“Embracing Change To Experience Life!” Dealing With A Lying Tongue Exodus 20:16

“You shall not give false testimony against Exodus 20:16…. “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.” (NIV)

“Lying” is included in the INTRODUCTION “Lying” is included in the Ten Commandments.... The Lord takes this sin (lying) very seriously!

burning sulfur. This is the second death.” (NIV) Revelation 21:8…. “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars – their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” (NIV)

“Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, Revelation 22:15…. “Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood (lies).” (NIV)

Mark Twain said…. “A lie can travel halfway around the world while truth is still lacing up her boots.”

lies and loves lying. It’s natural to LIE, and there’s something about our human nature that enjoys it … lies and loves lying. LYING is easy, but the TRUTH is hard oftentimes.

Proverbs 6:16-19 lists “LYING” as one of the 7 things the Lord hates…. “(v.16) There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: (v.17) haughty eyes, a lying tongue, ….

…. hands that shed innocent blood, (v …. hands that shed innocent blood, (v.18) a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, (v.19) a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.” (NIV)

“The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights Proverbs 12:22…. “The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful.” (NIV)

said…. The poet “You can fool the public and be a secret fraud, you can try to hide your lying, but you can’t fool God!”

MAIN POINTS 3 Truths about LYING…. 1. The "ORIGIN" Of Lying

John 8:44…. “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (NIV)

So we’re a lot like Satan when we “LIE.” The first time we see Satan in the Bible, he “LIES” about God to man. (Genesis 3:1-4)

LYING About God To Man A) In what areas?

About the "Truthfulness" Of God “Did God really say it?” (Genesis 3:1)

“You will not surely die…” About the "Righteousness" Of God “You will not surely die…” (Genesis 3:4)

“For God knows that when you eat of it… you will be like God…” About the "Goodness" Of God “For God knows that when you eat of it… you will be like God…” (Genesis 3:5)

LYING About Man Satan lying about To God B) man to God. The Book of Job.... Satan lying about man to God. Job 1:8-12

Listen to what the devil (paraphrase in simple term) says in verse 10.... (paraphrase in simple term) “The only reason Job obeys you is because you’re so good to him.” What a liar!

God isn’t good enough, and now he’s To Adam and Eve he says that God isn’t good enough, and now he’s saying that God is too good!

Satan lies to man. witness against Jesus. He puts it in the hearts At crucifixion... Satan lies to man. He puts it in the hearts of many to bear false witness against Jesus.

In Genesis, Satan uses a lie to corrupt a godly man. In Job, he uses a lie to criticize a good man.

In the New Testament, Satan uses a lie to crucify the God Man (Jesus Christ).

a lie so big and believable that it brings about In Revelation, he tells a lie so big and believable that it brings about the end of the world.

Don’t take “lying” lightly. From beginning to end... Satan is a liar! Don’t take “lying” lightly. God is truth, and anything less than truth is wrong ... it’s sin!

2. The "OPERATION" Of Lying

7 ways people often LIE without even thinking about it... “Lying” has many faces. 7 ways people often LIE without even thinking about it...

A. Slander Psalms 101:5…. “Whosever slanders his neighbor in secret, him will I put to silence (cut off) ...” (NIV)

intention of doing harm to another’s reputation. SLANDER “lying” with the intention of doing harm to another’s reputation. Irreparable damage!

B. Tale-Bearing Tale-Bearing Just love to tell things …don’t care if their facts are correct or not. Gossip

1 Timothy 5:13…. “Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to.” (NIV)

“Do not go about spreading slander among your people…..” (NIV) Leviticus 19:16…. “Do not go about spreading slander among your people…..” (NIV) Anyone who will gossip TO you will gossip ABOUT YOU!

… does not actually say it, just SUGGEST IT! C. Insinuation Insinuation … does not actually say it, just SUGGEST IT!

Insincere praise D. Flattery Flattery Saying something to someone’s face that you would never say behind their back.

Psalms 55:21…. “His speech is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords.” (NIV)

… not telling the whole story. E. Half Truths Half Truth … not telling the whole story. Half the truth equals a whole lie.

… beyond realistic and actual truth, F. Exaggeration To exaggerate … beyond realistic and actual truth, dramatic, unreal. Let your story be just what it should be!

G. Excuses Excuses are just dressed up lies.

“To release from an obligation, duty or promise.” or “To serve as an Webster Dictionary defines “excuse” as…. “To release from an obligation, duty or promise.” or “To serve as an explanation or justification for something.”

No matter what it takes or cost! When you made a promise to someone, try to fulfill it. No matter what it takes or cost! Don’t make excuses to get out of your promises.

Note: Keep what you promised – and all will go well for your character and life!

3. The "OVERCOMING" Of Lying

Every negative command could be reworded positively!

“Truth” is the very character and nature of our God. Jesus said, “I am the truth.” (John 14:6)

How to overcome lying? A. LOVE The Truth A heart change!

truth in the inner parts; Psalm 51:6…. “Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.” (NIV) We need an inward change!

They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.” 2 Thessalonians 2:10…. “And in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.” (NIV)

B. LEARN The Truth

Philippians 4:8…. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” (NIV)

Saturate your mind with good things, … the Word of God. John 8:32

C. LIVE The Truth Ephesians 4:25…. “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” (NIV)

Be accountable to others. Be open to others stopping you when you gossip or slander. Immediately confess, correct and commit yourself to the truth.

Let us purpose to deal with the CONCLUSION Let us purpose to deal with the "LYING TONGUE."

Let this year be a year of CHANGE – to walk & live in TRUTH! Amen! Let’s pray!