Brief Summary
This video explores the ninth commandment, "Thou shalt not bear false witness," and its implications for modern life. It emphasizes that truthfulness is essential for worshiping God, who is the God of truth. The sermon addresses various forms of lying, the reasons behind them, and the consequences they bring, including separation from God. It also highlights the importance of speaking the truth in love to strengthen relationships and the saving power of truth found in Jesus Christ.
- Lying is a sin because God is the God of truth.
- Truth sets us free, strengthens relationships, and ultimately saves us.
- Christians are called to live truthfully and expose falsehood.
Opening
The video introduces the topic of the ninth commandment, "Thou shalt not bear false witness," and its relevance in a world filled with lies. It frames the discussion within the context of worship, emphasizing that obeying the commandments is a response to God's nature and actions. The speaker highlights that God rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, mirroring how Jesus Christ rescues individuals from sin, leading to worship. The ten commandments are divided into two parts: the first four focus on our vertical relationship with God, and the last six on our horizontal relationships with each other.
Type Of Lies
The speaker explains the ninth commandment using three Hebrew words: "anna" (speak, testify), "false" (lie, deception), and "witness." God wants people to protect one another and promote justice by telling the truth, not just in legal settings but also in private. Examples of lying include making excuses, telling white lies, blameshifting, exaggeration, lying by omission (leaving out important details), lying by denial, self-deception, and spreading propaganda. While there are instances in the Bible where people lied and were blessed, such as Rahab and the Hebrew midwives, lying in any form is a sin because God is the God of truth, and these instances are examples of God's grace.
Examples of Lying
The video provides biblical examples of individuals who lied but were blessed by God, such as Rahab, who protected Israelite spies, and the Hebrew midwives, who saved newborn Jewish boys. Despite these examples, the speaker clarifies that lying in any form is a sin because God is the God of truth. God's grace and knowledge of people's hearts and motives allow Him to accomplish His work even when people sin. The message emphasizes the importance of being truthful and worshiping the God of truth.
Why Do We Lie?
The speaker addresses the question of how to be truthful in a world filled with lies, especially when people have experienced being slandered or hurt by false stories. Reasons for lying include avoiding consequences, wrongly obtaining desires, and not giving up wrongdoings. Ultimately, the primary reason people lie is a lack of trust in God.
1. Truth Sets Us Free
The first reason to be truthful is that truth sets people free. Jesus stated that those who continue in His word will know the truth, and the truth will make them free. Lying enslaves people, as seen in the first sin recorded in the Bible in Genesis 3, where the serpent deceived Adam and Eve. The serpent's lies included the lie of no consequences, the lie that maligns God's character, and the lie of false freedom.
Consequences Of Lying
Consequences of lying include unnecessary fear, a web of lies, hurting other people, and losing oneself. When lies are exposed, trust is broken, and it takes a long time to heal. The story of Belle Gibson, who faked terminal cancer, illustrates the media disgrace, financial loss, and public distancing that can result from lying. The worst consequence of living a life of lies is separation from God, as liars are associated with the devil, the father of lies, and face eternal punishment.
2. Truth Strengthens Relationships
Truth strengthens relationships, as trust and truth go together. Paul's words in Ephesians 4:15 encourage speaking the truth in love to grow in relationships and become more like Christ. Speaking the truth in love involves honesty and God's wisdom and timing. Examples include parents honestly expressing their disapproval of a child's relationship and bosses addressing lazy workers.
Blessings Of Telling The Truth
The blessings of telling the truth include peace, comfort, and relief. Telling the truth is essential for restoration and healing. Ephesians 5 encourages people not to be deceived by empty words and not to participate in unfruitful deeds of darkness but to expose them. Exposing lies and sin diminishes their power, making everything visible and clear in the light. Confession and truthfulness are encouraged, with the promise of forgiveness and restoration from God.
Testimony Sharer - Meg Monte
Meg Monte shares her personal testimony of how she used to lie habitually to be accepted and liked by others. She created fake versions of herself and even harmed others with her lies. However, after hearing Revelation 21:8, she was convicted and eventually understood the gospel at a True Life retreat. She accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior and was baptized in 2015. Through discipleship, she learned that her value was based on her identity in Christ, not on external approval. God restored her relationships, and she now disciples others, rooted in truth and love.
3. Truth Saves
The most important reason to be truthful is that truth saves. Jesus is the truth, and eternity is found only in Him. Many people who attend church still struggle with lying because they don't trust God enough and don't have Jesus at the center of their lives. The story of Ananias and Sapphira illustrates the consequences of lying to the Holy Spirit. Jesus is the door to salvation and abundant life, contrasting with the thief (Satan), who comes only to steal, kill, and destroy.
Closing
The speaker references Proverbs 3:5-6, encouraging trust in the Lord with all one's heart and acknowledging Him in all ways. The story of the Clapham Sect in 1800s England, a group of Christian businessmen and politicians led by William Wilberforce, illustrates how political integrity, honesty, and the fight against slavery transformed the nation. The speaker emphasizes that personal transformation begins with living out the truth.
Sunday Fast Track
Jy de Jose introduces the Sunday Fast Track segment with Pastor Marty Okaya, where real-life questions are answered with biblical truths.
Q1. How do we make things right with others and God after lying?
Pastor Marty explains that the first step is to be honest and confess to God and loved ones. Exposing the lies brings freedom, healing, and restoration. While there may be consequences, confession is an act of humility that leads to forgiveness and guidance from God.
Q2. What's the difference between protecting someone's feelings and being dishonest?
Pastor Marty references speaking the truth in love. It is loving to tell the truth, even if it's scary, because it strengthens relationships. God will guide and give wisdom, helping the person struggling and strengthening the relationship through truth.
Q3. What practical steps can we take to discern truth and avoid spreading false information?
Pastor Marty advises that the first step is to be truthful and avoid slandering or badmouthing others. Disciple others who are spreading false information and encourage them to be truthful. Pray for God to expose the truth in various areas of life, as only God can expose it. Live a truthful life, encourage others to be truthful, and pray to the God of truth.
