True[ish] - Week 4

July 4, 2021

Notes

True[ish] - Week 4
True[ish]: “I am a Free Moral Agent”
2 Timothy 4:3-4, Isaiah 5:18-25

New Definition of Tolerance: All beliefs, all values, and all lifestyle choices are equal.

• 2 Timothy 4:3-4

Three True[ish] Beliefs

1. I’m not a bad person.

2. You have no right to tell me how to live.

3. We are all free moral agents.

What is a free moral agent?

• I’m free to control my own destiny.

• I’m free to negotiate my own worth.

• I free myself from past obligations and loyalties.

What does God say about free moral agents?

1. Free moral agents are blind to their own condition.

   Isaiah 5:18

2. Free moral agents have a small view of God.

   Isaiah 5:19

3. Free moral agents operate on their own truth system.

   Isaiah 5:20

4. Free moral agents are morally smug.

   Isaiah 5:21-23

5. Free moral agents will face an abrupt and unpleasant end.

   Isaiah 5:24-25

Two Truths

1. You are a bad person.

   1 John 1:8

2. You can find forgiveness and healing through Christ.

   2 Corinthians 7:10

Discussion Guide

Use these questions to reflect on this week's message as a family or group.

1. “You can’t judge me!” Is a popular claim in today’s culture. Read Matthew 7:1. How does society mold and abuse this verse to their advantage? How should we interpret this verse in light of other verses about judgment, such as Matthew 7:2-5 and John 7:24?

2. How would you define the word “tolerance”? What are your thoughts about this new definition of tolerance: "All beliefs, all values, and all lifestyle choices are equal”?

3. As you read 2 Timothy 4:3-4 and Isaiah 5:18-23, compare it with the world in which we live today.

4. Read 1 John 1:5-10. How can we apply John’s words and keep our hearts true to Christ?

5. Reflect on 2 Corinthians 7:10. What are some examples of godly sorrow and worldly sorry? What can this verse teach us about the true[ish] belief that we are free moral agents?