November 2, 2025
Sermon Part 1: “Those Who Choose to Run From The Truth Can Not Hide!”
The “Truth” is an all-powerful liberator of those who are trapped and bound in lies, and secret sins. The best thing that can happen to a practiced liar is they get caught and exposed and repent of their sins. Then they can learn and experientially know of the everlasting shear mercies and graces of God our Father! (Prov.28:13)
Happy Sunday Saints!
Introduction
This Series entitled, “You Can Never Get Ahead of the Truth,” is specifically directed and dedicated to all born-again Christians. If you will, it’s a “Saints only Series.” For the next several weeks, we are going to talk about the “Truth,” and our relationship with it. In His infinite Wisdom, God has placed His Word above His name. (Ps.138:2) God’s Word is “Truth” and He has sanctified us in Truth; separated and set us apart from the world in Truth. (John 17:17) Saints, please affirm aloud with me saying: “Thank God, I’m sanctified in Truth.” Praise God, it’s the Truth in every born-again believer in Christ that distinguishes us from the people of the world who do not know Jesus as Savior and Lord.
Right up front Saints lets understand that Truth is an Absolute attribute of God, and in order for born-again Christians who dwell in God, to let their lights shine brightly before the people of the world, we must walk in Truth. In our Christian walk, the spinning and telling of lies must not be named among us. We must put down lying and take up only the telling of Truth! For everything other than Truth is a “lie” and destined to fail and fall to the ground, and ultimately to the sides of the pit of hell.
Watch this now. Since God is full of Truth, then the regenerated heart of every born-again Christian who dwells in Him, also abides in Truth. The relationship of the Christian with God can be illustrated like a person comfortably and peacefully encased within a “Bubble of Truth,” and sealed vaulted shut by the Holy Ghost until the Day of Redemption. (Eph.1:13)
In the regenerated heart of every born-again Christian abides only Truth, and no lie can penetrate the Bubble of Truth. (Heb. 10:16) Only the Holy Word of God is able to be sown into the born-again heart of a Christian and produce fruitful harvests. The heart/inner-man is where our real life abides, which cannot be seen by the human eye, nor experienced by natural means. (I Cor. 2:9) Our inner-beings are nourished and renewed day by day by the Spirit of the Life and Mind of Jesus Christ, and when He returns to rapture the Church, we will behold our true created beings in Christ in all of its splendor and glory. (II Cor. 4:16 & Col. 3:3-5)
Our born-again hearts have been made “Perfect” by God; having being made complete with all of the fullness of God in Christ Jesus. (Heb.10:12-14 & Col. 2:9-10) By faith in Jesus Christ and His finished works we are to walk in the Spirit; according to the Word of God. For we live by every Word of God; every Truth of God.
As such, all carnality, including the practice of lying, must be killed and done away with. For our old-inner man inherited from Adam is dead. (Rom. 5:17-19, 6:11-14, & II Cor. 5:17) Glory to be God, we have been made free from the bondage of lying; lying to God, lying to ourselves, and lying to each other. If we truly love God and desire to worship and fellowship with Him, we must abandon all forms of crafting and speaking lies at once, and fall in love and embrace the Truth no matter the outward pressures Satan tries to tempt us with to walk in falsehoods. Every believer in Christ should grow and come into spiritual maturation, and have the testimony that they “love telling the Truth and living in it.”
Saints, understand that the Truth and lying never occupy the same room, as they are diametrically opposed to one another, just as God and Satan are enemies. For in God, there is no darkness at all. (I John 1:5) Seeing then things from God’s Perspective and not our own, as born-again Christians we can never get ahead of, nor escape the Truth, and its consequences because we live in Truth. God has designed our relationship with Him so that we might always receive the rewards of Truth. We can run with a lie for a time, but sooner or later the Truth will catch us and make us free. Glory be to God for the things He has done! But, why waste time telling lies and enduring all of its painful consequences, when we can walk in Truth and experience the fullness of our inheritance in the Kingdom of God. The Truth warns us of the consequences of lying so that we can avoid them by always speaking and doing that which is right.
With that Introduction, today, we are going to focus on lying, as the Bible is chock-full of Scriptures that teach against it and provides many stories that illustrate the harm lies can do to both the “Fibber” and other people made subject to them.
