Nothing But the Truth
Separating Fact from Fiction with God’s Word
Scripture
1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron.
Thought for Today
The fall of man began with a lie. In Genesis 3:4, the serpent told Eve, “You will not surely die” if she atefro m the tree which God had forbidden. From that statement until today, lies have become more acceptable than truth. The truth is exchanged for a lie (Romans 1:24, 25) in everything from media, to commerce, and even some religions. But you are one of God’s children. He has no greater joy than to see you walk in truth and light (3 John 4). He equips you to recognize lies, their consequences, and how to resist them in the name of Jesus.
Satan is a lie and the father of lies, according to John 8:44. His children imitate his works. Deception is the primary means he uses to deceive. However, we are not ignorant or susceptible to the devices of darkness, including lies (2 Corinthians 2:11). Lies fall into three common categories: commission, omission, and influence. Their basic definitions are as follows:
- Commission includes blatant untruthful statements (fabrication).
- Omission may have elements of truth but are misleading (leaves out facts).
- Influence may also be partially truthful. Utilizes omission or exaggeration to denigrate the character of another person. Putting on a façade to impress or gain favor may also indicate a lie of influence.
The enemy uses a combination of lying strategies against you. His purpose is to steal, kill, or destroy youin any way possible. This includes attacks on your confidence, your joy, and your faith. He will use people, circumstances, and your weaknesses.
The first lie that he told Eve had elements of each of the falsehoods above. In the exchange between Eve and the serpent in Genesis 3:1-5, he said, “You will not surely die.” This was a flagrant (commission) lie since he knew full well the truth. He omitted the truth that God gave Adam and Eve permission to eat from other trees (v1). He also tried to disparage God’s character by insinuating His motives were selfish (v 5).
In 1 Peter 5:8, we are told to remain alert and watchful of the lurking adversary. Stay vigilant for tricks and lies the enemy uses. He is as cunning now as he was in the Garden of Eden. Some lies are covert and come in ways such as:
- Broken promises the liar never intended to fulfill
- False accusations
- Seemingly innocent inquiries based on untruth (is it true God said not to eat from any trees?)
- Inferences designed to illicit doubt
- Insults wrapped in false compliments
It is a mistake to think that only unbelievers tell lies. A good number of scriptural accounts reveal that people of God are subject to telling lies. For instance, Isaac lied to Abimelech about Rebekah being hissist er. Ananias and Sapphira were members of the church who lied to Peter concerning the money received for their land.
Members of the body of Christ today are not exempt from temptations which include lies and other sins. However, as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are convicted by the indwelling Holy Spirit when we sin. God has made provision for our sins. First John 1:9 says He is faithful to forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness if we confess them and repent.
Lies are poisonous with deadly consequences. More importantly, they are among the sins which are an abomination to Holy God. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists a lying tongue among the sins that God hates. Proverbs 12:22a confirms that lying lips are atrocious to God.
Although you live in a lying world, you are not part of it. You are not subject to the lies of the enemy in whatever form they take. The Word of God is your light. It is the means used to uncover and conquer lying spirits. Use it as the sword of The Spirit to stand firm in the truth.
Pray as Jesus did in John 17:16-19:
They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify
Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.
Time to Pray!
Lord God, thank you for the truth of Your Word to study so that we recognize deceit in all forms. Give us
the boldness to pull down strongholds built upon lies. Father, we desire to be Your delight and to deal
truthfully in everything we say and do so we can come before you with a clean conscience. In the name
of Jesus…Amen
This is a “ tight but right” teaching.
Lord, let me walk in Your truth .
Amen.
Satan’s goal is for us all to live deceived. Defenses against Satan:
-be alert to Satan’s lies
-live by faith
-pray for defense and strength against attacks
– when tempted, say boldly, God I love you more than this.
– when any deceitful, self destructive thought pops into your mind, the Word says, “destroy it!” Recognize it for what it is, call it a lie, refuse to dwell on it and reset your mind on what is true. And do it immediately. God wants us to call on the power of the Holy Spirit for strength against Satan’s suggestions to sin.