Seeking the Truth from the Master Teacher
Categories: Sermon Outlines, Topical Sermon OutlinesINTRODUCTION:
A. Jesus is correctly called the “Master Teacher”
1. Jesus was not like the religious leaders of His day (or any day), because He had the knowledge and authority needed to instruct others in the most effect way.
2. Matthew 7:28-29
B. There are many today who claim we cannot know truth, or that it is too difficult to obtain
1. Such false teaching leads many to become discouraged – not seeing the need for study
2. The Bible teaches that we can come to a knowledge of truth
3. Ephesians 3:3-4 – truth is knowable
a. John 8:30-32
1) Thus, through Christ we can know truth
2) A mark of a true disciple is one who continually seeks for truth
b. Acts 17:11
c. John 5:39
1) Seeking truth is vitally important
2) Let us now consider what seeking the truth from the Master Teacher is like …
DISCUSSION:
A. SEEKING THE TRUTH FROM THE MASTER TEACHER IS LIKE BEING A DETECTIVE
1. Matthew 7:7-8
2. Detectives must ask, seek, and knock … they do all the needed “foot work” to gather all of the available evidence
3. Likewise, truth-seekers must ask, seek, and knock
a. The witnesses have already testified and written their testimony:
1) John 20:30-31 – written testimony
2) Acts 10:39-43 – testimony of witnesses
3) 1 John 1:1-4 – again, written testimony
b. Each of us must honestly examine all of the evidence in God’s written word
1) Hebrews 11:1
2) Romans 10:17
c. This must always be the plea of the faithful – Jeremiah 6:16
B. SEEKING THE TRUTH FROM THE MASTER TEACHER IS LIKE BEING A CAPTAIN OF A SHIP
1. Matthew 7:13-14
2. A ship’s captain must often guide his vessel through narrow, difficult passages
a. This is the meaning of “strait”
b. Maps show many straits — the straits of Florida, the Bering strait, etc.
3. Like a ship’s captain, the truth-seeker must enter the strait gate, the narrow and difficult way to truth
a. Truth is absolute
b. There is only one source of spiritual truth – not many – John 14:6
c. Thus, we must carefully travel through the straits of truth by doing as Solomon instructs:
1) Proverbs 4:25-27
2) Deut. 12:32 – Pro. 30:6 – Rev. 22:18-19
C. SEEKING THE TRUTH FROM THE MASTER TEACHER IS LIKE BEING A SHEPHERD OR A FARMER
1. Matthew 7:15-20
2. Shepherds must be alert to wild beasts and farmers must be aware of weeds … If no distinction is made financial failure is sure
3. Truth-seekers must also distinguish between good and bad – between truth and error
a. Both exists – Galatians 5:19-23 … there is a clear difference
b. But, many fail to see the difference – Isaiah 5:20
c. It is a must that we realize that spiritual failure is much worse than a farmer’s financial failure
1) Matthew 16:26
2) Luke 12:16-21
4. How do we make the needed distinction?
a. Study the word of God
1) Acts 20:28-32
2) 1 John 4:1, 6
b. Examine the fruit – Matthew 7:20
5. Once the distinction is made, we must refuse and condemn the bad – Romans 16:17-18
D. SEEKING THE TRUTH FROM THE MASTER TEACHER IS LIKE BEING AN ARCHITECT
1. Matthew 7:24-27
2. Builders must use the right pattern, materials, and methods to have a strong and beautiful structure.
3. Truth-seekers must do likewise
a. The right pattern and materials are the teaching of Jesus
1) John 12:48
2) 1 Peter 2:21
b. The proper foundation is Christ
1) 1 Corinthians 3:11
2) Ephesians 2:19-20
c. The right method is hearing and doing – Matthew 7:21-24
4. Therefore, build your spiritual house correctly
a. Psalm 127:1
b. Proverbs 24:3-4
E. SEEKING THE TRUTH FROM THE MASTER TEACHER IS LIKE BEING A PATIENT
1. Matthew 9:12-13
2. Patients know when they are sick and in need of a physician.
3. Likewise, truth-seekers are looking for:
a. A cure for the soul’s disease
1) Romans 3:23
2) Romans 6:23
b. The right physician – Jesus
1) 1 Peter 2:24-25
2) Matthew 11:28
c. The correct prescription
1) Mark 16:15-16
2) Acts 2:38
d. The correct heath book
1) 2 Timothy 3:16-17
2) 2 Peter 1:3
4. So, do not refuse the great Physician’s remedy and remain sick
a. Jeremiah 8:22
b. Isaiah 1:5-6, 16-20
F. SEEKING THE TRUTH FROM THE MASTER TEACHER IS LIKE BEING A TREASURE HUNTER
1. Matthew 13:44-46
2. Treasure hunters know what is valuable and will sacrifice to obtain the valuable
3. Truth-seekers must do the same
a. The real treasures are found in Christ and His word
1) 2 Peter 1:3
2) 2 Timothy 3:16-17
b. To receive the treasure we must willing to sacrifice
4. Proverbs 23:23
CONCLUSION: Truth-seekers will be as a:
1. Detective
2. Captain of a ship
3. Shepherd or a farmer
4. Architect
5. Patient
6. Treasure hunter