Don't Lie: Deut 5:20

Introduction

Our day is one where it common to fudge numbers on tax returns, advertisements give half-truths about their products, news media claims to be unbiased, but present only the “facts” that support their narrative, and politicians hide the truth from the people or outright lie.

Exposition

Original Setting

The original setting of this commands demands that within the court that one give truthful testimony about their neighbor (Ex 23:1, 6-8)

The need for witnesses (Deut 17:6; Zech 8:16; 1 Tim 5:19; Matt 18:15-21)

Canonical Setting

The adversary or the devil is a liar (Gen 2:17; Gen 3:1; Jn 8:44)

It is an embodiment of the second great commandment (Matt 22:39)

It is vital to protect a man’s name from falsehood/slander (Prov 22:1-2)

It contradicts the love of God (Hosea 4:1-2)

It is transgressed in dishonest joking (Prov 26:18-19)

It clouds the witness of God’s people concerning Him, His salvation, and glory (Ex 19:6)

God never lies (Num 23:19; Tit 1:2)

God hates lies (Prov 6:16-19)

It includes gossip and slander (2 Cor 12:10; Gal 5:19-20)

The habitual liar excludes themselves from God’s city (Rev 22:15)

Jesus’s Fulfillment

Jesus was sinless (Heb 4:15)

Jesus is God the Word incarnate (John 1:1, 14).

Jesus is the faithful witness (Rev 1:5; 3:14)

Jesus is the truth (John 14:6; Rev 3:7)

Jesus never lied (1 Peter 2:22)

Jesus became sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God (2 Cor 5:21)

Our Requirement

In Christ, we must put off the old self and put on the new self which requires we tell the truth (Eph 4:22-25)

By Christ, we are give the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth (Jn 14:16-17)

Without Christ, the wicked are given over to falsehood (Rom 1:24-25)

A Difficulty to Consider

What do we do with the Egyptian Midwives and Rahab? Are there times where lying is permissible?

Their faith is commended, while their lies aren’t (Heb 11:31)

Consider Corrie Ten Boom story and sister

Consider that ends don’t justify the means, we don’t overcome evil with evil

Consider that if this command transgressed for the life of our neighbor, though this is still sin, we shouldn’t judge a person so hastily and instead point them to Jesus.

Consider that Christ didn’t lie to rescue himself (1 Pet 2:21-23)

Application

Tell the truth

By speaking honestly about self

By speaking honestly about neighbor

By speaking honestly about Christ

Conclusion

Though we have all broken the ninth commandment, we have a savior who kept it along with all of the others. We ought mourn our failure and cleave to Christ and His success. He lived in complete obedience and bore the curse of sin on our behalf. Thus, as those united to Him, let us put away all deceit, being those dead to sin and alive to God. We are bing reviewed in His image every day. Look to Jesus and by the power of His Spirit strive to reflect His perfect righteousness and love.