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Walking in Truth: A Path to Authentic Worship and Genuine Relationships
Welcome to the Matt on a Mission podcast blog! In this post, we’re diving into the second part of a powerful discussion between host Matthew Knighton and his good friend, Tim Ashton, from the “Matt on a Mission Podcast.” This episode explores the profound topic of walking in the truth, revealing how it profoundly shapes our worship and transforms our daily lives and relationships.
Worshiping in Spirit and Truth: More Than Just Motions
Matthew and Tim begin by emphasizing the critical importance of authentic worship. As highlighted in John 4:23, Jesus states, “But the hour is coming and now is when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth for the Father is seeking such to worship him. God is spirit and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth”. This means that God isn’t looking for mere outward displays; He seeks worship that is authentic and genuine, emanating from the heart.
Tim shares a powerful scriptural insight from 1 Samuel 16, recalling when the prophet Samuel was sent to anoint a new king for Israel. God told Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his physical stature because I have refused him for the Lord does not see as a man sees for the man looks at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart”. This serves as a potent analogy for worship: it must go beyond rituals and connect deeply with God on a spiritual level, truly from the inside out.
The Profound Impact of Truth on Your Daily Life and Relationships
Embracing and walking in the truth changes everything. When you are rooted in the truth, you make different choices and have different priorities. The podcast references 2 Corinthians 13:5-8, which encourages us to “examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith”. This examination is not about outward appearance but about our hearts and inner transformation. As we walk in the truth, our relationships change, leading us to become more loving, patient, forgiving, and more like Jesus. The truth is truly wonderful and powerful because the truth is Christ Himself.
A striking example of truth’s impact on relationships is found in Galatians 2:14, where Paul confronted Peter’s hypocrisy. Paul saw that Peter’s actions—living like a Gentile when among Gentiles but observing the law in front of Jews—were “not in step with the truth of the gospel”. This public rebuke by Paul highlights the importance of living consistently with the truth and serves as a powerful reminder that we cannot force or expect others to live one way when our own actions contradict our beliefs. The term “hypocrite” originally referred to an actor wearing different masks. Paul’s ability to see through Peter’s pretense and Peter’s acceptance of the rebuke demonstrate the power of God’s truth spoken in love.
Truth as the Foundation of Spiritual Armor
Tim explains the concept of the “belt of truth” from Ephesians 6:14: “Stand therefore having fastened on the belt of truth”. He likens it to a Roman soldier’s belt, which held everything together, including vital parts of their armor like the sword. As Christians, the truth serves as a spiritual anchor, protecting our vital inner parts and sustaining us through life’s battles and spiritual warfare.
Matthew emphasizes that the belt of truth is one vital part of the whole armor of God, which also includes the shield of faith, the sword of the spirit, the helmet of salvation, and the shoes of peace. We need every single part of this armor to navigate life’s challenges effectively and align our lives with Christ’s teachings.
Embracing Grace and Truth in Christ
At the very heart of this discussion is the understanding that grace and truth are absolutely integral to our faith. God’s word is truth, and Jesus was sent into the world to bear witness to it. Jesus declared, “I am the way and the truth and the life no one comes to the father except through me”. He is the embodiment of truth, the Word of God made flesh, full of grace and truth. As John 1:17 states, “for the law was given through Moses but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ”.
Tim articulates a crucial point: “grace saves, and truth guides”. We are saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus, and the truth of the good news of Jesus Christ is what guides us in our daily lives. This wonderful truth will never pass away, for Jesus said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away but my words the truth will not pass away”.
Practical Steps to Walk in Truth Daily
So, how do we practically walk in this truth every day?
- Read Your Bible Daily: Matthew suggests a habit he calls “Bible for breakfast”. Start your day by consuming God’s Word, getting it into you first thing in the morning.
- Engage with Scripture Prayerfully: Tim encourages listeners to “pick up your Bible and read it yourself”. Don’t just rely on others; learn to “fish” for yourself. He advises setting aside distractions, praying, and asking Jesus, the Heavenly Father, and the Holy Spirit to reveal themselves through the Word.
- Be Consistent: Like a consistent dripping tap that will eventually fill a cup, consistency in growing in “the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” is vital for our spiritual journey. Remember, it’s a journey, not a destination.
