Renewing Your Mind: Episode Summary – "A World without Truth"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Renewing Your Mind
• Host/Author: Ligonier Ministries
• Description: Renewing Your Mind is the daily podcast of Ligonier Ministries. R.C. Sproul launched this outreach to help Christians gain a deeper understanding of who God is as their minds are renewed according to His Word. Listen to today’s message to dig deeper into Scripture and apply its timeless truth to your life.
• Episode: A World without Truth
• Release Date: May 28, 2025

Introduction: The Erosion of Truth in Modern Times

The episode "A World without Truth" delves into the contemporary challenges surrounding the concept of truth, emphasizing its diminishing status in society. R.C. Sproul opens the discussion by highlighting the troubling trend where truth is being compromised to fit personal preferences.

R.C. Sproul [00:00]: "We're living in an era in the history of the world where we have witnessed an unprecedented denigration of the very concept of truth, where truth is reduced to the level and to the status of a personal preference, that truth may be bent and distorted and twisted to suit our own desires."

Personal Reflections on the Importance of Truth

Nathan W. Bingham shares a personal anecdote illustrating the shock and frustration that arises when confronted with falsehoods, underscoring the vital role truth plays, especially among the community of believers.

Nathan W. Bingham [00:30]: "When truth is distorted in a society, what are the consequences?... That's what we'll consider today as we hear the warning... I remember as a young man being in a courtroom and hearing someone testify to something that I knew was blatantly false. I was shocked and I couldn't restrain myself, and I yelled out something to the effect of that's a lie."

Biblical Foundations: Psalm 15 and the Call to Uphold Truth

R.C. Sproul reflects on a personal memento—a framed parchment of Psalm 15 in Latin—which serves as a testament to the enduring importance of truth in a believer's life. He contrasts older translations with newer ones to highlight the consistent biblical emphasis on uprightness and truthfulness.

R.C. Sproul [01:27]: "He who walks uprightly, he who works righteousness and speaks the truth in his heart."

Sproul underscores the pivotal question posed in Psalm 15: "Lord, who may abide in your tabernacle, and who may dwell in your holy hill?" The answer is clear: those who live and speak truthfully.

Old Testament Indictments: Isaiah 59 and Hosea's Prophetic Warnings

Sproul delves into the prophetic writings of Isaiah and Hosea to elucidate the dire consequences of abandoning truth. Using Isaiah 59, he paints a vivid picture of a society where truth is "fallen in the street," symbolizing its complete rejection and the ensuing moral decay.

Isaiah 59 [Excerpt]: "justice is turned back. Righteousness stands afar off, for truth is fallen in the street."

He draws a parallel between this Old Testament scenario and the New Testament narrative of Christ—the embodiment of truth—being rejected and crucified.

Further exploring Hosea 4, Sproul explains how the prophets acted as "God's prosecuting attorneys," bringing charges against Israel for violating the covenant through falsehood and lack of knowledge of God.

Hosea 4 [Excerpt]: "There is no truth nor mercy nor knowledge of God in the land. By swearing and lying, killing and stealing and committing adultery, they break all restraint with bloodshed upon bloodshed."

The Relevance Today: Parallels Between Ancient Israel and Modern Society

Sproul draws compelling parallels between the spiritual decline of ancient Israel and contemporary society. He argues that just as Israel's abandonment of God's truth led to its downfall, today's rejection of divine truth results in societal decay marked by moral and ethical crises.

R.C. Sproul [Approx. 20:00]: "My people are perishing for lack of knowledge. My people are perishing. They're dying...they are dying because there is no knowledge of God in the land."

He emphasizes that the root cause of societal woes today mirrors those of Israel—the rejection of God's truth and knowledge.

Valuing Divine Knowledge Over Secular Knowledge

Reflecting on modern society's obsession with secular education and knowledge, Sproul questions the prioritization of worldly expertise over spiritual understanding. He challenges listeners to recognize the paramount importance of knowing God and upholding His truth.

R.C. Sproul [Approx. 23:00]: "How much value do we place upon the knowledge of God? What are we saying here when we say, it's more important to me that I know how to do the job of an electrician... but it's not important for me to master the things of God."

Conclusion: Upholding Truth to Prevent Societal Decay

Sproul concludes by reiterating the critical necessity of maintaining and valuing truth as foundational to both personal integrity and societal health. He warns that neglecting divine truth leads to moral corruption and national decline.

The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the timeless relevance of biblical principles and the enduring necessity of truthfulness in fostering a just and righteous community.

Notable Quotes:

• R.C. Sproul [00:00]: "We're living in an era...where truth is reduced to the level and to the status of a personal preference."

• Nathan W. Bingham [00:30]: "How much more should we esteem truth among the people of God?"

• R.C. Sproul [01:27]: "He who walks uprightly, he who works righteousness and speaks the truth in his heart."

• R.C. Sproul [Approx. 20:00]: "My people are perishing for lack of knowledge...because there is no knowledge of God in the land."

• R.C. Sproul [Approx. 23:00]: "How much value do we place upon the knowledge of God?"

Final Thoughts:

"A World without Truth" is a compelling exploration of the essential role truth plays within both individual lives and the broader societal framework. By intertwining personal experiences, biblical exegesis, and contemporary reflections, R.C. Sproul and Nathan W. Bingham challenge listeners to reevaluate their understanding of truth and its indispensable value in upholding a righteous and just community.