Embracing Truth: The Dangers of Lying
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Powerhouse. Today, we delved into the topic of lying, taking it back to the basics with the commandment "Thou shalt not lie." We explored why we lie, how we lie, and what the Bible says about lying. I shared a personal story about a mother advising her son to lie to get a job, which led me to study the impact of lies, even so-called "white lies." We discussed how society often justifies small lies, but neuroscientific research shows that our brains become desensitized to lying over time, making it easier to lie more frequently and about more significant matters.
We examined different types of lies: white lies, lies by commission, lies by omission, and poultering (using the truth to tell a lie). The Bible, however, makes no distinction between these types; all lies are condemned. God hates lying because it ultimately leads to devastating consequences. We looked at various scriptures from Proverbs, Psalms, and Revelation that emphasize God's disdain for lying and the inevitable exposure of lies.
I shared the story of Mike Lyon, a real estate mogul whose lies and deceit led to his downfall, illustrating how lies, no matter how small they start, can grow and lead to catastrophic consequences. The devil, the father of lies, encourages us to lie, but God warns us that all lies will eventually be brought to light. God wants to protect us from the destructive path of lying and desires for us to live in truth and love.
We concluded with a call to self-reflection and repentance, inviting anyone who feels the need to make a change or seek healing to come to the altar for prayer.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Desensitization of Lying: Neuroscientific research shows that our brains become less responsive to the emotional stress of lying over time, making it easier to lie more frequently and about more significant matters. This desensitization can lead to a habit of lying that becomes ingrained in our character. [54:23]
2. Types of Lies and Their Impact: While society may categorize lies into white lies, lies by commission, lies by omission, and poultering, the Bible makes no such distinctions. All lies are condemned equally, and God hates lying because it leads to devastating consequences. [01:16:10]
3. The Inevitable Exposure of Lies: The Bible repeatedly warns that all lies will eventually be brought to light. This principle is illustrated in the story of Mike Lyon, whose decades of deceit were ultimately exposed, leading to his downfall. God wants to protect us from such consequences. [01:32:19]
4. The Devil's Deception: The devil, the father of lies, encourages us to lie, but his ultimate goal is our destruction. He waits until we have everything to lose before exposing our lies, leading to catastrophic consequences. God, on the other hand, wants us to live in truth and avoid such pitfalls. [01:21:35]
5. God's Desire for Our Good: God hates lying not because He wants to condemn us, but because He wants to protect us and ensure we live in truth and love. Lying takes us out of God's covering and prevents us from receiving His blessings. God desires for us to thrive and live in freedom and joy. [01:41:02]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[46:45] - Opening Prayer
[48:24] - Introduction to Lying
[49:55] - Story of the Job Interview
[51:28] - The Impact of White Lies
[53:25] - Society's View on White Lies
[54:23] - Neuroscientific Study on Lying
[55:23] - The Desensitization of Lying
[56:22] - Self-Preservation and Lying
[57:12] - Consequences of Lying
[58:11] - Personal Story of Lying
[59:30] - Lying in Business
[01:00:45] - Normalization of Lying
[01:02:23] - Why We Lie
[01:05:05] - Economic and Personal Advantage
[01:06:29] - Avoidance and Self-Impression
[01:07:54] - Types of Lies
[01:09:37] - Lying by Omission
[01:10:50] - Gaslighting and Lying
[01:11:54] - Poultering
[01:12:55] - Example of Poultering
[01:14:28] - Science Validates the Bible
[01:15:13] - Ethical Liars
[01:16:10] - Biblical Perspective on Lying
[01:18:06] - God's Hatred for Lying
[01:19:34] - Consequences of Lying in the Bible
[01:21:35] - The Devil and Lying
[01:23:30] - God's Warning Against Lying
[01:25:09] - Story of Mike Lyon
[01:32:19] - Biblical Principle of Exposure
[01:33:38] - Personal Story of Obedience
[01:37:55] - God's Desire for Our Good
[01:39:21] - Love and Truth in the Bible
[01:41:02] - God's Warning and Protection
[01:42:53] - Call to Self-Reflection and Repentance
[01:43:43] - Closing Prayer and Invitation to the Altar
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 6:16-19 (NIV): "There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community."