- Share the Truth in Love: The Lord commands us to share the truth. Speaking the truth in love to one another helps to build each other up in faith.
The Unchanging Truth and God’s Constant Presence
An incredibly powerful truth to remember is that God’s power is mighty and actively working in us. We tap into it through faith and by staying in the Word, by walking in the truth. Nothing can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. As Jesus promised at the end of the Gospel of Matthew, “And behold I am with you always to the end of the age”. He never leaves us nor forsakes us; He is always guiding and helping us walk in the truth.
Join the Mission for Truth!
Matthew and Tim express their gratitude to all listeners, whether tuning in via radio or online. They remind everyone that when you “walk in the truth, you’ll walk in freedom”.
Finally, for those in Africa, there’s an exciting announcement: Matthew and Tim will be in Uganda in July 2025. Keep an eye on the podcast for more details.
Until next time, stay on a mission for truth and be blessed! Remember, when you walk in the truth, you will be set free.
Frequently Asked Questions: Walking in Truth
Here are some common questions about walking in truth, based on the discussions from the “Matt on a Mission Podcast” and insights from the scriptures:
What does “walking in the truth” mean?
“Walking in the truth” means living a life that is authentic, genuine, and aligned with the teachings and person of Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the Truth. It involves making different choices and having different priorities because you are rooted in the truth. It’s a continuous journey of growth and learning, not a one-time event.
How do we worship God in “spirit and truth”?
To worship God in “spirit and truth” means to worship Him authentically and genuinely from the heart, not just by going through the motions or outward displays. God seeks true worshippers who connect with Him on a spiritual level, as He “looks at the heart” rather than outward appearance, much like Samuel was instructed when choosing a king in 1 Samuel 16.
How does walking in the truth impact our daily lives and relationships?
When you walk in the truth, your relationships change, making you more loving, patient, forgiving, and more like Jesus. It also involves examining yourself to ensure your life aligns with your faith, focusing on inner transformation. As seen with Paul confronting Peter in Galatians 2:14, living in truth means avoiding hypocrisy and ensuring your actions are consistent with your beliefs.
What is the “belt of truth” from Ephesians 6:14?
The “belt of truth” is a vital part of the Armor of God, likened to a Roman soldier’s belt that held everything together, including his sword. Spiritually, the truth serves as an anchor that protects our vital inner parts and sustains us through life’s battles and spiritual warfare. It is one essential component, along with the shield of faith, sword of the spirit, helmet of salvation, and shoes of peace, that Christians need to navigate life’s challenges.
What is the relationship between grace and truth in our faith?
Grace and truth are both integral to our faith and are embodied in Jesus Christ. “Grace saves, and truth guides”. The law came through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ (John 1:17), who is the living Word of God made flesh. We are saved by God’s grace through faith, and the truth of the good news of Jesus Christ guides us in our daily lives.
What are practical steps to walk in truth daily?
Practical steps include:
Reading and studying the Bible daily, a habit suggested as “Bible for breakfast” to consume God’s Word first thing in the morning.
Engaging personally and prayerfully with Scripture, turning off distractions and asking Jesus, the Heavenly Father, and the Holy Spirit to reveal themselves through the Word.
Being consistent in growing in “the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”.
Sharing the truth in love with others to build each other up in faith.
What does it mean that Jesus is always with us as we walk in truth?
It means that God’s power is mighty and actively working in us, and we tap into it by faith and by staying in the Word. As Jesus promised at the end of the Gospel of Matthew, “And behold I am with you always to the end of the age”. Nothing, “neither death nor life nor angels nor rulers nor things present nor things to come nor powers nor height or depth nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). He never leaves or forsakes us.
Scripture References
Here is a list of Bible scripture references mentioned in the “Walking in Truth – Part 2 – Matt on a Mission Podcast” teaching materials:
- John 4:23
- 1 Samuel 16:6-11
- 2 Corinthians 13:5-8
- Galatians 2:14
- Ephesians 6:14
- John 1:1
- John 1:14
- John 1:17
- 2 Peter 3:18
- Romans 8:38
- Romans 8:39
