The Truth Project Lesson 3

 Anthropology: Who is Man?

Scripture in this lesson

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.

Galatians 5:16-17

Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

Revelations 20:15

 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.

Romans 6:12

 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.  Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.  But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.  Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

Colossians 3:5-10

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Genesis 1:27

Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,

Hebrews 9:27

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.  For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.

Romans 8:5-14

What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

Romans 7:24-25

Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—

Romans 5:12

And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals,
because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.

Revelations 5:9

So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable;

1 Corinthians 15:42

The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.

Genesis 6:5

 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

Romans 7:14-20

For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

Romans 8:13

Dr. Tackett talks about Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. All teachers had to learn this. It was on the NTE (National Teachers Exam) required to obtain Teaching Certificate, and it was also on the GRE (Graduate Records Examination) required to enter Graduate programs.

The Truth Project: Lesson 2 Philosophy and Ethics

 

According to contemporary culture, what you see is what you get. Nothing exists beyond the material universe. So the world is a closed box - a cosmic cube that embraces all of reality.

But when God is excluded, philosophy loses its universal reference point and cannot discover true reality. And without God, it makes so sense to talk about right and wrong.

Key Scriptures Mentioned in the Video

Mark 9:2

Romans 12:2

2 Corinthians 3:18

Colossians 2:8

2 Timothy 2:24-26

Themes

Philosophy, according to Dr. R.C. Sproul, is "a scientific quest to discover ultimate reality." This would seem to indicate that philosophical ideas about truth are closely aligned with the biblical definition given in Lesson 1: truth = reality. The 1828 edition of Websters Dictionary included the following affirmation: "true religion and true philosophy must ultimately arrive at the same principle." The definition also asserted that philosophy aims "to enlarge our understanding of God." God, of course, has been edited out of subsequent editions of the dictionary. This is consistent with the perspective of contemporary culture, which has been taken captive by the unfounded assumption that "the cosmos is all there is or ever was or ever will be" (Carl Sagan). Another way to say this is that current thought pictures reality as a closed box - a cosmic cube - in which there is no room for anything that cannot be sensually or materially perceived. The problem is that with the lid of the box closed and God excluded, philosophy is deprived of a universal reference point and thus crippled in its "scientific quest for ultimate reality." As a result, it cannot answer the most basic questions about right and wrong behavior.

Points to Watch For

Dr. Tackett persuasively argues that even the most outspoken adherents of "cosmic cube" thinking and relativistic ethics - thinkers like Carl Sagan and William Provine - cannot possibly live by their own reductionist and materialistic principles. On the other side of the coin, he suggests that many contemporary Christians have been unwittingly taken captive by the assumptions of our age ("conformed to this world"). He concludes the lesson by challenging students to think more aggressively about what it means to be "transformed by the renewing of the mind" (Romans 12:2).

Key Terms:

Assumptive Language

Powerful and deceptive use of words in which a seemingly simple statement is made, hoping the hearer will buy the simple statement without recognizing the huge assumptions that come with it. When one buys the simple statement, you buy its assumptions without knowing it.

Biblical worldview

A formal worldview based ultimately upon that nature, character, and being of God as it is expressed in His infallible Word and His creation. It becomes the foundation for a life system that governs every area of existence.

Capricious

Impulsive, unpredictable, characterized or subject to whim. Not guided by steady judgment, intent or purpose.

Carl Sagan

An American astronomer and proponent of scientific naturalism who promoted the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (SETI). Cosmos was the most watched television show on PBS of all time (more than 600 million people have seen it since it first aired in 1980), and his novel Contact was made into a film of the same name in 1997 staring Jodie Foster.

Cosmic Cube

The philosophy that has consciously or subconsciously captured our culture which says the material world is all that is, was, or ever will be; nothing exists outside of the box. This philosophical position has severely damaging implications.

Epistemology

the branch of philosophy that studies the nature of knowledge, its foundations, its presuppositions, and its extent and validity. How we know what we know.

Ethics

Formal worldview

A comprehensive set of truth claims that purports to paint a picture of reality.

Fundamental biblical presuppositions

God is and He has revealed Himself to us through His creation (general revelation) and through His Word (special revelation).

Hollow and deceptive philosophy

Philosophies that are based on human traditions and worldly principles that set themselves up against God's truth claims. See Colossians 2:8

Immanent

Present in and involved in the created universe. God is at work, actively involved with His creation, but separate from it. (see "Transcendent")

Metamorphoo

Greek for "transformation." Root of the word metamorphosis. This is the primary goal of The Truth Project: for individuals to be transformed into the likeness of Christ by gazing on the face of God. This process is not easy and we often struggle with God's Truth claims in the "cocoon." Metamorphoo is used in Romans 12:2Where it is usually translated as "transformed."

