Defending Truth Against Progressive Lies

This study is based on the sermon titled Defending Truth Against Progressive Liesby Matthew Maher below. This sermon is part of our First Timothy series.

In 1 Timothy 6:20-21, Paul’s charge to Timothy was simple but critical: “guard what was committed to your trust.” In an age when lies and distortions of the truth are rampant, Timothy was tasked with protecting the integrity of the gospel. Pastor Matthew Maher emphasized that this message is just as important today. We, too, are called to be gatekeepers of God’s truth in our own lives, vigilant against anything that would compromise its purity. Just like ancient cities fell when their gates were compromised, our spiritual lives falter when we fail to guard the truth. By standing firm on God's word, we defend not only our own faith but also the health of the church body as a whole.

Guarding the truth is not passive; it requires active engagement, both defensively and offensively. Pastor Matthew likened this to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a martial art where one must defend and strike back. In the same way, we are to stand against false teachings and ideologies, like secular humanism and progressivism, which seek to redefine truth. As these falsehoods grow, they infect and lead to spiritual decay, much like the heresies Timothy faced. We are called to defend the integrity of the gospel, even when it offends those who hate the truth, because, as Pastor Matthew reminded us, "the road to apostasy is lined with the signposts of heresy."

Finally, the sermon concluded with a focus on grace. Grace is not just a free gift but a transformative power that fuels and fortifies us. We are saved by grace, but it also forms and strengthens us in our walk with Christ. Pastor Matthew highlighted the importance of grace during trials, referencing Acts 20:24, reminding us that no tribulation can move us when God's grace grips our hearts. As we guard the truth, we must also extend grace to others—balancing our role as defenders of the faith with the compassion that comes from understanding God's grace in our own lives.