1 But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. 2 He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest. 3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself. 4 The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God!” 5 As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died. Everyone who heard about it was terrified. 6 Then some young men got up, wrapped him in a sheet, and took him out and buried him…11 Great fear gripped the entire church and everyone else who heard what had happened. ACTS 5:1-6,11 NLT
Why is it so hard to tell the truth?
We live in a culture that does not value the truth
Our courts oppose the righteous, and justice is nowhere to be found. Truth stumbles in the streets, and honesty has been outlawed. Yes, truth is gone, and anyone who renounces evil is attacked. ISAIAH 59:14-15 NLT
We can be spiritually influenced to lie
…He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. JOHN 8:44 NLT
He lies about my value
He lies to me about others
He lies about GodThere are consequences for telling the truth
Loss Punishment Shame PainThere are earthly consequences for telling the truth, but there are eternal consequences for living the lie.
We battle lies with the belt of truth
Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth EPHESIANS 6:14 NLT
We activate the belt of truth by:
Inviting God’s spirit to teach us truth
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. JOHN 16:13 NLT
The Holy Spirit will teach us truth through:
The word of God
For you are God, O Sovereign LORD. Your words are truth 2 SAMUEL 7:28 NLTThe people of God
For we cannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth. 2 CORINTHIANS 13:8 NLTYou are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ. GALATIANS 1:7 NLT
The preachers of God
We faithfully preach the truth. God’s power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense. 2 CORINTHIANS 2:6-7 NLT
We must practice speaking truth to:
Ourselves: Speak truth to your feelings
Others: Speak truth to your friends
God: Speak truth to your father
The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. PSALM 145:18 NLT