Metaphysics

the branch of philosophy that examines the nature of reality, existence, and the relationship between mind and matter, time and space, fact and value.

Morality

The rightness or wrongness of conduct; that which is. Habits of life or the practices of an individual or culture.

Naturalism

Truth and reality are derived from nature and natural causes. Rejects all spiritual and supernatural explanations of the world and holds that science is the primary basis of what can be known.

Particulars

Individual truth claims'; the small details that describe "particular" objects.

Personal world view

The set of individual truth claims that you have embraced so deeply that you believe they reflect what is really real and therefore they drive what you think, how you act, and what you feel.

Philosophy

The love of wisdom. The systematic examination of basic concepts such as truth, existence, reality, freedom, etc. Webster's 1828 dictionary definition:"The objects of philosophy are to ascertain facts or truth, and the causes of things or their phenomena; to enlarge our views of God and his works..." True religion and true philosophy must ultimately arrive at the same principle.

Postmodernism

cluster of philosophies with the underlying assumption that no one worldview or belief system (metanarrative) can claim to be the truth, which often results in relativistic thinking and the use of language as a power play.

Pragmatic

more concerned with practical results than with principles or truth.

Primary doctrine

Theology and Anthropology. Who is God and who is man? These are the two basic foundations for a person's and a culture's worldview.

Reductionist

1. considering or presenting something complicated in a simple way, especially a way that is too simple

2. relating to the belief that complex living systems can be explained by the laws of physics and chemistry, or having this belief

Spiritual Naturalism

Truth and reality are derived from nature and natural causes. Accepts a spiritual dimension to this world, but adds spirit inside the Cosmic Cube and, as a result rejects and transcendent creator.

Transcendent

Existing outside, above and independent, of the material universe. God is transcendent, but also immanent.

Universals

Broad "universal" truth claims that provide meaning to the smaller "articular" questions life. "Universals" provide answers to the great philosophical questions we face.

Utilitarian

relating to or advocating the doctrine that value is measured in terms of usefulness, concerned with practicality.

William Provine

A professor of evolutionary biology at Cornell University who is an atheist and adamant opponent of intelligent design.

The Truth Project Lesson one: What is Truth?

Leader's Study Guide

The Truth Project series relies heavily on Scripture as the divine and authoritative Word of God.

According to the Barna Research Group, only 9 percent of born-again believers hold a biblical worldview. In essence, the church as a whole does not believe what it says it believes. Therefore, divorce rates mirror our culture, sexual addiction is on the rise in the church and a large portion of church-goers live a life devoid of purpose. We believe this curriculum , through God's transformational power, can assist in reintroducing the Body of Christ to a life lived with meaning, purpose and value which ultimately makes a difference in our modern world.

What this is about is the opportunity to be a part of what God is doin the lives of His people worldwide, leaving room for the Holy Spirit to work through this curriculum and begin to transform the minds and hearts of each person who participates in your small group.

This series is designed to take a participants on a guided worldview tour, following the points of the worldview compass, a tool designed to direct our thinking with regard to four fundamental issues: Truth, God, Man, and the Social Order.

Veritology: What is Truth?

The cosmic battle, Why was Jesus Born?

Truth as ultimate reality.

Gazing on the face of God.

 Key Terms

Antithesis: The complete or exact opposite of something. The truth claims of God in direct opposition to the lies of the world, the flesh and the devil.

Bifurcation:To divide or separate into two parts, to split or branch off into two parts.

Common Insanity: A sickness we all suffer from. We have bought into the lies of the world, the flesh, and the devil and therefore we live as if the lie is true, denying reality.

Compass Illustration: looking at life from a 360 degree perspective. A graphic means to illustrate that there is no area in life that God has not spoken.

Idol: a false source of salvation, sustenance, or power. Isaiah 44 equates an idol to a lie. These lies lead us into insane notions.

Jewels of the Cave: Specific topics or truth claims that are of particular interest.

Insanity: Losing touch with reality: believing the lie is real. Extreme foolishness or an act that demonstrates it.

Pathology: Any condition that is a departure or deviation from the true design. Dr. Tackett uses "pathology" to describe areas of distortion within the social spheres.

Pernicious Lie: The lie that man is basically good and that his greatest need is to self-actualize and get in tough with his inner desires.

Spheres: Social institutions or systems that we live and interact in (family, church, state, labor, community, and the intimate relationship between God and man). Each sphere has distinct organization.

Worldview: The overall perspective from which one sees and interprets the world. How Christians understand and apply the biblical revelation to the big questions of life.