The World is Full of People Who Love to Tell Lies, But We Are Called to Walk in Truth
Sadly, and most unfortunately, we live in a world and society that loves to spin, tell, and believe in lies. But, born-again Christians should never lie. The Apostle John wrote, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (III John 1:4) John’s report shows it’s entirely possible for the Saints to live life free of lies, even though we live in a world where lying is common behavior across demographics and context. (Rom.12:1-2)
Social studies show, on average, Americans are reported to tell about 11 lies per week, which breaks down to about 1.65 lies per day. However, these figures maybe conservative, as a 2002 study performed by psychologist Robert Feldman at the University of Massachusetts found that 60-percent of people lied at least once during a 10-minute conversation; telling an average of two to three lies. We all are very well acquainted with the destruction that lying can do to people and a nation.
The following are several negative outcomes that are associated with lying cited in social studies:
Damages Trust: Lies erode trust, the foundation of healthy relationships, be they personal or professional.
Harm to Relationships: Lying can lead to feelings of betrayal, resentment, and ultimately damage or destroy relationships.
Erosion of Credibility: Being known as a liar harms one’s credibility and makes it harder for others to believe them, even when telling the truth.
Increased Stress and Anxiety: Liars often experience the fear of being caught, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and potential negative health impacts like elevated cortisol levels.
Loss of Self-Respect and Integrity: Lying can lead to a decrease in self-esteem and a negative self-perception, potentially eroding one’s sense of integrity.
Mental Health Impact: Studies suggest that lying can negatively affect mental health by causing increased stress and unhappiness.
Potential for Escalation: What are known as “Small” lies can pave the way for bigger lies, creating a web of deceit that becomes harder to maintain and escape.
Consequences if Discovered: Being caught in a lie can have serious repercussions, ranging from damaged relationships and loss of employment to punitive legal consequences in certain situations.
Impact on Decision-Making: Lies can distort information, leading to poor decisions by both the liar and those who believe the lie.
Undermines Social Fabric: A society where truth is routinely disregarded can lose its ability to function effectively, as shared understanding and cooperation become difficult to maintain.
People lie about all sorts of stuff. People choose to tell seemingly innocuous traditional lies handed down to our young children about Santa Clause, the Easter Bunny, and the Good Tooth Fairy. People choose to tell color-coded lies, most often shaded as “white-lies” to avoid hurting a person’s feelings or to be polite. For example, people will say they “love your new haircut,” even if they don’t.” Or, provide false assurances, saying, “I’m on my way!” When they are still at home getting ready. Or, how many times have you heard, or said yourself, “I’m fine,” when they or you really are not.
Then in our Society, we have put lies on a weight-bearing scale and called them “big fat-lies.” Meaning the person has made a statement that is blatantly false, an obvious falsehood in which can be easily proven wrong. The big-fat lie can also refer to widespread misconception or a deeply ingrained belief that is not supported by evidence or reality. Some examples of blatant lies are: “I didn’t eat the cookie.” When the cookie crumbs are all over their face. Or, “I was here the whole time.” When someone is clearly not present. Or, “I never lied to you before.” This is a contradiction, as the statement itself is a lie!
We can go on and on about liars, as some are “habitual liars,” I call them “professional” liars. They will lie about the same thing and new things over and over again. Habitual liars are also called “compulsive” or “pathological” liars.” These individuals frequently lie, often without a clear reason or benefit, and sometimes even when the Truth would be more immediately advantageous for the circumstances they spin lies anyway; signaling that their compulsions are a part of a larger mental health issue.
Some examples of habitual liars are they make up false history, say they have accomplished things they have never tried, try to impress others with false statements of self-achievements, boast of having enduring relationships with famous people, or they claim to have a serious illness when they don’t. Also, habitual liars repeatedly misrepresent and make false statements on job resumes, employment applications, and government documents of attestation to gain advantage. Indeed, people who choose to lie, no matter the topic cheat themselves and others of the precious gift of Truth.
Then most insidious and far reaching of all lies are those told in Religious Circles throughout the world, which have negative eternal consequences for their followers. World-wide, apart from Christianity, there are reportedly between 4,200, to 10,000 separate false religions with false doctrines all claiming to know the way to utopia through worship of a deity, with multiplied millions of followers. They all lie against the Truth, of the only one True God whose son is named Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords. No man can come to God except through belief in Jesus Christ. (John 14:6)
Furthermore, the Holy Bible makes clear that those who choose not to believe on the name of the only begotten son Jesus Christ are already accursed, condemned, and face eternal damnation. (Gal.1:8, John 3:18, & Mark 16:15) Also, I Timothy Chapters 4-6, teach that there will be an increase in false doctrine and deceptive teachers in the last days, leading people away from Truth and sound doctrine to follow destructive teachings. Thus, as born-again Christians, these texts admonish us to be sober and discerning, to test teachings against Scripture, (Truth) and to rely on the Holy Ghost to identify false doctrines.
