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Introduction

One of the greatest dangers facing the people of God today is the subtle but devastating act of turning away from the truth. From the beginning of time, the enemy’s strategy has been to twist God’s Word, sow doubt in the hearts of men, and lure them into paths that seem right but end in destruction (Proverbs 14:12). The truth of God is not just information; it is life. When people turn away from it, they step into deception, bondage, and ultimately destruction.

In this message, we will look at the seriousness of turning from the truth, the warnings in Scripture, the consequences of straying, and the call to remain steadfast in the truth of God’s Word.

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1. The Reality of Truth

The Bible makes it clear that truth is not relative, nor is it subjective. Truth is anchored in the nature of God Himself. The Lord Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me” (John 14:6). This shows us that truth is not an abstract idea but is embodied in the very person of the Lord.

When people turn from truth, they are not merely rejecting words; they are rejecting God’s revelation. They exchange the eternal for the temporary, the light for darkness. Romans 1:25 explains, “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised.”

Turning from truth is not always dramatic. It can happen gradually when one compromises, neglects God’s Word, or allows the world’s voices to become louder than God’s.

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2. Warnings Against Turning Away

The Scriptures are filled with repeated warnings against drifting or turning away.

• Hebrews 2:1 – “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.”
• 2 Timothy 4:3–4 – “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”

These warnings reveal that turning away often comes because of desire—wanting something more pleasing to the flesh rather than submitting to God’s truth. People begin to prefer stories, philosophies, and teachings that are comfortable instead of the life-changing power of the Word.

The danger is not only in rejecting truth but also in replacing it with lies. A vacuum never remains empty; once truth is pushed aside, deception quickly fills the space.

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3. Why Do People Turn from the Truth?

There are several reasons why people may abandon the truth:

1. Deception of Sin
   Hebrews 3:13 warns, “But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Sin deceives by presenting itself as pleasure, freedom, or power, but it blinds people from seeing the eternal consequences.
2. Persecution and Pressure
   In Matthew 13:20–21, the Lord explained the parable of the sower: “He that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.”
   Some abandon the truth because they cannot withstand the trials and opposition that come with following God faithfully.
3. Love of the World
   2 Timothy 4:10 tells us about Demas, a man who once served alongside Paul: “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world.” The pull of the world’s riches, pleasures, and desires can cause one to turn away from God’s truth.
4. False Teachings
   Jesus warned in Matthew 24:11, “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.” False teachers twist Scripture to suit human desires, leading many astray.

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4. Consequences of Turning from the Truth

Turning from truth is never without consequences. God’s Word gives sobering reminders:

• Spiritual Darkness – Rejecting truth leads to blindness. 2 Corinthians 4:4 says, “The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel… should shine unto them.”
• Bondage to Lies – Lies may feel comfortable, but they enslave. Jesus said in John 8:32, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Without truth, freedom is impossible.
• Judgment of God – Romans 1:18 states, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.” Suppressing the truth invites God’s judgment.

The seriousness of turning from truth cannot be overstated. It is not a small misstep but a path that leads to eternal consequences.

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5. The Call to Remain in the Truth

Though the warnings are real, God does not leave His people without hope. He calls us to remain steadfast and faithful to His truth.

• Hold Firmly to the Word
  Paul encouraged Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:13–14: “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.”
• Guard Against Deception
  Believers must be vigilant. Ephesians 4:14 reminds us, “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine… but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things.”
• Abide in the Word
  Jesus declared in John 8:31, “If ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed.” True discipleship is marked by continuing, abiding, and remaining in the truth of God’s Word.
• Encourage One Another
  The battle against deception is not fought alone. Hebrews 10:24–25 tells us, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together… but exhorting one another.” Fellowship strengthens faith and keeps us rooted in the truth.

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6. A Word of Hope

Even for those who have strayed from truth, God offers restoration. James 5:19–20 says, “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.”

God is merciful and gracious. He calls those who have wandered to return. The story of the prodigal son in Luke 15 reminds us that no matter how far one has turned, the Father waits with open arms for the repentant heart.

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Conclusion

Turning from the truth is one of the greatest tragedies a believer can face. It begins subtly but ends in destruction. The Bible warns us of its dangers, reveals its causes, and reminds us of its consequences. Yet, at the same time, God calls us to remain steadfast, to hold on to His Word, and to encourage one another in faith.

Now more than ever, we must anchor ourselves in God’s truth. The voices of the world may be loud, and deception may be widespread, but the Word of God stands forever (Isaiah 40:8). Let us not be counted among those who abandon the truth but among those who endure, remain faithful, and walk in the light of God’s eternal Word.

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