Acts 5:4 KJV 1900

Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

THE DEADLY PERIL OF LYING TO GOD

INTRODUCTION: The man who thinks he can lie to God and get away with it must be a blind fool.

Joshua 7:1 KJV 1900

But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the Lord was kindled against the children of Israel.

2 Kings 5:15

2 Kings 5:25–27 KJV 1900

But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither. And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants? The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.

Ananias and Sapphira brought death upon themselves. Achan’s lie to God brought death to all his house. Gehazi brought the leprosy of Naaman upon himself and his descendants.

Now consider these lies of God’s professed children:

THE MONEY LIE

A. “I can’t afford to tithe.” These who say this mean, “I don’t believe God’s promise

Malachi 3:10–12 KJV 1900

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be meat in mine house, And prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, If I will not open you the windows of heaven, And pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, And he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; Neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: For ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.

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The Hypocrite Lie

We hear people say, “The church is full of hypocrites. I can’t fellowship with them.” They mean, “I love the godless people.” This is most often the lost man’s lie.

2 Corinthians 6:14 KJV 1900

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

Work In The Church

C. Or, one is asked to take some work in the church: for instance, teach or visit. He answers, “I am not qualified.” He lies to God. He is qualified for sharp business practices, or for all the educational degrees! He lies to God.

Hallock, E. F. (1975). More Sermon Starters (p. 31). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

Revelation 2:5 KJV 1900

Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

SERMON ON THE MOUNT

D. Christians are urged to take the Sermon on the Mount seriouly. But the lie comes back, “I can’t do those things.” What they should say is, “I am not willing to forsake some of my favorite sins.”

Matthew 6:33 KJV 1900

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

I Can’t Read The Bible Through

Hallock, E. F. (1975). More Sermon Starters (p. 30). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

E. “I can’t read the Bible through!” To be truthful they should say, “I really lack the faith to do it,” or, “It isn’t worth the effort.”

Philippians 4:13 KJV 1900

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

More Sermon Starters 18. The Deadly Peril of Lying to God

CONCLUSION: Death is the fruit. It may not be immediate physical death. But it is certain to result in spiritual death—unless there is change and true repentance. We destroy ourselves if we lie to God.

Hallock, E. F. (1975). More Sermon Starters (p. 31). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.