Next, and sadly so, even Christians many of whom call themselves born-again Christians are practiced and accomplished liars and hide behind lies. They tell big-fat lies about how much they love the Lord with their whole beings and call Jesus Lord. But, in reality, they disobey at will the Lord’s Commands to love one another, including their enemies, to give tithes and offerings, and/or to witness their faith to the lost. Jesus Christ said to His disciples, “And why do you call me Lord, Lord and do not the things which I say?” (John 6:46)
Many Christians have lied to themselves for so long about their pious devotion to Christ, that they cannot see the hypocrisy of calling Jesus Lord, while routinely flouting His Commands. They don’t even realize that every time they utter lies they are worshipping Satan, entering into his devilish presence, and subjecting their physical bodies and mental states to his evil works. Oh yes Saints, lying in and of itself makes a person an idol worshipper. A worshipper of the god of untruth, Satan.
Notice when one lie is told, it always leads to the re-telling of the lie and other lies over and over. Each time a lie is told, is to bow down and worship Satan the father of lies, and no idolater can inherit (claim possession) of the Kingdom of God. (John 8:44 & I Cor. 6:9) Thus, the born-again Christian who chooses to proffer lies has within themselves a war going on between the born-again Mind of the Soul of the heart (Truth) and reasoning of the human brain (lie).
Maybe even some of you in here today are self-accomplished liars. Have you convinced yourself that you are living in “Truth” and a Holy and pure life before God, while knowing full well that you willfully disobey the Commandments of Jesus Christ? The Truth about lies is they only work to create a “false image” within the Fibber, and to those who hear and believe their lies. As noted in medical literature, folks trapped in the telling of lies inwardly feel emotions connected to shame, regret, fear, and insecurity, and may suffer many adverse mental and physical health consequences because of it. They live life anxious hoping that the Truth about them never becomes public.
Dear Saints, you will know immediately if you are a practiced liar because this Series, even just the little we have said thus far about “Truth” will make you squirm and feel uncomfortable; and even at times aggravated with me God’s Messenger. As I talk about the Truth, lies told in the past and present, that you may have worked so hard to keep secret, surface from your subconscious to the forefront of your thinking.
This is a God-good thing, and not an evil action. Praise God, every time we think to tell an untruth/speak a lie, from our born-again hearts the Holy Ghost warns us not to lie, chastens and corrects us, and compels us to repent of it. The lie, the secret lie, the white lie, big-fat lie, habitual lie, whatever kind of lie; the Holy Ghost reveals it to you for correction and not condemnation! (Rom. 8:1-2) The Holy Ghost ensures we never escape the Truth because He wants us to live “lie-free.” He wants to remind us that the Law of the Spirit of Life and Mind of Christ has made us completely free from lying. So stop lying, and come what may, always tell the Truth! Praise God, we never have to tell a lie, as we rather serve God than man!
When the Holy Ghost chastens you about lying, the Truth of God’s Word is seeking to supernaturally resolve and remove all inner-conflicts that exist between your human reasoning and born-again heart. The writer of the Book of Hebrews states:
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Heb. 4:12)
The agent of the Word of God, the Holy Ghost, seeks to chasten and reprove (correct) the lie hidden in the subconscious, and to help you take it away and never tell it again! So that you might become a “True Worshipper of God. This is the reason God doesn’t want you to tell a lie; He expects for us to be True Worshippers and not false worshippers. It would behoove every born-again Christian in daily living to remember the Words of Jesus Christ recorded at John 4:23-24 spoken to the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well:
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
When Christians determine to engage in the practice of lying, they forfeit the ability to worship with God in Spirit and Truth. God is searching for people who have a sincere and humble heart, who are willing to acknowledge that they are nothing without Him, acknowledge all wrong doing, and confess their need only of His rescue from sin. Within the hearts of truthful people God places His Wisdom. (Ps. 51:6)
So as we sojourn with Christ, whenever a born-again Christian tells a lie, the Holy Ghost comes to bear witness to the Truth. He is the Spirit of Truth who reproves sin and righteousness. (John 16:7-11) The Holy Ghost is given to us to lead in guide us into “All Truth.” (John 16:13) Let’s get dogmatic about this: Every single time you tell a lie, no matter how you judge the lie to be inconsequential or consequential, the Holy Ghost reproves you of the sin and compels you to tell the Truth.
