Titus 1:1
“Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;”
What is truth? That has been the battle of the ages. It doesn’t matter in what form the battle comes; it has always been over truth. The importance of knowing what truth is can never be underestimated because it determines what you should and should not do. The Apostle, in his greeting to Titus, claims his position based upon “the acknowledging of the truth.” His basis of truth shows us the impact of truth on one’s life.
First, truth is timeless. Verse 2 says that truth was “…promised before the world began…” Truth has always been truth. I’m always amazed at those who try to dictate that truth began on earth. Friend, truth has always been truth even “before the world began.” We know that God’s Word is truth and that His Word was settled before the world began. Psalm 119:89 says, “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” God’s Word, which is truth, was settled before any judge attempted to change truth. Truth was settled before there were preachers who tried to undermine it to meet their compromising lifestyle. Truth is timeless, which means it was truth before we were born, and it will be truth after we are gone.
Second, truth is guaranteed. Verse 2 says that God “cannot lie.” Whatever God promises in His Word will come to pass. If God says something in His Word, we know it is true, but better yet, it is guaranteed. You may ask, how do we know it is guaranteed? It is guaranteed because you have God’s word. If God promised to bless you if you live right, you are guaranteed that He will bless you. If God says that He will answer prayer, He will answer prayer because He promised it. There are many guarantees in this world that cannot be fulfilled, but when God says something you can be assured it will happen.
Third, truth is relevant. In other words, it never changes. The unchangeability of truth is one of the greatest battles we fight today because many modern day Balaam’s attempt to say truth changes with time. Friend, that is a lie of the Devil. Truth never changes, for if it changes it is not truth. What was right one hundred years ago is still right today. What God commanded us to do in the Old Testament, He still commands us to do today. Just because we live under grace doesn’t mean that God changed truth. Watch out for modern day wolves in sheep’s clothing who attempt to base truth on cultural acceptance. Truth is not based on cultural acceptance, it is based upon what God said, and it is as relevant to your life today as it was to those who followed it yesterday. Truth is relevant, but it never changes.
Fourth, truth is life-changing. Verse 3 says that God manifests His Word “through preaching.” Remember, it is by the “foolishness of preaching” that lives are changed. Friend, you don’t need to join a program to have your life changed, you just need to follow truth to have it changed. Truth is life-changing, but it must be followed if it is going to change your life.
Truth will still make an impact today if you allow it. Don’t fall into the Devil’s trap that truth is evolving, for that is his trick to destroy your life. God’s Word is truth; follow it, for in following it you will realize its impact on your life.