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The Truth About Lying

Acts 5:1–11

But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. ²He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest. ³Then 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. ⁴The 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!” ⁵As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died. Everyone who heard about it was terrified. ⁶Then some young men got up, wrapped him in a sheet, and took him out and buried him. ⁷About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. ⁸Peter asked her, “Was this the price you and your husband received for your land?” “Yes,” she replied, “that was the price.” ⁹And Peter said, “How could the two of you even think of conspiring to test the Spirit of the Lord like this? The young men who buried your husband are just outside the door, and they will carry you out, too.” ¹⁰Instantly, she fell to the floor and died. When the young men came in and saw that she was dead, they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. ¹¹Great fear gripped the entire church and everyone else who heard what had happened. —Acts 5:1–11

What is True about Dishonesty

1. Dishonesty Resides in our nature

2. Dishonesty is Represented in our culture

3. Dishonesty Ruins relationships

4. Dishonesty is Repulsive to our witness

The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth. —Proverbs 12:22

So What Should We Do?

1.) Take an Inventory of our Untruthfulness

Where am I being dishonest?
Why am I being dishonest?

2.) Repent and Return to the Heart of God

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. —1 John 1:9

3.) Understand the Cost

But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? —Luke 14:28

The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them. —Proverbs 20:7

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. —Ephesians 4:15

4.) Embrace the Truth

The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. —Psalm 145:18

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. —Psalm 139:23-24