise to confess only to God. He is always willing to forgive us, to cleanse us from sin, and to help us not to sin again. read Psalm 32:5 and 1 John 1:9.

Accept God’s forgiveness. He is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and the Holy Spirit has the power to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

Tell the truth. Whenever we are tempted to tell a lie (no matter how small), let us remember who our Father is and then choose to tell the truth. God will work out the rest if we trust Him to do so. read Colossians 3:8, 9 and revelation 22:14, 15.

REACT
Christ spent time seeking out the Father’s truth in what we call the Old Testa- ment. He chose to trust and obey that truth every moment of every day. How is it possible for us to do the same?



Are You an Undercover Christian?
Kathleen Nelson, Altamonte Springs, Florida, U.S.A.
Thursday Opinion
John 17:3

Have you ever found yourself telling a so-called white lie? Maybe trying to make a good impression or avoiding punishment seemed more important at the time. What about that dear friend or relative who consistently fabricates lies to satisfy his or her delusions of grandeur? How disappointing and hurtful this is, when on a daily basis, lie after lie continues to unfold. It is hurtful because lies have the power to destroy relationships. It is disappointing because this person’s spiritual condition is revealed.

Knowing truth is not beneficial unless truth is personally applied.

As I ponder the word truth, I realize that knowing truth is not beneficial unless truth is personally applied. In the Garden of Eden, God told the first couple the truth about eating the forbidden fruit. However, they chose to believe Satan’s lies, and we know the results—pain, destruction, and death that will continue until the end of time.

In His wisdom and out of His love for us, God devised a way to pass truth down from generation to generation. as Christians preparing for Eternity, applying truth to our everyday lives is as important as knowing the truth. In order to be truthful, we must have Jesus in our hearts. He will give us the ability to be truthful. “ ‘you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free’ ” (John 8:32, NKJV). “every soul that refuses to give himself to God...is not his own....He is not allowed to see the beauty of truth, for his mind is under the control of Satan.”* How important it is, then, to establish and maintain a personal relationship with God that includes total, daily surrender to Him. Our walk, talk, dress, attitude, and every fiber of our being will then reflect Christ.

Jesus said to His disciples, “ ‘I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing’ ” (John 15:5, NKJV). When the flow of nourishment from God is continuous and unobstructed, we will reap a full harvest of truth.

REACT
1. How can you help someone refocus his or her pursuit of self-esteem to the pursuit of knowing God?
2. In what ways could our financially overdrawn lifestyles be a result of insuf-
ficient spiritual deposits?
_____________
*The Desire of Ages, p. 466.



“Truth Has Two Meanings”
Barbara Manspeaker, Luray, Virginia, U.S.A.
Friday Exploration
Prov. 11:3
CONCLUDE

No matter how you define truth, it boils down to one thing—a lack of falsehood. We face truth as integrity every day of our lives: Should I call in sick so I can catch the gigantic sale downtown? Should I tell my professor I’m late because I was in a traffic jam when I really overslept? Should I tell the insurance company an unknown vehicle hit the back of my car and kept going, or that I actually backed into a trash can?

Just as there are no big sins or little sins, there is no “white lie,” “little fib,” or “just a little exaggeration.” Sin is sin. Integrity is integrity. The same is true of God’s Word. all of it is truth. It’s not for us to pick and choose what we want to believe. Christians will be known by their integrity—how truthfully they live, how truthfully they represent Jesus in their daily lives.

CONSIDER

•Examining and comparing a real flower with an artificial flower of the same species. What makes the real flower different or superior to the fake flower? relate this to people who exhibit integrity to those who do not. Which one do you want for a friend? Why?
•Inventing a game with some friends in which you take turns telling stories that are interlaced with both fact and fiction. Have the listeners try to determine the truth by observing your body language, facial expression, and tone of voice. What did you learn?
•e-mailing or texting some of your friends, asking them these questions: What do you think integrity means? How does it apply to you? Why would you want your best friend to be a person of integrity?
•Reflecting on the week just past by asking yourself these questions: Was I always completely truthful? Why, or why not? Is this a problem I need Jesus to help me with?
•Googling the word integrity.How many entries did you find? What did you learn from some of what you read?
•Watching a DVD of a Bible story; then read it from a book and from the Bible. Which was closer to the Bible truth—the book or the DVD?

CONNECT
Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2, pp. 437, 438.
Henry and richard Blackaby, Spiritual Leadership (Nashville, Tenn.: B & H Publishing, 2001), pp. 104–107.

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