𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗖𝗔𝗡 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗗… 𝗕𝗨𝗧 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗖𝗔𝗡’𝗧 𝗠𝗔𝗞𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗠 𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞

YOU CAN LEAD… BUT YOU CAN’T MAKE THEM DRINK

(Truth Presented vs. Truth Accepted)

2 Corinthians 4:3–4; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Acts 28:27

INTRODUCTION

The image before us illustrates a sobering reality of ministry and witnessing: Truth can be offered, but it cannot be forced.

Just as you can lead a horse to water but cannot make it drink,
You can preach the truth
You can open the Scriptures
You can explain rightly divided doctrine
…but only God can open the heart (Acts 16:14).

In this Dispensation of Grace, God does not coerce belief—He invites faith.

Today we will examine 9 Dispensational Truths explaining why truth is often rejected, even when clearly revealed.

PRESENTED TRUTH
God commands truth to be proclaimed—not imposed
2 Corinthians 4:2
Titus 1:3
Acts 20:27

A. Preached Publicly – Truth must be declared openly
B. Proclaimed Plainly – No manipulation or coercion
C. Placed Before All – Responsibility shifts to the hearer
Dispensational Insight:
We are ambassadors, not enforcers (2 Cor 5:20).

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
Each soul must respond individually
Romans 14:12
Galatians 6:5
Ezekiel 18:20

A. No Proxy Faith – Parents, pastors, or peers cannot believe for you
B. No Borrowed Belief – Salvation is personal
C. No Escaped Accountability – Every soul answers to God
Truth accepted is truth believed.

PERCEIVED BLINDNESS
Truth rejected reveals spiritual blindness
2 Corinthians 4:3–4
John 12:40
Romans 11:7–10

A. Satan Blinds Minds – Especially from the gospel of grace
B. Sin Dulls Discernment – Flesh resists truth
C. Self Blocks Sight – Pride rejects correction
Light cannot be forced into closed eyes.

PROUD RESISTANCE
Human pride fights divine truth
Romans 10:3
Proverbs 16:18
John 5:44

A. Self-Righteous Confidence – “I’m already right”
B. System Loyalty – Tradition over truth
C. Status Preservation – Fear of losing reputation
Grace humbles—pride hardens.

PREFERENCE FOR TRADITION
Many choose comfort over correction
Mark 7:7–9
Colossians 2:8
2 Timothy 4:3–4

A. Familiar Teaching – What feels right
B. Feel-Good Doctrine – What pleases ears
C. False Security – Religion without truth
Tradition is easy; truth is costly.

PROBATION OF THE HEART
God allows rejection without interference
Romans 1:24–28
Acts 28:27
Hosea 4:17

A. Divine Restraint Removed – God steps back
B. Human Will Respected – God does not force belief
C. Spiritual Consequences Follow – Rejection produces hardness
Grace gives space—even to refuse.

POWERLESS FLESH
The natural man cannot receive spiritual truth
1 Corinthians 2:14
John 6:63
Romans 8:7

A. Flesh Cannot Understand – Needs spiritual discernment
B. Flesh Cannot Submit – Rebels against grace
C. Flesh Cannot Save – Only Christ saves
Information without illumination leads to rejection.

PATIENT MESSENGERS
Believers are called to faithful patience
2 Timothy 2:24–26
1 Corinthians 3:6–7
Galatians 6:9

A. Teach Gently – Not argumentative
B. Trust God’s Timing – Growth belongs to God
C. Testify Continually – Even when rejected
We sow; God saves.

PURPOSED SEPARATION
Not all will accept truth—and that is expected
Matthew 7:13–14
2 Timothy 3:12–13
1 Corinthians 1:18

A. Narrow Path Chosen by Few
B. Rejection Confirms Truth
C. Faithfulness Matters More Than Popularity
Truth divides before it unites.

CONCLUSION

You can lead. You can teach. You can open the Bible.
But only God can open the heart.
Truth rejected does not mean truth failed.

CALL TO ACTION

To the Believer:
Keep preaching
Keep praying
Keep patient

To the Hearer:
Don’t delay
Don’t resist
Believe the truth today

FINAL THOUGHTS

Truth can be offered
Faith must be received
Scripture must be rightly divided
Blindness explains rejection
Pride blocks grace
Christ alone saves
The Spirit alone convinces
The messenger remains faithful
Time will reveal every response

Closing Verse:

“Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come.”
— 1 Corinthians 4:5 (KJV)