Praise God, even as you think to pose a lie, let the Holy Ghost correct you. If you blurt out the lie, in real-time, let the Holy Ghost correct you. If you have told the lie, let the Holy Ghost compel you to repent, confess, and correct the untruth. Something supernaturally good happens to us, and for us, when we abandon the practice of lying and walk in Truth. Every Promise of God-good is found in Truth, so walk in Truth and all the Promises of God will be available to you to petition and receive by faith in Jesus Christ. At Psalm 15, King David wrote this about the people of God that continually dwell in His Presence:
Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.
So, the end game for the Holy Ghost is always to help us find and walk in the Truth; to reunite and bring the Christian’s life back in line with Absolute Truth. Why, because when we live in Truth we are positioned to walk as sons of God, and to see and receive all of the fullness of God in Christ. The Holy Ghost will reveal things freely given to us by God as we walk in Truth.
With a guilt-free conscious, we can receive the deep things of God, known only by the Spirit of God. (I Cor. 2:10-13)
Examine the Words of Jesus Christ at John 16:13-15.
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
Given these things, we can say that the practice of telling lies and bearing false witness not only prevents us from worshipping God, but also acts as a barrier to receiving the inheritance of the manifold blessings of God prepared for us within the Kingdom of God. All lies are authored by Satan and designed to drive us away from God, break active fellowship with God, and forfeit receipt of the goodness of God.
The “Truth” on the other hand is designed to lead us into living on earth in the perfect and sinless life of Jesus Christ. (John 14:6) The Spirit of God yearns to witness to your heart that Christ is in you and empower you to perform the same works and greater works of Christ, so that the world might know that God sent Jesus into the world and loves them, even as He loves Jesus. (John 17:23) Satan knows this and tempts believers, like the people of the world, to spin and tell lies and live in deception, as he knows it will cause havoc in our lives and others that concern us. The more we tell lies, we cloak ourselves in deception and take on a distorted view of who we really are in Christ, and become less productive and fruitful disciples of Christ.
Bible Stories of God’s People Telling Lies and Reaping Consequences
The Holy Bible is filled with stories of people who lied, deceived, and misled others. While God Commands us to always tell the Truth, even some of the most prominent figures in Scripture resorted to lying at times and bore adverse consequences. From the Serpent’s deception in the Garden of Eden to Peter’s denial of Jesus, lying is a recurring theme throughout the Bible.
The Bible unequivocally condemns lying, stating it is an abomination to God and a sin that leads to negative consequences. As I noted, lying is seen as an absolute attribute of the devil and those who are not truthful will not dwell in God’s Presence. Let’s examine several examples of lying in the Bible and the consequences that followed. These stories can teach us important lessons about honesty, integrity, and the importance of walking in Truth. But, I also want you to notice in each story that despite the lies told and consequences the people had to face; God’s love, mercy, and grace continued to cover them through it all.
The Serpent’s Deception in the Garden of Eden
We all know well the story of how the Serpent (possessed by Satan) cunningly deceived Eve in the Garden of Eden. This act of dishonesty had far-reaching consequences for all of humanity. The Serpent, described as “more cunning than any beast of the field” approached Eve with a deceptive question: “Has God indeed said, You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” (Gen. 3:1 NKJV)
Eve clarified that they could eat from all the trees except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, as God had warned them that eating from it would lead to death. The Serpent boldly contradicted God’s Word, stating, “You will not surely die.” He further enticed Eve by claiming that eating the fruit would make them like God, knowing good and evil. Here is the full text at Genesis 3:4-5 NKJV.
Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.
Eve, persuaded by the Serpent’s deception, ate the forbidden fruit and shared it with Adam, who also ate it. Their eyes were opened, and they realized their nakedness, experiencing shame for the first time. When God confronted them, Adam and Eve tried to shift the blame, with Adam insinuating that it was God’s fault in giving him Eve, and Eve blaming the serpent.
As a result of their disobedience God cursed the Serpent to crawl on its belly and be an enemy to the woman’s offspring. Eve would experience pain in childbirth and a desire for her husband’s role. Adam would face hardship in working the ground, and both would eventually return to dust. Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden, preventing them from accessing the tree of life and living forever in their fallen state.
