LIVING TRUTHS FROM THE PROVERBS

PART 17

LYING VS. THE TRUTH

I. In examining Lying vs. the Truth we find that this subject is much like Pride vs. Humility in that God declares many of the same things for both types of people. Curses for the liar and for the prideful, blessings for the truthful and the humble are apparent in the Word of God.

If we can begin to understand the scriptural commands to be like God, i.e.; "Be holy even as I am holy" or "Be perfect even as your Father in Heaven is perfect." we can comprehend that the attributes of God are to be made manifest in our lives. If God says that He hates a liar, then that should be a motivating factor in our lives to put off the sin of lying.

A. What does the Bible say about God, concerning truth?

1. Ps. 31:5;

2. Prov. 8:7;

3. Rom. 2:2;

4. I Jn 2:21;

B. What does the Bible say about Satan, concerning truth?

1. Jn 8:44;

C. What about man?

1. Ps. 116:11;

2. Jer. 17:9;

3. Rom. 3:10-13:

II. Are we to identify ourselves with God, who is true, or the enemy who Jesus called the father of lies? The nature of sin would require our identity to be with the father of lies, the new nature in Christ now requires us to identify with God. How does the God of truth behold lying?

A. God hates lying.

1. Prov. 6:16-19;

2. Prov. 12:22;

B. He has commanded His people not to lie.

1. Lev. 19:11;

2. Col. 3:9;

III. There are some "truths" to consider from Gods Word concerning "liars". God has told us of the consequences that the liar will encounter, not only eternal punishment but also liars will not prosper in this world.

A. EARTHLY

1. Prov. 19:5;

2. Prov. 20:17;

3. Prov. 21:6;

B. ETERNAL

1. Prov. 19:9;

2. Prov. 21:28;

3. Rev. 21:8;

IV. In the past subject vs. subject lessons, we have looked at comparisons among the righteous and the unrighteous. God is not silent concerning the differences between the liar and the truthful either. Which side of the fence do we pasture in?

A. Righteous thinking is different.

1. Prov. 12:5;

B. Righteousness or deceit?

1. Prov. 12:17;

C.Established in eternity or gone as in a vapor?

1.Prov. 12:19;

2.Prov. 21:6;

D.Faithfulness brings forth truth, wickedness, lies.

1. Prov. 14:5;

V. There are characteristics of a person who is a liar. God looks upon these traits with a clear-cut view of that person.

A. Having lying lips qualifies you as a fool.

1. Prov. 10:18;

B. Liars love maliciousness.

1. Prov. 17:4;

2. Prov. 26:24;

C. Liars hate because they hurt others.

1. Prov. 26:28;

VI. Christians are to be different. Sanctified (set apart) from wickedness. Not reverting to the old sinful patterns of the flesh, but putting on that new creature that we have been made into through faith in Christ.

A. Attitude changes towards lying.

1. Prov. 19:22;

B. Purchasing something different.

1. Prov. 23:23;

C. Love your neighbor as yourself.

1. Prov. 24:28;

2. Prov. 25:18;

D. Knowing that God says your sin shall find you out.

1. Num. 32:23;

2. Prov. 26:26; Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation. (KJV)

E. Relying on the Word of God as truth.

1. Prov. 30:6;

VII. To conclude this subject, let this last portion of scripture be our prayer to God that our lives will exemplify that life that Christ has called us to. Let truth be the dominating characteristic rather than the sin of lying.

A. Our cry to God.

1. Prov. 30:8;