2. Psalms 5:4-6 (NIV): "For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; with you, evil people are not welcome. The arrogant cannot stand in your presence. You hate all who do wrong; you destroy those who tell lies. The bloodthirsty and deceitful you, Lord, detest."
3. Revelation 21:8 (NIV): "But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Proverbs 6:16-19, what are the seven things that the Lord detests, and how many of them are related to lying?
2. In Psalms 5:4-6, what does the passage say about God's attitude towards those who lie?
3. Revelation 21:8 lists several types of people who will face the second death. Where do liars fall in this list, and what does this imply about the severity of lying in God's eyes?
4. What was the neuroscientific finding about the brain's response to lying over time, as mentioned in the sermon? [54:23]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God places such a strong emphasis on truthfulness, as seen in Proverbs 6:16-19 and Psalms 5:4-6?
2. How does the story of Mike Lyon illustrate the principle that "nothing concealed will not be disclosed" as mentioned in Luke 8:17? [01:25:09]
3. What are the potential long-term consequences of becoming desensitized to lying, both spiritually and practically, according to the sermon? [55:23]
4. How does the devil use lies to lead us away from God's plan for our lives, as discussed in the sermon? [01:21:35]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you told a "white lie." How did it make you feel, and what were the consequences? How does this align with the neuroscientific findings discussed in the sermon? [54:23]
2. Proverbs 6:16-19 mentions that God detests a lying tongue and a false witness. How can you ensure that your words align with God's desire for truthfulness in your daily interactions?
3. The sermon mentioned that society often justifies small lies. How can you resist societal pressure to lie, even in seemingly harmless situations? [53:25]
4. In what ways can you cultivate a habit of truthfulness in your life to avoid the desensitization to lying that the neuroscientific study found? [55:23]
5. The story of Mike Lyon shows the devastating consequences of a life built on lies. How can you take steps to ensure that your life is built on truth and integrity? [01:25:09]
6. How can you support others in your community or family to live truthfully, especially when they are tempted to lie for self-preservation or personal gain? [56:22]
7. Reflect on the call to self-reflection and repentance at the end of the sermon. Is there an area in your life where you need to seek God's forgiveness and make a change regarding honesty? [01:43:43]
Devotional
Day 1: The Desensitization of Lying
Lying, even in small amounts, can have a profound impact on our brains. Neuroscientific research reveals that our brains become less responsive to the emotional stress of lying over time. This desensitization makes it easier to lie more frequently and about more significant matters. As we continue to lie, it becomes a habit that can become ingrained in our character, leading us down a path of deceit and dishonesty. This gradual erosion of our moral compass can have devastating consequences on our relationships, integrity, and spiritual well-being. [54:23]
Ephesians 4:25 (ESV): "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another."
Reflection: Think about a recent situation where you told a small lie. How did it make you feel at the moment, and how do you feel about it now? Can you ask God to help you be more truthful in similar situations in the future?
Day 2: Types of Lies and Their Impact
Society often categorizes lies into different types, such as white lies, lies by commission, lies by omission, and poultering. However, the Bible makes no such distinctions; all lies are condemned equally. God hates lying because it leads to devastating consequences, regardless of the type or intention behind the lie. Lies can damage trust, harm relationships, and lead to a cycle of deceit that is difficult to break. Understanding that all lies are equally harmful in God's eyes can help us strive for greater honesty and integrity in our daily lives. [01:16:10]
Proverbs 12:22 (ESV): "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight."
Reflection: Reflect on the different types of lies you may have told in the past week. How do you justify these lies to yourself? Can you commit to being more honest, even in situations where a lie seems harmless or convenient?
Day 3: The Inevitable Exposure of Lies
The Bible repeatedly warns that all lies will eventually be brought to light. This principle is illustrated in the story of Mike Lyon, a real estate mogul whose decades of deceit were ultimately exposed, leading to his downfall. Lies, no matter how small they start, can grow and lead to catastrophic consequences. God wants to protect us from such outcomes by encouraging us to live in truth. When we lie, we may think we are avoiding immediate consequences, but the truth has a way of surfacing, often when we least expect it. [01:32:19]
Luke 12:2-3 (ESV): "Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops."
