Desiring to Know God’s Truth
A Five-Part Devotional Series on Holiness — Part 4
Pastor Calvin Cook | October 23, 2026
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. John 16:13 NIV
As I continue reflecting on what it means to pursue holiness, I am discovering that one of the most important desires we can have is to know God’s truth. Not simply to know more about God, but to allow His truth to change the way we think, live, and respond to the world around us.
There is a difference between knowing what the Bible says and allowing God’s Word to speak directly into our hearts.
I can read a familiar passage of Scripture, one I have preached from or read many times, and then suddenly something different jumps out at me and changes my view. I have to believe this is the Holy Spirit revealing something I had not considered. Sometimes it brings encouragement. Sometimes conviction. And sometimes it makes me uncomfortable because I recognize something within myself that needs to change.
Last night in our Bible Study we paused on Psalm 46:1 it reads: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (KJV). It was one word that paused us: VERY. Some translations instead of using VERY the word EVER is used. Both with similar meaning. I was led to consider how we relate to God. Do we relate only when we need God – or is or relationship ever, eternal, without hesitation. Is God’s presence always realized or just when we are very much in need of it. Which is ever, all the time!
We live in a world where everyone seems to have an opinion about what is right, wrong, and acceptable. If we are not careful, we can become so accustomed to the voices around us that we confuse popular opinion with God’s truth.
And sometimes I wonder if we want God to agree with what we already believe rather than allowing His Word to correct us.
In John 16, Jesus was preparing His disciples for the challenges they would face after His departure. He promised they would not be alone. The Holy Spirit would come to guide them into all truth.
Jesus explained that the Spirit would convict the world concerning three things: sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8–11).
These are not always comfortable subjects, yet they are essential to holiness.
The Holy Spirit reveals sin so that we recognize our need for forgiveness and turn toward Jesus. He reveals righteousness, pointing us to Christ and teaching us to live in obedience. He reveals judgment, reminding us that evil will not have the final word.
But there is a question I cannot escape.
Am I willing to allow the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth about me? It is easy to recognize what needs to change in someone else’s life, our churches, or our communities. But what needs to change in me?
What happens when the Holy Spirit reveals the areas and ideas I have in my heart that need to change? Will I listen? Will I surrender? Will I allow His truth to transform me?
The pursuit of holiness requires a willingness to be corrected by the One who loves us enough not to leave us as we are.
Perhaps what our communities need most is not simply people who know how to explain their beliefs, but people whose lives demonstrate the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
People who speak truth with kindness, extend grace, admit when they are wrong, and love as Jesus loved.
This morning, I want to know God’s truth, even when it challenges me, changes my plans, or reveals something I would rather ignore.
Because the closer I walk with Jesus, the more willing I must become to allow His truth to change my heart.
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me enough to reveal Your truth. Holy Spirit, search my heart. Reveal what needs to change, give me humility to receive correction, and courage to obey. Help me recognize Your voice above the noise of this world. May Your truth shape my thoughts, guide my decisions, and make me more like Jesus. Amen.
A Thought to Carry Today: Am I seeking God’s truth to affirm what I believe, or am I willing to let His truth change who I am?
Following Jesus From the Edges
Pastor Calvin Cook http://www.pastorcalvincook.com
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