1. The Foundation
In the realm of spiritual truth, the believer is often confronted with the challenge of discerning divine truth from mere human ideas. The song "Know the Truth" is a declaration founded upon the scripture found in John 7:17-18. The words are timelessly relevant: "If anyone chooses to do God’s will, they will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but the one who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him." Let us immerse ourselves in the profound implication of Jesus’ teaching.
2. The Historical & Biblical Context
The scripture takes place in the context of the Feast of Tabernacles, an important time of worship and remembrance for the Jewish people. Jesus, halfway through the festival, makes his teaching known in the Temple courts (John 7:14). This was a period of significant tension and expectation. The atmosphere was charged with the anticipation of a Messiah, yet also thick with skepticism and division. Jesus addresses an audience mixed with seekers of truth, skeptics, and those who vehemently opposed His ministry. He confronts the prevailing disbelief and challenges them to test the divine origin of His message through obedience to God’s will.
3. Word Study (Hebrew/Greek)
To gain a deeper understanding, let us explore two essential Greek terms found in our scripture passage.
Thelema (θέλημα): Translated as "will," this term refers to what one wishes or has determined shall be done. It highlights the perfect, intentional design and purpose of God. To do God’s thelema is to align oneself with His divine purpose and plan, distinguishing it from mere human intention.Aletheia (ἀλήθεια): The word "truth" carries the nuance of reality or certainty. It is not merely truth as opposed to falsehood; it is truth as the unveiling of that which is hidden, bringing light to all obscured perceptions.Understanding these terms emphasizes the song's call to action: to choose God’s will and thereby experience the unveiling of divine truth.
4. Theological Exposition
The lyrics of "Know the Truth" significantly underscore a recurring biblical theme – obedience brings revelation.
### Jesus’ Teachings are Divine
Jesus asserts the divine origin of His teachings. He emphasizes that discernment of His truth requires a heart postured in obedience to God’s will. This dynamic is echoed in Matthew 11:25, where Jesus praises the Father for revealing divine truths to "little children" – those humble enough to receive revelation through obedience.### Contrast Between Self-Seeking and True Seeking
Those who speak of their own volition seek their own glory, highlighting a profound truth about the human heart's susceptibility to pride and self-promotion. Proverbs 27:2 instructs us to let another praise us, not our own lips, displaying God's disdain for self-glorification.In contrast, Jesus embodies the humble submission to seek the Father’s glory, aligning with Philippians 2:6-8, where Jesus, being divine, humbled Himself to serve humanity. The servant-hearted pursuit of God’s glory is the essence of true discipleship.### Obedience, Belief, and Revelation
"Obey and see, believe and feel" calls the listener to the experiential reality of God's truth. James 1:22-25 warns against merely listening to the word, emphasizing that true blessing comes in doing what it says.5. Practical Application: How to Walk This Out
In seeking truth and divine revelation, several action steps emerge:
First, align your will with God’s thelema. Begin each day with a heart ready to do His will. Pray specifically for guidance into His purpose for your life.Second, put to death self-glorification. Assess your motivations. Are your actions and words a reflection of a desire for God’s glory or your own? Repent of any self-seeking actions.Third, commit to practical obedience. Engage with scripture, such as the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), and systematically apply those teachings to your daily life. Consistency in minor obediences shapes our readiness for greater revelations.Fourth, actively seek revelation through relationship. Cultivate an intimate relationship with God through prayer and worship. As you draw near, the Holy Spirit enlightens your understanding of divine truth, affirming His words in John 16:13 that He will guide you into all truth.6. A Proclamation & Prayer
Let us declare with boldness:
"I choose to do God’s will. I reject personal glory and seek the glory of He who sent Jesus. I accept the truth that comes from God above, placing my trust in His words of life and truth. In obedience, I receive revelation and stand firm in His eternal truth."
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come before you with a heart yearning for your truth. By Your Spirit, guide me into Your will. Expose areas of self-seeking within me and transform them to be channels of Your glory. As I obey, reveal Yourself to me more deeply. I trust in Your divine guidance into all truth, in Jesus’ name, Amen.