Title: What is the Truth?
Bible Book: Exodus 20 : 16
Author: Kenneth Hendricks
Subject: Truth; Christian Living; Lying
Objective:
Introduction
Lying or bearing false testimony against people is common to us all. We have all distorted truth or details or events at one time or another. Most stories get better the more they’re told. When we lie, we usually try to confuse it with some mixture of truth such as a little white lie or a half-truth. When this occurs, we have simply twisted the truth. Often we excuse our lying by mingling it with good; Well after all, it was for the best. Just so we know who we’re talking about let’s take a quick look at Psalm 116:11, "I said in my haste, 'All men are liars.'" Listen! What you say forms your character and integrity. Notice with me:
I. The position of truth, vs. 16.
A. It begins with divinity, vs. 16.
…bear false witness… vs. 16.
Where did truth begin? It began with God. God taught us in the very beginning that in order to establish any real relationships there must be truth. Notice John 7:28 Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not. John 8:26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him. God is Truth and that’s what allows us to trust Him with every aspect of our lives. Notice also that in order to be saved it is essential that you believe God! But believe God about what? That He raised Jesus from the dead, that His death was a substitutionary death and that He will forgive you of all your sins. Truth began with God.
Not only does truth begin with divinity but also:
B. It continues with duty, vs. 16.
Thou… vs. 16.
This commandment points to the fact that God accomplished all He needed to accomplish without lying. We also have a duty to accomplish all that God wants us to accomplish without lying. Notice clearly God has not given us a command we cannot keep. There is never a time when a lie is appropriate or acceptable to God. God says, I’ve been truthful with you and you must now be truthful to me. If we’re not careful we’ll lie to God.
Notice we not only see the position of truth but also:
II. The people of truth, vs. 16.
A. In our dealings with God, vs. 16.
…bear false witness… vs. 16.
This sin is one of the sins listed in the New Testament as one that will exclude a person from heaven. Revelation 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. Revelation 22:15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. God is included in this command. The phrase bear false witness is in the imperfect mood in the Hebrew which shows a progression; it starts with God and descends to man. I warn you today it’s not a wise thing to lie to God. How do we do it? Lord, if You get me through this I’ll really serve You all the days of my life; that can be expanded to almost any situation. And then we don’t serve Him. I think if I were you and knew I’d done that I’d try to get on the right track! We lie not only in our dealings with God, but also:
B. In our dealings with man, vs. 16.
…against thy neighbour., vs. 16.
Lies can be used to help or hinder people; I don’t know if there’s a majority here. I do know that in both instances it’s against God’s will. You may say, Well, I only lie to help people. Help people what…get what the truth would keep them from getting? Think it over! Lies to help or hinder are wrong! But, I will say this; lies that destroy a person’s character, reputation or defame them for your own satisfaction are cold, cruel, caustic and ungodly. God never lied and someday we’ll truly realize His power, authority and majesty. You don’t have to lie to get what God wants you to have! You don’t have to lie to bring your enemies to their demise! God’s people accomplish things in a godly way; with godly results. How are you accomplishing your victories?
