Strength 2026
Strength Through Studying Truth
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Studying God's Word protects us from deception and strengthens us to live according to the truth.
Discussion Point #1: How can we know whether something is true or false?
This lesson builds on what we discussed last time. People who work to detect counterfeit money do not study fake bills—they study the genuine article. In the same way, we need to study the Word of Truth, which is the Bible, so we can recognize the truth.
2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
15Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
In this scripture, “rightly dividing” means correctly handling and interpreting the Bible—not twisting Scripture to fit our lives, but changing our lives to fit Scripture.
John 17:17 (NIV)
17Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
God's Word is truth. The more we study it, the better prepared we are to recognize deception and remain grounded in what is true.
Discussion Point #2: Why is it important to study God’s Word for ourselves?
Matthew 24:24 (AMP)
24For false Christs and false prophets will appear and they will provide great signs and wonders, so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect (God’s chosen ones).
If we don’t study God's Word and neglect His instructions—whether through His Word or through the spiritual leaders He has placed over us—we lose sight of the truth. Without the truth, we have no compass. When we lose the Word as our compass, we begin following our own ways instead of God's. We stop allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us, and that leads to sin. The more we sin, the easier it becomes, and when sin is continually repeated, our conscience becomes seared. The following scripture shows the end result of that process.
Romans 1:24-32 (AMP)
24Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their own hearts to [sexual] impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them [abandoning them to the degrading power of sin], 25because [by choice] they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. [Jer 2:11] 26For this reason God gave them over to degrading and vile passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural [a function contrary to nature], 27and in the same way also the men turned away from the natural function of the woman and were consumed with their desire toward one another, men with men committing shameful acts and in return receiving in their own bodies the inevitable and appropriate penalty for their wrongdoing. 28And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God or consider Him worth knowing [as their Creator], God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do things which are improper and repulsive, 29until they were filled (permeated, saturated) with every kind of unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice and mean-spiritedness. They are gossips [spreading rumors], 30slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors [of new forms] of evil, disobedient and disrespectful to parents, 31without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful [without pity]. 32Although they know God’s righteous decree and His judgment, that those who do such things deserve death, yet they not only do them, but they even [enthusiastically] approve and tolerate others who practice them.
Discussion Point #3: What happens in our lives when we consistently choose God's truth over sin?
Galatians 6:8-9 (AMP)
8For the one who sows to his flesh [his sinful capacity, his worldliness, his disgraceful impulses] will reap from the flesh ruin and destruction, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in.
Every time we choose not to give in to sin, we sow into the Spirit. Whether it's anger, lying, or any other temptation, every act of obedience strengthens our spirit man. As we continue choosing God's way, we reap what is sown in the Spirit.
Matthew 5:12 (ESV)
12Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
2 Timothy 4:8 (ESV)
8Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
Our reward is coming. Study the truth. Love God. Be encouraged. Even though it may seem like everything in the world is broken and evil continues to prevail, don't lose hope. God is with us. He sees every time we choose Him over our own desires. He sees every time we choose truth, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control. Keep going. He is our reward.