Reflection: Consider a lie you have told that has not yet been exposed. How would you feel if it were brought to light? What steps can you take to address this lie and seek forgiveness or make amends?
Day 4: The Devil's Deception
The devil, the father of lies, encourages us to lie with the ultimate goal of our destruction. He waits until we have everything to lose before exposing our lies, leading to catastrophic consequences. The devil's deception is subtle, making us believe that lying is harmless or even beneficial. However, God warns us against lying because He wants us to live in truth and avoid the pitfalls that come with deceit. By recognizing the devil's tactics, we can be more vigilant in our commitment to honesty and integrity. [01:21:35]
John 8:44 (ESV): "You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies."
Reflection: Think about a time when you felt tempted to lie for personal gain or to avoid trouble. How can you recognize and resist the devil's deception in similar situations in the future?
Day 5: God's Desire for Our Good
God hates lying not because He wants to condemn us, but because He wants to protect us and ensure we live in truth and love. Lying takes us out of God's covering and prevents us from receiving His blessings. God desires for us to thrive and live in freedom and joy, which can only be achieved through honesty and integrity. By committing to a life of truth, we align ourselves with God's will and open ourselves up to His protection and blessings. [01:41:02]
Psalm 34:12-13 (ESV): "What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit."
Reflection: Reflect on how lying has affected your relationship with God and others. What steps can you take to live more truthfully and align yourself with God's desire for your good?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "So today, we're going to talk about why we lie, how we lie, what the Bible says about lying, and why it says what it does about lying. All right? So let me start with a story." [48:24] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So by definition, a white lie, by a original definition, definition meant it was a small lie that was meant to benefit someone else because basically you didn't want to hurt their feelings. So if somebody gave you a nasty fruitcake for Christmas, you'd tell them it was delicious because you didn't want to hurt their feelings." [52:30] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The world tries to sell you a bill of goods, give you all these different types of lies, and justify why you lie, and why some are okay, and some are actually meant to benefit someone else. That's what the world sells you, you know what that language is? That's the native language of the devil." [01:21:35] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And this is a really heavy topic for a Sunday morning, and I'm sure you were thinking, she said we were going to do the Ten Commandments, and I already knew thou shalt not lie. Like, this is not what I was expecting today, right? So let's talk about why God is so against lying." [01:22:30] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And God doesn't want that for you, because when you're caught, the consequences can be devastating. And your father in heaven never designed that for you. This is why he hates it so much. This is why he tells you over and over again, do not do it, because darkness, will always be brought to light." [01:23:30] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "So reflecting back to the Taco Bell Starbucks story, the neuroscientists, I believe, support my concern that over time, this young man is going to get more and more comfortable with lying. And the scientists proved that physically, our brains get more and more comfortable. You don't have a stress reaction anymore as the lies roll off your tongue." [55:23] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So now we've talked about the kinds of lies. We've talked about why. We've defined lies. I'd like to move into what the Bible says about lying, all right? Just to recap, we talked about four types of lying, right? The white lie, the lie by commission, that's the straight-up lie, the lie by omission, that's leaving out the details and not answering the question, the poultering, which is using a truth to tell a lie." [01:16:10] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There are no types of lying. Not in the Bible. There's no ethical lying. There's no white lie. There's no big lie. There's no little lie. It's all lies. It's all deception. It's all falsehood. There's no grade of white to gray to pink to blue. None of it. Everything that I just told you about the types of lies, that doesn't matter to God. None of it. That's all made up by man." [01:16:45] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And if you read Proverbs and Psalms, I will keep you here all day about how God feels about lying. So I've only picked a couple just to illustrate my point. But this is by no means the limit of what the Bible says about how much God hates lying." [01:18:06] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And God wants you to thrive. God wants the best in your life. God wants you to have everything that he has for you. But when you start lying you take yourself out of that covering because it says that God hates lying." [01:38:29] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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