"Discerning Truth"
Sermon Presented June 3, 2007
John 16:12-15
How do we discern Truth? One source is who we listen to - some offering truth and some not. Our news source, whether it is Brian Williams, Charles Gibson, Katie Couric, Brit Hume, or one of the Cable news anchors will determine what information we receive on national and international events. Those who trust the wisdom of Rush Limbaugh, Jon Stewart, David Brooks, Mark Shields, Dennis Shook or Charlie Sykes, will hear another analysis of national or local issues and accept their opinions as true. Each minister presents the Gospel differently - through our own filters - and listeners hear the Gospel differently - depending on what church they attend or what radio or TV preacher they hear. What we choose to read - whether it be a newspaper, news magazine, religious periodical, spiritual writing or novel will affect our perception of truth. Just think about how many people reevaluated the teachings of the Church after reading The DaVinci Code or The Last Temptation of Christ. Most of us believe we have the Truth to a limited degree, even though we know we don't possess ALL of the Truth. Members of this congregation pride themselves on being thoughtful and well-read people - always searching for truth.
Sometimes we choose to protect our perception of the Truth by refusing to listen to those with an opposite viewpoint. Case in point, some people will choose to stay away from the Environmental program this afternoon because they believe that the land is ours to use as we wish - no holds barred - or that there really isn't a problem, and others will stay away because they don't believe an Evangelical like Cal DeWitt has credibility. So, how should we discern Truth?
Our text this morning is the shortest Gospel text in this year's lectionary - 4 verses to be exact. Because Jesus is leaving his disciples, he wants to give them new instruction and alert them to the help they will receive through the Holy Spirit. Hear these parting words to his disciples - present and future - as taken from John 16:12-15. (Read text.)
Tasha's classes are over and I'm sure she's eagerly awaiting graduation next Sunday. During her elementary and high school years she has learned many facts as well as life's lessons, but she has just touched the tip of the iceberg when it comes to learning truth. I'm 50 years older than Tasha and I still have only a small portion of the truth. Searching for Truth is a never-ending - but important quest!
Jesus is preparing his followers for life after he physically departs. The disciples hear that the Spirit of God will help them understand what they need to understand when they need it. What they don't comprehend now will be illuminated by the Spirit when the time is right. Thus the Spirit's role isn't for a new revelation but to help people understand the on-going revelation in Jesus.
This chapter begins with these words spoken by Jesus: "I have said these things to you to keep you from stumbling. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, an hour is coming when those who kill you will think that by doing so they are offering worship to God." Jesus warns his followers that some people protect their truth by refusing to listen to those with an opposite point of view. He tells them that there will come a time when they will no longer be welcomed in the synagogue. People become angry when their truth is challenged.
I would like to be clear. I don't bother to listen to those who make me angry or read articles written by those I consider outside of the pale of reason. I won't waste my time, so that may place me in the position of a non-listener. However, I do try to read editorials by those I don't usually agree with to get another perspective. I'm not saying here that we need to fill our minds with what we consider to be garbage, but we do need to keep an open mind when filtering new information.
Soon the disciples will be unable to hear the Truth from Jesus' lips. What will they do then? Jesus says that he will send the Holy Spirit - the Spirit of God - to guide them into truth, not beat them over the head with it! Sometimes a seed of truth languishes in our minds, and bursts forth when we need it. God's Spirit helps us receive the truth we need when we are open to receive.
I used to think that when I got all goose-bumpy or teary-eyed during a worship service, that I was experiencing the presence of God's Spirit. However, that isn't always the case. I've learned by experience that unscrupulous ministers manipulate parishioners through emotional stories to believe God is present. It's always wise to test the Spirit and what you hear - through Scripture, your own experience with God, and the experience of one you trust. It's frustrating and even appalling to find out that something we believed was from God wasn't God, but manipulation by another. Carefully consider and investigate what you read and hear so that you can discern the truth. Pray that God's Spirit will illuminate the truth for you.
What is truth? Jesus says that truth comes from God alone and will be declared to the disciples through the Spirit of Truth. Truth is and will be consistent with what Jesus lived and taught.
Jesus' absence poses a major problem of faith for his followers. He teaches that absence doesn't mean nothingness or aloneness, but a time to receive his presence in a way that is even more powerful and enduring. Therefore, it's to their advantage that he goes away. Thomas Merton said that "God approaches our minds by receding from them" (Christian Century, 6/6/01, p. 32.) That statement is worth pondering!
When someone leaves us, usually one of two things happens. Sometimes the person who leaves is raised to the status of saint, as I have seen at the death of a spouse who actually was a scoundrel but now becomes perfect. Other times the opposite occurs and the deceased or the one who left his or her spouse becomes a demon with no redeeming qualities. Jesus says that when he leaves, his disciples will have access to the truth through the working of the Holy Spirit, and that truth will sustain them.
When I used to cram for an exam, I didn't remember the material any longer than I needed to regurgitate it on the test. Real learning comes gradually. Jesus says that the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth - truth that glorifies God and Jesus. When we receive the Truth, it sticks!
In the fields of both science and religion, I believe that it's important to not be certain. When we don't have a sense of certainty, we are open to learn more and improve our understanding. The dumbest people in the world are those who think they know it all. Their certainty keeps them from learning anything new and at the same time, pushes them away from those who believe differently. They don't know that they don't know!
When I was in seminary, I believed that I needed to have all of the answers in order to lead a congregation. I almost dropped my calling to the pastoral ministry because I didn't have all of the answers. However, I have learned to live with mystery, realizing that there are truths I don't understand, but accept for the time being.
We are spiritual neophytes and can't absorb all that we would like to understand. But Jesus says that when we need insight or direction, the Holy Spirit will give us that insight through Jesus' teachings. What we receive from God's Spirit won't conflict with Jesus' life and teachings.
The Church doesn't need new information but fresh discernment to read the signs of the times and to see the relevance of Christ's message for our world. God's Spirit is the on-going teacher in the life of the Church. We have much to learn - or unlearn as the case may be - and the Spirit is our divinely appointed teacher. The Spirit will guide us into truth if we are open to receive it.
Please note that not every burst of energy, not every spirit of growth, and not every surge in attendance is necessarily to be identified with the Spirit's activity. Not every speaker mouthing biblical phrases represents the voice of God either. The basis for determining the truth of what we see and hear is whether it agrees with what Jesus taught and did. That's simple and yet profound. That's the way to Truth, and God's Spirit will guide us along the way.