Upcoming Study

 Our spring study, The Truth Project will begin on March 13. The Author, Dr. Del Tackett, has some interesting articles on his blog. https://www.deltackett.com/blog

The Truth Project is designed to help participants learn to integrate the biblical message with the big questions of life. To develop a biblical worldview and how to apply it to every aspect of life, instead of bringing a secular worldview to bear on the issues of the day.

Biblical foundations are laid for the various important spheres of life: law, politics, economics, history, science, the arts, sociology, education, and the media. All of these crucial areas are examined in terms of the biblical worldview, and participants are taught how to apply biblical principles to all these key fields.

Participants will learn how to organize and evaluate various opposing ideas that all claim to be the truth. But our ultimate goal is not simply to gain knowledge It is to "look upon the face of God" - and be transformed in the process.

Study Guides

Grace

 Dictionary definition of Grace: God's favor toward the unworthy or God's benevolence on the undeserving. 

Grace is free sovereign favor to the ill-deserving. BB Warfield 

Grace is love that cares and stoops and rescues. John Stott

Grace is unconditional love toward a person who doesn't deserve it. Paul Zahl

Grace is God's best idea. His decision to ravage people by love to rescue passionately, and to restore justly - what rivals it? Of all his wondrous works, Grace, in my estimation, is the magnum opus. Max lucado

Gracious, the Hebrew word channun, in its verb form, means to be considerate, to show favor. That God is gracious would mean that he is favorably inclined toward us. That He wants to show favor to us. and to do what is best for us.

The concept of grace is a fundamental and a vital concept that is central to Christian belief. Grace is often defined as the unmerited favor, kindness, and mercy of God. It is God's freely given, undeserved love and assistance to humanity, particularly in the context of salvation and forgiveness of sins.

Grace is most needed and best understood in the midst of sin, suffering, and brokenness. We live in a world of earning, deserving, and merit, which result in judgment. That is why everyone wants and needs grace. Judgment kills. Only grace makes us alive.

Grace is “mercy, not merit” it is the opposite of karma, which is about getting what you deserve. Grace is getting what you don’t deserve and not getting what you do deserve. Christianity teaches that what we deserve is death as the price of sin, which separates us from God, Who is life.

Christians live every day by the grace of God. Grace transforms our desires, motivations, and behavior. In fact, God’s grace grounds and empowers everything in the Christian life.

https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-terms/what-is-grace.html

 

Prayer Journaling

Have you ever kept a prayer journal? while preparing a presentation at church, I've become an even more ardent supporter of prayer journals. Quiet time in prayer with God teaches you about Him and gives you the opportunity to practice listening to Him. Prayer is a deeply spiritual experience that needs time to grow and mature. Through prayer you learn to distinguish between thoughts that are yours and those that come from God. It's one of the ways the Holy Spirit speaks to us. Prayers can have a powerful impact on your spiritual life. However, there is something about writing down prayers that can make them feel more real or tangible. Prayer should not just a request line to God. We are dearly loved by God and He wants to spend time with us. That's why He created us, to be in fellowship with Him. By extending our prayer topics to things other than what we want, we are entering into fellowship with God.

A prayer Journal can take many forms, from a simple notebook to a more elaborate Journal with prompts and sections for different types of prayers. It's just up to you to decide what works best for your needs and preferences. Whatever format you choose, using your prayer journal to connect with God and document your spiritual journey is key.

Benefits of a Prayer Journal:

• Enhances & encourages a consistent prayer practice by making your prayer life more meaningful and intentional. This practice can lead to a stronger connection with God and a more fulfilling prayer experience.

• It increases focus during prayer. Writing down your thoughts and feelings helps you stay focused and engaged during prayer time, It encourages a consistent prayer practice by making journaling a part of your daily routine. You are more likely to stay committed to your prayer life.

• It offers clarity. Writing down your prayers and thoughts lets you see them more clearly and objectively. It also helps you organize your thoughts and identify the things weighing heavily on your mind so that as you write, you may also gain new insights or perspectives you might have missed had you not taken the time to reflect and document your thoughts.

• Allows reflection on God's blessings and the expression of gratitude to him. It allows reflection on God's blessing and the expression of gratitude to him. As you record the things you are grateful for, you will begin to see the hand of God at work in your life. Just as Thessalonians 5:18 says give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you.

• Helps you keep track of your spiritual progress and growth. It promotes self-reflection and allows you to reflect on past prayers, see how God has answered them, and recognize growth areas in your faith journey. This helps you identify areas where you have grown and where you need to focus your prayers more.

• Helps you overcome spiritual fatigue when you feel spiritually disconnected, journaling can be a powerful tool to help you process your thoughts and emotions. By reflecting on your relationship with God, you understand your walk with God and renew your faith. Keeping it prayer Journal can also be a helpful way to get out of your spiritual rut and find a new sense of purpose and meaning in your spiritual life.