1. The Whole Truth and Little White Lies
Ephesians 4:22-25

2. The Whole Truth and Little White Lies Ephesians 4:22-25
What does God think about lying?
Exodus 20:16 You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour.
Proverbs 12:22 The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful.
Revelation 21:8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practise magic arts, the idolaters and all liars - their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulphur.

3. The Whole Truth and Little White Lies Ephesians 4:22-25
Why do people lie?
To avoid responsibility for something we’ve done
To gain something for ourselves
Out of kindness ???
Adam & Eve
Admitting it is the only way to be forgiven (1John 1:8-9)
The praise of others (Eg. Ananias & Saphira – Acts 5)
Peace & quiet

4. The Whole Truth and Little White Lies Ephesians 4:22-25
Are there any times when it’s OK to lie?
Israeli midwives (Exodus 1)
Rahab and the spies (Joshua 2)
Maybe to save a life or to oppose extreme evil?

5. The Whole Truth and Little White Lies Ephesians 4:22-25
Discuss:
Is it OK for a Christian police officer to lie for “security reasons”?
A Christian army officer gets caught behind enemy lies. Is it OK to lie to save himself? What about to save his friends?
In Nazi Germany, was it OK for Christians to lie to save Jewish people from the death camps?
Your nearest & dearest thinks they are a great singer. What do you do?
Your boss has an idea. You think it’s rubbish. What do you do?
What should Christian parents do about the Tooth Fairy?
A child you know draws you a picture and asks what you think of it. What do you say?

6. The Whole Truth and Little White Lies Ephesians 4:22-25
How to stop being a liar
Ephesians 4:22-25 You were taught…to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbour, for we are all members of one body.