Voice of Truth

Main Point of Discussion:
In times of doubt and challenges to our faith, God will give us the courage and ability to overcome all trials if we choose to listen and obey him. And when we ignore the defeating messages of the enemy and put our faith in God’s promises, he will provide us with great victories in life.

The Song: “Voice of Truth”
In a world where songs about temporary thrills are abundant, Casting Crowns comes through with a song that doesn’t lie or sell passing pleasures you’ll end up regretting later. “Voice of Truth” reminds us which voice not only is true but also provides comfort in a world where everything is crashing down around us.

Introducing the Song:
While passing out the lyrics, say: “I hear voices! No, I’m not talking about anything weird—I’m not schizophrenic, and I don’t talk to dead people. But I hear different voices every day telling me which way to go, what to wear, and what will make me happy. So I have a choice: Choose the quick thrill…or choose what God has shown is best in the long run.

“The second I choose to do what’s right, the voices kick in again. They laugh at me. They tell me I’ll fail. They remind me of when I’ve failed in the past. They try to convince me their way is better.

“But there’s another voice—a comforting voice that never lies and never sells me short. This song is about that other voice.”

Song Lyrics:

Oh, what I would do to have
the kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I’m in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown
Where Jesus is,
And he’s holding out his hand

But the waves are calling out my name
and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I’ve tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
time and time again
“Boy, you’ll never win,
You’ll never win

[chorus]
But the Voice of truth tells me a different story
the Voice of truth says “do not be afraid!”
and the Voice of truth says “this is for My glory”
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

Oh, what I would do
to have the kind of strength it takes
To stand before a giant
with just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound
of a thousand warriors
shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant’s calling out
my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I’ve tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
time and time again
“Boy you'll never win,
you’ll never win.”

[chorus]

But the stone was just the right size
to put the giant on the ground
and the waves they don’t seem so high
from on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
when I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
singing over me

[chorus 2]
But the Voice of truth tells me a different story
The Voice of truth says “do not be afraid!”
And the Voice of truth says “this is for my glory”
Out of all the voices calling out to me (calling out to me)
I will choose to listen and believe (I will choose to listen and believe)
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe the Voice of truth
I will listen and believe
‘Cause Jesus you are the Voice of truth
And I will listen to you…oh you are the Voice of truth

(Leader Note: You may want to briefly review the accounts of Peter walking on water [Matthew 14:22-33] and David defeating Goliath [1 Samuel 17] before embarking on the discussion.)

Transitional Statement:
This song carries an amazing message with a solid challenge about the way we face the difficulties of life. Sometimes we must step out of the boat even though it looks like madness, and sometimes we must take on challenges that, at face value, are completely unbeatable.

Divide into Small Groups:
Let’s go ahead and split up into our discussion groups, and then afterward we’ll come back together for a final word.

CLICK HERE for a quick training article on how to maximize your small groups using our small group format—a great resource to equip your small group leaders.

Discussion Questions:

1. AROUND THE CIRCLE: Before we dive in, everybody talk about a time when you faced a challenge and overcame it.
2. ASK A FEW: Is it possible to go through life as a Christian and not face challenges? Why or why not?
3. ASK A FEW: What lyrics from this song are meaningful or inspiring to you? Why?
4. ASK A FEW: What is the “voice of truth” that Casting Crowns refers to in the song?
5. ASK A FEW: Why does the voice of truth say “Do not be afraid”?
6. ASK A FEW: What are some of the “waves” and “giants” in your life?
7. ASK A FEW: What does the voice of truth say to you about those things?
8. ASK A FEW: What is the main message of this song?
9. ASK A FEW: How does it bring glory to God when we are victorious in our faith?

Read the following passage from the Bible:


Philippians 4:13 (Amplified)
I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].


10. ASK A FEW: According to this verse, where does the strength to face life’s challenges come from?
11. ASK A FEW: How does Christ empower us?
12. ASK A FEW: Does the phrase “I am ready for anything and equal to anything” sound like a voice of truth? Why or why not?
13. ASK A FEW: Have you ever felt “infused” with inner strength from Christ? If so, what happened?
14. ASK A FEW: What are the differences between the voice of truth and what the waves and giants might say?
15. ASK A FEW: What does it mean to be “self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency”?
16. ASK A FEW: What are some of the “boats” or comfort zones that God might be calling you out of?
17. ASK A FEW: What “giants” in your life are as imposing and frightening as Goliath?
18. ASK A FEW: How does knowing that you “have strength for all things” change your perspective on the trials you might be going through?
19. ASK A FEW: What are a few specific ways you can start listening to the voice of truth instead of the waves and giants in your life?

Transitional Statement:
What a great reminder from Casting Crowns that we serve an incredible God who speaks the voice of truth to us, especially in times of difficulty. In a world full of voices telling us lies, God offers the ultimate voice of truth…if only we have the ears to hear it. So, let’s remember the accounts of Peter and David when we feel as though we’re sinking or facing giant circumstances. They listened to the voice of truth when everyone else was afraid. Let’s commit to letting Christ empower us for any and all things that might come our way.

Wrap Up:
Give students pencils and 3X5 cards, then ask them to think about the waves and giants they’re facing right now. Send them to find quiet places outside or inside and pray about their situations and listen uninterrupted for five to 10 minutes. At the end of that time, have them jot down what voices of truth they heard, and how they might help them.

Close in Prayer:
Close in a prayer that gives students a chance to trust Christ, then ask God to remind us to take time each day to listen for the voice of God’s truth.

by Lane Palmer