Truth or Lies

O. T. #203  "Truth or Lies"
Jan. 7, 2014
Exodus 20-Part 10
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. Exodus 20:16

LET IT GLOW

This is a new year in which we live, one lying before us, fresh. How will I live during this year?
Have I started out this year telling the truth or lies? Am I known by words of truth?

Bearing false witness is another term for lying. God desires truth in the inward part, which will be reflected in our outward speech (Ps. 51:6; Jer. 17:9; Matt. 15:19)  (Falwell)

We can break this ninth commandment through slander, talebearing, creating false impressions, by silence, by questioning the motives behind someone's actions, or even by flattery.
These are further explained by Redpath:

• Slander is a lie invented and spread with intent to do harm. The man guilty of slander ruins a reputation which may never be regained, and causes lifelong suffering.
• Talebearing is repeating a report about a person without careful investigation. To repeat a story which brings discredit and dishonor to another person without making sure of the facts, is breaking this commandment.
• Inappropriate silence is when someone utters a falsity about another and a third person is present who knows that statement to be untrue but, for reasons of fear or being disliked, remains quiet, that third person is as guilty of breaking this law as if he had told a lie.

All of these sinful ways begin with a though in the mind and a plan in the heart, which develops into a lie spoken or unspoken truth.
Am I watching my thoughts and my words, my plans, and my heart?

LET IT GROW

In Colossians 3:9, Paul tells us to Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds.

How very strange that we have ever come to think that Christian maturity is shown by the ability to speak our minds, whereas it is really expressed in controlling our tongues. (Redpath)

Are we glad that a tape recording of our words this week is not available for the public?

Jesus was the victim of false witness (Mark 14:57). Satan is always there to encourage a lie (John 8:44; Acts 5:3).

The chief priests and council of 71 Sanhedrin and Pharisees sought truthful witnesses to testify against Jesus, but they could find none. So they said Jesus blasphemed when He said He was the Christ, the Son of the Blessed (verses 61-62).

In Paul's letter to the Ephesians, he told them and us, in chapter 4, to:

• put off our old person, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
• be renewed in the spirit of our mind;
• put on the new person, created in righteousness and true holiness after God;
• put away lying, and speak truth with your neighbor.

LET IT GO

Do not tell a lie against another.

Watch my words so they are truth.

Speak up when a lie is being told and I know otherwise.

Surrender my all to Jesus.