The Sin of Lying

1
The Sin of Lying

• 91 of Americans regularly lie
• 63 men 52 women to protect
• 40 have lied on job applications
• (The Day America Told the Truth, 1991)

Jer. 93-9
2
Christians are not immune to the temptation to lie

• Ephesians 425
• Philippians 48

3
What is Lying?

• Falsehood deception
• Conscious intentional falsehood (Thayer, 676)
• To deceive, or attempt to deceive, by a lie
  (Moulton, 442), cf. Matt. 2813, 15
• A lie is a false statement deliberately
  presented as being true something meant to
  deceive or give a wrong impression

4
What is Lying?

• Whatever is NOT what it professes to be
• False impressions created to deceive
• Self-righteousness, Matt. 2327-28
• Hypocrisy, 1 Tim. 41-2 (Matt. 2325)
• Wisdom doctrines of men, Rom.125
• Religious lies, Matt. 715 2 Cor. 1113

5
What is Lying?

• Self-deception, Gal. 63
• I am without sin! 1 Jno. 18
• I know Jesus! 1 Jno. 23-4 (Jas. 1 22)
• I am religious! Jas. 126
• Need careful self-examination, 2 Cor. 135 Gal.
  64

6
Why do People Lie?

• Fear, Matt. 2669-74 (2635)
• Of man, not God, Lk. 124-5
• To avoid responsibility, Lk. 1418
• Excuse to avert displeasure by entreat, to beg
  pardon
• Excusing disobedience shows displeasure for Gods
  will (Lk. 1416)

7
Why do People Lie?

• To hurt someone, Col. 38-9
• Malice, intended to defame, destroy
• Examples
• Potiphars wife, Gen. 3913-20
• Against Jesus, Matt. 2659-61

8
Why do People Lie?

• To get gain or gain an advantage
• Financial gain, Prov. 111 (Deut. 2513-16)
• Spiritual gain, 1 Tim. 65
• Reputation, honor, prestige, Acts 51-9

9
Why do People Lie?

• For the greater good
• End justifies means, Rom. 38
• God is good, Matt. 1917
• God defines what is good, Micah 68 2 Tim.
  316-17 Eph. 210 Rom. 129 1619 (Jer. 422)
• No God-given reason for lying

10
The Outcome of All Liars

• God warns not to lie, 1 Pet. 310-11
• Lying is disgusting to God, Prov. 6 16-17 1222
• God will punish all liars, Prov. 195, 9 Rev.
  218 (2127)

11
Put Away Lying

• Recognize resist, 1 Cor. 1012
• Examine ourselves, careful to be honest in all
  things, Eph. 425 2 Cor. 821
• Ancient Jerusalem, Jer. 911 (Zech. 83)
• Kingdom City of Truth, Zech. 816-17 (Eph. 425)