Introduction
The concept of “cancel culture” has contaminated our society. Many people think they can cancel whatever person, community or ideal that does not agree with their version of reality or their idea of truth. As discussed in last week’s sermon, truth is defined as a divinely authorized absolute standard by which reality is measured. This absolute standard coming from God has authority in our lives to distinguish right from wrong and to gauge the validity of our thoughts, ideas and beliefs. People often choose to reject God’s standards because they desire to continue in their unrighteousness, sin and rebellion against God. They do not want to be held accountable to God and what His Word says. Rejecting God’s standards and authority causes the suppression of truth.
However, we cannot reject God’s standards without realizing God’s wrath. Scripture clearly shows that the consequences of suppressing truth are divine judgment, divine abandonment and greater human depravity. In Romans 1:18-21, Paul explains that people are without excuse because God’s power and other attributes have been revealed in creation. They have everything they need to show God the glory He so richly deserves. When people glorify creation over the Creator and persist in their sin, God will then release or abandon them to follow their own sinful desires. As a result, the depravity of mankind grows and grows until sin and evil become normative. Chaos and confusion fill the space that truth once occupied. These effects of suppressing truth can be seen in our society today.
The solution for believers who want to live according to God’s truth is for them to make a commitment to return to God by submitting to His will and walking away from idols or things that have taken higher priority than God in our lives. Unless we return to God, things will only get worse. Return to God, to His person, to His power and to His principles. Be rooted in the truth of who God is and what He has taught in His Word.
Getting Started
1. What are some of the latest things or people that our culture has “canceled”? How much do you think something like “cancel culture” affects the way we think on a daily basis?
2. We are bombarded with different messages by the media today (e.g., commercials, news and movies). What is one message that you have noticed is presented as truth but is actually a harmful lie?
Let’s Get Personal
1. Rejecting God’s standards could lead to further sin and invites God’s judgment. Have you been rejecting one of God’s standards? You can share this with your group if you feel comfortable, but if the issue is more personal in nature, pray about it and take some time to write about it in a journal.
2. Are you prioritizing God’s truth above your own thoughts and opinions and the opinions of others? How can you begin training yourself to go to God’s truth first (the Bible) and have His statements as your starting point?
3. Is there an idol in your life that you have been unwilling to surrender? How can you be held accountable this week to confess that idol to God and take steps to remove it so that God can be the highest priority in your life?
Take the Next Step
1. What resources or influence do you have that you can use to make a difference in your community? How can you begin to help people in your community return to God and commit to truth?
2. What are ways that you can reinforce God’s truth in your life? Brainstorm about ideas that would be useful to you. Here are some ideas to get you started: memorize Scripture verses by posting them on notes around your home; find apps that help you read the Bible daily and track your progress; read a book about developing a strong and consistent prayer life; start using a prayer journal. What other ideas do you have?
3. Want to go deeper? Take time to look at the following passages: Job 12:7-9; Psalm 19:1-6; Isaiah 6:3; 40:18- 31; Matthew 5:6; John 1:9; Romans 2:15; 2 Timothy 2:9; Hebrews 12:14; 2 Peter 3:5.
Renew Your Mind
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them.”
Romans 1:18-19