READ: COLOSSIANS
3:8-10
Anything
that is said which is not the absolute truth contains a lie. A lie has
different branches: it could be an outright falsehood, a half truth or a truth
mixed with elements of falsehood; it could also be a hypocritical statement
made with the intention to deceive and flatter. If you have been born again,
Romans 12:1-2 commands you to present every part of your body including your
mouth as living sacrifice to God. That means your mouth must be born again. It
must be kept under control. It must refrain from saying anything that will not
give glory to God. If you cannot get your tongue to stop lying, your claim to
be a Christian is questionable and in vain (James 1:26).
In 2 Kings 5:25, we see Gehazi totally denying leaving the house after he returned secretly meeting with Naaman. That is an outright lie. In Genesis 3:12-13 we see Adam and Eve telling half-truth. They admitted eating the forbidden fruit but Eve pushed the blame on the serpent whereas she plucked the fruit of her own volition. It is true she was tempted by the serpent but did the serpent pluck it for her? She plucked it by herself.
An example of a hypocritical statement can be found in 1 Samuel 15:14-15. King Saul had just returned from an assignment. He and his men spared Agag and the spoils contrary to God’s clear command. When confronted by Samuel, in order to get out of trouble, Saul lied that it was his men who brought home spoils. Then he tried to bribe Samuel by saying the fat rams were for sacrifice to God. Do you still engage in lies?
Jesus disowns liars, saying they are like their father the devil (John 8:44). Jesus is the Truth. He cannot lie. If you are still telling lies especially after knowing the Lord for some time, it shows the absence of the Truth in your heart. The more of Jesus you have in you, the less prone to lies you will be. If one is justifying and rationalising lies and calling them ‘wisdom’, it is obvious such a person is yet a babe and still carnal (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). Grow up!
In 2 Kings 5:25, we see Gehazi totally denying leaving the house after he returned secretly meeting with Naaman. That is an outright lie. In Genesis 3:12-13 we see Adam and Eve telling half-truth. They admitted eating the forbidden fruit but Eve pushed the blame on the serpent whereas she plucked the fruit of her own volition. It is true she was tempted by the serpent but did the serpent pluck it for her? She plucked it by herself.
An example of a hypocritical statement can be found in 1 Samuel 15:14-15. King Saul had just returned from an assignment. He and his men spared Agag and the spoils contrary to God’s clear command. When confronted by Samuel, in order to get out of trouble, Saul lied that it was his men who brought home spoils. Then he tried to bribe Samuel by saying the fat rams were for sacrifice to God. Do you still engage in lies?
Jesus disowns liars, saying they are like their father the devil (John 8:44). Jesus is the Truth. He cannot lie. If you are still telling lies especially after knowing the Lord for some time, it shows the absence of the Truth in your heart. The more of Jesus you have in you, the less prone to lies you will be. If one is justifying and rationalising lies and calling them ‘wisdom’, it is obvious such a person is yet a babe and still carnal (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). Grow up!
MEMORIZE:
COLOSSIANS 3:9 –Lie not one to another seeing that you have put off the old man
with his deeds.
