Liar Liar
Notes
Transcript
There are several important and very specific words used in this commandment.
An expanded translation could well be, “Do not purposely intend to injure or plan to deceive others by repeating a damaging report about one with whom you have established a relationship.”
Lies are very commonplace in our society, so much so that we often think nothing of it at all.
We may speak of “little white lies”, implying that they are harmless.
These are often well-intentioned lies told to avoid hurting someone's feelings or to prevent some inconvenience.
Example: Telling a friend, "That color looks great on you," even if you don't like it, to spare their feelings.
Example: Making up an excuse like, "I'm not feeling well," to get out of a social engagement you don't want to attend.
Example: Saying, "I'm fine," when asked how you are, even if you are having a terrible day.
There are lies of omission
This involves deliberately leaving out some important piece of information in order to create a false impression or conceal the truth.
Example: Telling your spouse you were out with friends, but omitting the fact that an ex was there, deliberately leaving them with a misconception.
Example: A car seller mentioning the car was recently serviced but failing to mention a problem was reported during that service.
Exaggeration, inflating facts to make a story more exciting or to appear more impressive.
Example: Claiming a fish you caught was "50 pounds and 2 feet long" when it was much smaller.
Example: Inflating a job title or experience on a resume.
Fabrication
This is the creation of entirely false information, events, or details that are completely untrue.
Example: A child with chocolate around their mouth flat-out denying they ate any cookies.
Example: Inventing a fictional story about a heroic act to impress someone.
Example: Saying, "I'm on my way," when you haven't even left the house yet.
Broken Promises
This occurs when a person makes a commitment or promise with no intention of keeping it, or simply fails to keep it later.
Example: Promising to call someone back "in five minutes" when you know you won't.
As you can see, lies are not harmless, they are not white. They are rooted in darkness, like all sin.
As we’ve been looking at the ten commandments, It is clear that lies are at the heart of much of it.
Idolatry is rooted in lies.
Adultery is always accompanied by lies
Much theft is rooted in lies.
Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of property but lied about their donation to the church.
A seemingly little lie led to their downfall!
It was their money anyway, and if they’d been honest about it, they could’ve kept some of the money.
It wasn’t the money that killed them, it was the lie.
They had plotted and planned together to deceive, and it was the las thing they ever did.
Sometimes, we think a small lie won’t hurt, but it can lead to greater and greater consequences.
It’s like trying to make a small adjustment in a recipe that ends up ruining the entire dish!
The very idea of a lie originated with Satan, who is the father of lies.
The very idea of a lie originated with Satan, who is the father of lies.
John 8:44
John 8:44
You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.
It began in the Garden of Eden, when satan told eve that eating the forbidden fruit would make her like God.
This of course was a lie. Adam and Eve were far more like God before eating the fruit than they were after.
A liar is an abomination to God.
A liar is an abomination to God.
Proverbs 6:16-19
Proverbs 6:16-19
These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.
Proverbs 12:22
Proverbs 12:22
Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.
The person who is willingly a liar will not escape punishment.
The person who is willingly a liar will not escape punishment.
Proverbs 19:5
Proverbs 19:5
A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies will not escape.
Lies are not overlooked by God. In fact, a lie, like any other sin, is enough to earn hell.
Lies are not overlooked by God. In fact, a lie, like any other sin, is enough to earn hell.
Revelation 21:8
Revelation 21:8
But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
Romans 6:23
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
While the focus of this commandment prohibits a “formal” lie against someone—which would result in damage to their person, property, or reputation—the biblical applications are many.
Deception is the same as lying, even if you call it a “joke”.
Deception is the same as lying, even if you call it a “joke”.
Proverbs 26:18-19
Proverbs 26:18-19
Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death, Is the man who deceives his neighbor, And says, “I was only joking!”
Slander and gossip are no different.
Slander and gossip are no different.
Psalm 101:5
Psalm 101:5
Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, Him I will destroy; The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, Him I will not endure.
Those who are Christians, are simply to speak the truth. After all, Jesus is the truth.
Those who are Christians, are simply to speak the truth. After all, Jesus is the truth.
Ephesians 4:25
Ephesians 4:25
Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.
John 14:6
John 14:6
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Our “yes” and our “no” are to be precise and accurate.
Our “yes” and our “no” are to be precise and accurate.
James 5:12
James 5:12
But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment.
We need to look to the truth for true salvation and eternal life.
We need to look to the truth for true salvation and eternal life.
Acts 4:12
Acts 4:12
Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
