Honesty

Introduction

If there is one sin that everyone is guilty of since childhood, that would be dishonesty. Stealing and fraud is related to dishonesty. Why? It is not an honest leaving, it is deceptive in nature. How did our lies hurt us?

“Honesty is the first chapter in the book of Wisdom.” - Thomas Jefferson

Everyone wants to be counted as trustworthy.

Honesty is the foundation of trust.

Honesty is one of the bedrocks in a good relationship between two individuals, personal, marital and business.

Honesty means acting in a trustworthy way so that you will respect yourself and be respected by others.

A half truths is not a truth!

How does one build honesty into their character?

fear of the Lord

relationshp

fear of consequence

a good conscience

not wanting to be lied to

Being honest is about actions, words, and deeds that are always consistent with the truth.

What are some of the reasons that people lie, cheat or steal?

Nature - sin

Laziness

To get out of trouble

greed

upbringing

no consequences

to get ahead

friendship loyalty

self-preservation

to gain status

to get our from awkward situations

to minimize the hurt

What are some consequences when one has been caught not being honest with them?

destroy credibility and trust

loss of friends

Scripture Lesson

Acts 4:32 NASB95

32 And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them.

Acts 4:33–36 NASB95

33 And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. 34 For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales 35 and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need. 36 Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement),

Acts 5:1–11 NASB95

1 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife’s full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land? 4 “While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” 5 And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last; and great fear came over all who heard of it. 6 The young men got up and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him. 7 Now there elapsed an interval of about three hours, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter responded to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for such and such a price?” And she said, “Yes, that was the price.” 9 Then Peter said to her, “Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well.” 10 And immediately she fell at his feet and breathed her last, and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear came over the whole church, and over all who heard of these things.

Luke 16:10 NASB95

10 “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.

More Questions to Ponder

1. The consequences of lying are seldom as costly as they were for Ananias and Sapphira, it still begs the question: Is there ever a time when there are no consequences for being dishonest?

2. It’s doubtful that Ananias and Sapphira sat down and devised an elaborate scheme to mislead, and in doing so cause harm to the Church. What was their motive in lying to the Church (what were they trying to accomplish)?

3. When we tell a lie, from when does it spring (Chapter 5, Verse 3)? Does this imply a deliberate choice on our part when we lie, cheat, or steal (Chapter 5, Verse 2)?

v.3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land?

2 and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife’s full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles’ feet.

4. When we choose to be dishonest, at least three stakeholders are always hurt. Who are they?

The lier

The one lied too.

The Lord.

5. While we can fool some of the people some of the time when we’re dishonest, do we ever fool God with our dishonesty? What does dishonesty do to our relationship with God?

God being omniscient, no one can lie to Him.

Sin affects the quality of our relationship with God.

It keeps us apart from Him.

6. Is it ever okay to tell little white lies? If yes or no, Why?

big lies start with little lies.

For a lie to stand, it is support by another lie and there is no holding back as to how many lies you have to make in order to make it look like the truth.

7. Why is it harder to be honest when significant matters arise if we’ve not been honest about the small things of life?

it’s hard to break an old habit

it is easy to be comfortable with a nature that we are living in.

little lies usually have little consequences. In a way it also lies to us so when proceed to bigger lies. Little lies give us the false premise that lie in general is okay.

8. What are some of the benefits that we build within us when we’re honest in our dealings with others?

clean conscience make us live at peace in life

honesty builds credibility that can carry over to our day to day dealings maybe it be business, personal and marital.

9. What kind of “fear” are Verses 5 and 11 of Chapter 5 speaking about? Why were the people seized with fear (read what Psalm 111: 10 say about this)?

5 And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last; and great fear came over all who heard of it.

11 And great fear came over the whole church, and over all who heard of these things.

Psalm 111:10 NASB95

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever.

APPLICATION

Identify one area in your life where you are prone to exaggerate or perhaps mislead others; and examine the possible motives for your behavior before God in Prayer. Also, examine who gets hurt besides God when you are dishonest in this area of your life.

Pray that God would help you to be honest in the small matters of life so that you’re prepared when the big test comes your way.

Spend a few minutes considering how your relationship with God is broken when you are dishonest in any way, and seek His forgiveness for any dishonesty that has broken your relationship with Him. (you may also find the Holy Spirit prompting you to seek the forgiveness of others where acts of dishonesty that may have damaged your relationship with them) I John 1:9 assures us that God is ALWAYS “faithful to forgive us and to cleanse us from our sin.” What are your thoughts?

1 John 1:9 NASB95

9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.