Session 3

How to know the truth

From 2 Timothy: A 4-Day Devotional

Everyone is born with a desire to understand the world around us — where we came from, how we fit in and what we’re here for. Each day, we’re bombarded with ads, articles and products promising to satisfy our desire to know more, have more and be more. But eternal life and quality of life are what our hearts are really seeking, and only a relationship with Jesus can provide that (John 17:3).

We’re not saved because of what we do; we’re saved by Who we know. When we ask Jesus into our lives, it changes our destiny and our reality. This one decision opens the door to a relationship with God now and for eternity.

There are three types of people in the world: people who have asked Jesus into their lives, people who have not (and don’t care to), and people who call themselves Christians without having submitted their lives to Jesus. It is possible to associate with a particular religion and call yourself a Christian when nothing is further from the truth. In 2 Timothy 3:5, the apostle Paul describes this as “having a form of godliness but denying its power.”

Just like Paul and Timothy, we will come across fake Christians and preachers teaching a message other than Jesus’. So how are we to know the difference? We can always determine the truth by comparing what someone says to be true against the Truth, the Bible. If what we think or hear does not line up with God’s Word, we are the ones who must change our minds.  

Reflect:

• When did you ask Jesus into your life? Can you remember a time and place where you made the decision to follow Him forever? Learn more about salvation here.
• Following Jesus means aligning our desires with His. What is one way you’ve seen your actions or opinions shift as you’ve started reading the Bible and doing what it says?
• Paul warned Timothy not to associate with those who pretend to follow Jesus for their own gain. Is there anyone in your life that you need to distance yourself from?