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Introduction:
Let’s face it, we all want stronger and closer family relationships. The family of God should live differently from the world in our feelings and behaviors toward one another. Every family is different and is made up of individuals with different values and desires. If each family member is not making Jesus greater, the family will struggle. If our families are going to experience greatness, Jesus must be first. When we put Jesus first, we will see the impact in our families.
“He must become greater: I must become less.” —John 3:30 (NIV)
This collection of talks will focus on practical ways to strengthen the relationships in our lives so that we can be the family God intends for us to be. We will focus on the following “We Will” declarations:
April 6th/9th - Easter - We Will Make Jesus First in Our Family
April 13th/16th - We Will Love and Accept One Another
April 20th/23rd - We Will Pray for One Another
April 27th/30th - We Will Tell One Another the Truth
May 4th/7th - We Will Be Kind to One Another
May 11th/14th - Mother’s Day - We Will Be Patient With One Another
May 18th/21st - We Will Serve One Another
May 25th/28th - We Will Forgive One Another
Text: Ephesians 4:15-16; 25 (CSB, New Testament)
Today’s Takeaway: If you tell the truth, you never have to remember what you said.
Week 4 - WE WILL TELL ONE ANOTHER THE TRUTH
I.
THE TRUTH ALWAYS
A. In Your
“Lord, who can dwell in your tent? Who can live on your holy mountain? 2The one who lives blamelessly, practices righteousness, and acknowledges the truth in his heart-” —Psalms 15:1-2
B. In Your
“Whoever speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit.” —Proverbs 12:17
C. In Your
“These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one another; make true and sound decisions within your city gates.” —Zechariah 8:16
D. In Your
“Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “yes” mean “yes,” and your “no” mean “no,” so that you won’t fall under judgment.” —James 5:12
II.
SATAN IS BEHIND LYING
A. He puts
“Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the wild animals that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You can’t eat from any tree in the garden’?” —Genesis 3:1-2
B. He does not
“You are of your father the devil, and you want to carry out 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 tells a lie, he speaks from his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies.” —John 8:44
C. He
“So the great dragon was thrown out — the ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the one who deceives the whole world. He was thrown to earth, and his angels with him.” —Revelation 12:9
III.
ALL SPEECH MATTERS
A. Our speech should be
“Do not give false testimony against your neighbor.” —Exodus 20:16
B. Our speech should
“The Lord hates six things; in fact, seven are detestable to him: 17arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet eager to run to evil, 19a lying witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up trouble among brothers.” —Proverbs 6:16-17
C. Our speech should be
“Lying lips are detestable to the Lord, but faithful people are his delight.” —Proverbs 12:22
D. Our speech will be
“There is nothing covered that won’t be uncovered, nothing hidden that won’t be made known. 3Therefore, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in an ear in private rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.” —Luke 12:2-3
IV.
ONE ANOTHER IN TRUTH
A. Truth encourages the
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.” —1 Thessalonians 5:11
B. Truth encourages
“No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.” —Ephesians 4:29
C. Truth encourages the
“And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, 25not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.” —Hebrews 10:24-25
CONCLUSION: What steps do you need to take to speak truth?
DEEP DIVE QUESTIONS:
Which of the 4 places we should tell the truth always hit home for you and why?
Discuss the danger of putting questions marks where God puts periods.
What are some steps you can take to make your speech match up with the 4 points under III.?
How can you encourage with the truth this week?