Why Is Truth So Hard to Find?

The question "What is truth?" isn't just rhetorical—it has practical applications for all of us today. Pilate struggled with it, the early church struggled with it, and we still struggle with it. But not because truth is elusive or hidden. Rather, it's because:

• Lies can be far more appealing
• Lies feed our egos and biases
• Lies require very little from us

Jesus declared, "I am the truth," telling the entire world that if we want to know truth and dispel lies, we need only look to Him. And thankfully, we have the Bible that documents Jesus' words and actions.

Paul wrote to Timothy: "All scripture is inspired by God. It's useful to teach us what is true to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we're wrong. It teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work."

Notice how introspective this verse is. Scripture isn't meant to be a weapon against others but a mirror for ourselves. As my father used to say, "When we point the finger, there's always three pointing back at us."

What Lies Do We Believe?

The church in Pergamum felt the pull between the truth of Jesus and the lies of the world—a struggle many of us face regularly. Let's explore some common lies we believe and the truths that counter them.

Lie 1: "God Has Forgotten Me"

This lie is especially prevalent when we're walking through painful parts of our lives. When pain and tragedy strike, we feel alone and isolated. Life can close in quickly, making us feel like it's us against everyone else.

Truth: God Knows Where I Am

In Revelation 2:12-13, Jesus tells the church in Pergamum: "I know where you live, where Satan has his throne." Jesus sees you right now in this moment. He knows what you're going through and what you're up against. Not only does He know where you are, but He is also your defender when you fight the enemy of your soul.

Lie 2: "It Isn't Worth It. I Can't Keep Doing This."

We've been conditioned to want a positive return on any investment in life. We want to experience life with a net benefit. If we do something nice, we expect something nice in return. If we study hard, we expect good grades.

This mindset can creep into our faith: "If I accept Jesus, my life should be pain-free. If I read my Bible, nothing stressful should happen. If I go to church, my addictions should disappear."

Truth: There Is a Reward Waiting If I Remain Faithful

Jesus commends the church in Pergamum: "Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city where Satan lives."

Antipas, a church leader discipled by John himself, was burned to death in 92 AD for refusing to deny Christ. Imagine being a follower of Christ and watching your pastor die this way. How difficult it would be to stay true to your faith, knowing you might be next.

Sometimes, the most faith-filled thing you can do is simply remain faithful. Breakthrough often lies on the other side of our faithfulness. As Paul wrote to the Galatians: "Let us not become weary doing good. For at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we don't give up."

Lie 3: "A Little Sin Is Okay, It Won't Hurt Me"

We often categorize sin (some sins aren't as bad as others) or compare sin (my sins aren't as bad as theirs). Both approaches give us wiggle room that God never intended.

The sin we engage in often comes from the belief that God is holding something back from us. We want what we want when we want it. If God doesn't deliver on our timeline, we think He's holding out on us, so we take matters into our own hands.

We tell ourselves:

"One little lie won't hurt."

"I'm just looking at pictures, not having an affair."

"It's just a joke, not hate or racism."

"It's just one party, I can handle it."

"It's just a few words of gossip, and she deserves it."

Truth: Small Compromises Lead to Major Failures

Jesus warns Pergamum: "Nevertheless, I have a few things against you. You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Repent, therefore, otherwise I will soon come to you and fight against them with the sword of my mouth."

The Nicolaitans approved of self-indulgence and abused God's grace, saying that abstaining from sin was unnecessary. We do the same when we tolerate small compromises that eventually lead to major failures.

If you refuse to tolerate small compromises, you will avoid major failures.

Lie 4: "I Don't Need Any Help. I Can Handle This on My Own."

Some of us have been independent so long we don't know how to let people help us. It feels weak to get help. Or we use introversion as an excuse. Some have trauma from trusting others.

Truth: We Need Strength from God Every Single Day

Jesus promises: "To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna." This references the manna God provided to the Israelites in the desert—just enough for each day. We need daily strength from God, not just once a week or when things get tough.

Jesus also promises "a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it." In ancient courts, jurors would use a white stone to declare someone innocent. Jesus is saying that if we're faithful and find truth when the world feeds us lies, He will proclaim us innocent and give us a new identity.

As Paul wrote: "Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old is gone. A new life has begun."

Life Application

The devil knows your name but calls you by your sin. Jesus knows your sin but calls you by your name—a new name that represents forgiveness, transformation, and eternal life.

Ask yourself these questions this week:

1. What lies am I believing about God, myself, or my circumstances?
2. How am I compromising in small ways that could lead to major failures?
3. What is the "new name" Jesus has given me, and am I living according to it?
4. Where do I need to let go of the "black stones" of condemnation to fully grasp the "white stone" of forgiveness?

This week, find a small white stone (or use another object) and place it somewhere you'll see it daily. Let it remind you that Jesus has declared you innocent, redeemed, sanctified, and forgiven. You may not be where you need to be, but praise God, you're not where you used to be.

Remember: "I am who I am because the I AM tells me who I am."

Pastor Tim