Psalm 5:6-7 | Romans 7:24-25
What could a little white lie hurt?
The short answer is: “Your character.” But you probably knew that already.
So why do we lie sometimes anyway? Do we not care about our character? Maybe we lie because–Like Dylan said–“Sometimes lying is easier than telling the truth.”
But does it even matter? Jacob lied and God still blessed him! Read what King David says about God and liars…
You will destroy those who tell lies.
The Lord detests murderers and deceivers.
Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house;
I will worship at your Temple with deepest awe.
Psalm 5:6-7 NLT
David knew that he could only enter God’s personal space because of God’s unwavering love for him–not his own clean record.
The same was true for Jacob. God’s blessing came only through God’s grace, despite Jacob’s deception.
So if you have lied, might lie, or perhaps are lying right now… THIS IS GOOD NEWS: God loves you, and can bless you despite your sin and weakness.
And if you think you might be powerless to change your deceitful heart, you are not alone. Consider how the Apostle Paul felt about his own heart:
Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 7:24-25a NLT
Questions for Group Discussion
- Is it okay to lie sometimes? What if someone asks how their ill-fitting jeans look? Should you give them the honest truth?
- Are there levels of honesty? Is it dishonest to hold back information? Do you always have to tell ‘the whole truth and nothing but the truth?’
- Why do you think God was ‘okay’ with Jacob lying to his father Isaac? Was God really okay with it? Could God have blessed Jacob with his father’s blessing any other way?
- Did Jacob deceive Esau when he purchased Esau’s birthright for a hearty meal?
Speak the Truth in Love: Application
What does it mean to “speak the truth in love” as it says in Ephesians 4:15?
Read Ephesians 4:1 – 5:15 and answer the following questions according to the verses noted for each one.
- How should we always be with each other? (4:2)
- What does it mean that there is one body and one Spirit? (4:3-6)
- Can we ever be what God wants us to be? (4:13)
- How does spiritual maturity relate to truthfulness? (4:14)
- What will happen as we speak the truth in love? (4:15)
- Do people who don’t know Christ Jesus have an excuse for the way they live? (4:17-19)
- Who should do the work to renew your thoughts and attitudes? (4:23)
- In the list of new thoughts and attitudes listed, which is the first one mentioned? (4:25-5:15)
Once you have read the above scripture and answered the questions, ask God to help you to be honest in your relationships.
Above all, remember Ephesians 4:23 and let the Spirit do the work!
