Speaking the Truth
Lou Tiscione, Pastor, Weatherford Presbyterian Church (PCA)
Over the centuries of church history many have thought deeply concerning living in a world opposed to God, for example, Tertullian, Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, Calvin, and others. Faced with an evil act like the one of September 10, 2025, the brutal murder of Charlie Kirk, my thoughts turned to prayer for his family and living in Christ while speaking the truth.
There are generally five views that outline living in a world opposed to God. First is the view that Christians are to live against the culture. Secondly, some say that Christians should blend in with the culture. Thirdly, others maintain that Christians are above the culture. Fourthly, there is a view that Christians and the culture are in paradox, contradicting realities. And, fifthly, Christians are to live seeking to transform the culture.
In my view, the fifth one is solidly supported by Scripture. First, we must be aware of Jesus’ words concerning the world system. It helps to understand the “big picture”. We must know what the world thinks of the God who is sovereign, the “big picture”.
Jesus said, “If the world hates you, know that it hated me first… If you were of the world, the world would love you; but because you are not of the world… therefore the world hates you (John 15:8, 9). Jesus also told His disciples that they were His witnesses (Luke 24:48). Jesus gave the church a command. He commanded the church to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).
The reality that every Christian must face is that living the Christian life will offend the world. The world’s systems seek to be free from the rule of God (Cf. Psalm 2). Yet, we need not live in fear of the world. Jesus said that He is the only one to fear (Matthew 10:28). He said in the same narrative, “Everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32-33).
Jesus revealed the proposition that the world is opposed to Him and by implication, it is opposed to those who seek to live in Him. The Bible teaches that Christians are in the world but not of the world (John 17:14ff).
Those who profess Christ know that following Jesus is often opposed to culture. “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). Jesus called His followers to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16). We dare not hide what we know to be true or live in opposition to the truth of God’s word. Rather we are called to let our light shine… so that the world may see our good works and give glory to our Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
Peter’s first epistle provides a clear application for living the Christian life. “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).
The Apostle Paul’s declaration to the pastor Titus gives the church direction in standing for the truth of God. “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age” (Titus 2:11ff).
God has chosen to reach the lost through His people. Jesus said that the Holy Spirit’s work is to convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment (John 16:8).
The way for Christians to live in this culture is to be holy people. God has commanded His people to be holy (Leviticus 11 and 1 Peter 1). Holy people live under the word of God. Holy people live openly before a sinful world. Holy people declare the truth of a holy God. Holy people are ambassadors for Christ.
Christians are accountable to God to speak the truth. For the sake of the “lost” the church must declare the truth concerning lifestyles that God has declared to be unholy, sinful and an abomination to Him. I thank God for raising up Charlie Kirk who persevered in speaking the truth often in hostile environs. Would that all of God’s people be so willing to speak the truth in love.