Furthermore, the Serpent’s deception and Adam and Eve’s subsequent disobedience introduced sin and death into the world, altering the course of human history. With Adam wholly eating not just the forbidden fruit, but the lie accompanied with it, he corrupted the spiritual DNA of all of Mankind; making every human being conceived in the womb of the mother full of the nature of Satan; ever capable of cunning, craftiness, deceit, cheating, lying, and falsehoods. Oh Saints, notice that no child born into this world is taught how to tell a lie; but instinctively does so, for we all were conceived in sin and shaped in iniquity. Adam and Eve’s story highlights the importance of discerning Truth from lies and the dire consequences of succumbing to deception
But Praise God, even as the first couple were in the clutches of Satan and brought sin and condemnation into the world, God shed the blood of animals and covered Adam and Eve with animal skins, which signified God’s grace and provision after their disobedience, teaching the necessity of sacrifice and atonement for sin, foreshadowing the future sacrificial system under the Mosaic Law, and prefiguring the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ as the covering for human sin. (Gen.3:21) Ultimately, what we take away from the fall of Adam and banishment from the Garden of Eden is God’s love for humanity is everlasting.
Saints as we go through these Bible Stories which capture the failures of God’s people, as well as throughout this Series, remember God’s heart and everlasting Covenant of Love towards us. Jeremiah 31:3 says:
The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.
Abraham’s Lies About Sarah
Abraham, the patriarch of faith, resorted to deception on two occasions when he felt his life was in danger. Let’s explore these instances and the consequences that followed. First, Abraham deceived the Pharaoh. Abraham and his wife Sarah journeyed to Egypt due to a famine in Canaan. Fearing for his life, Abraham told Sarah to pose as his sister. Genesis 12:13 (NKJV) records Abraham as saying to Sara:
“Please say you are my sister, that it may be well with me for your sake, and that I may live because of you.”
Pharaoh took Sarah into his palace, but God afflicted Pharaoh’s household with plagues. Pharaoh confronted Abraham about his deception and sent them away with wealth.
Abraham repeated the same lie about Sarah being his sister to Abimelech, king of Gerar. God warned Abimelech in a dream that Sarah was Abraham’s wife: Abimelech confronted Abraham, who admitted his fear and lack of trust in God’s protection. God prevented Abimelech from sinning and restored his household after Abraham prayed for them. No matter the disgrace of lying about the relationship with Sarah, God kept the Covenant Promise He made with Abraham; God made his name great, blessed him in all things, cursed his enemies and through His seed (Christ) all families of the earth are blessed. (Gen. 12:1-3)
More specifically, we find in Genesis 24:1 that “the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things.” This comprehensive blessing included spiritual, physical, and material aspects, granting him riches, numerous descendants, protection, and ultimately, being a blessing to all nations through his lineage. Through Abraham’s seed would come Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world; fulfilling God’ Promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his offspring.
Jacob’s Deceit of Isaac
Jacob, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, resorted to deception to gain his father’s blessing. His actions demonstrate the consequences of lying and the importance of trusting in God’s plans. Here is the recap of Jacob’s scheme to steal Esau’s Blessing. Jacob, with the help of his mother Rebekah, devised a plan to deceive his father Isaac and steal the blessing intended for his older brother Esau.
Rebekah instructed Jacob to disguise himself as Esau by wearing his clothes and covering his hands and neck with goatskins to mimic Esau’s hairy body. Jacob then approached his blind father with a meal, claiming to be Esau and asking for the blessing. Even though Isaac suspects something is amiss, he was eventually deceived by Jacob’s disguise and the smell of Esau’s clothing. As a result, Isaac bestowed upon Jacob the blessing meant for Esau, which included promises of prosperity, authority over his brothers, and the favor of God.
The fallout from Jacob’s lies were significant and long-lasting. When Esau discovered that Jacob had stolen his blessing, he was filled with anger and resentment. Genesis 27:41 (NKJV) records…“And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him, and Esau said in his heart, ‘The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.’” Oh Saints, see what pain lying can do and lead to other disastrous sinful desires?
To escape Esau’s wrath, Jacob was forced to flee to his uncle Laban’s house, where he spent many years in exile. During this time, Jacob himself became the victim of deception when Laban tricked him into marrying Leah instead of his beloved Rachel. The strained relationship between Jacob and Esau persisted for years, and the brothers were only reconciled after a dramatic encounter many years later. Jacob’s deceit had far-reaching consequences, affecting not only his own life, but also the lives of his family members for generations to come.
However, through it all, Jacob received several significant blessings from God. One key blessing was the confirmation of the Covenant Promise originally given to Abraham and Isaac, which included the promise of the land of Canaan and descendants as numerous as the stars. Additionally, God renamed Jacob to Israel, signifying a transformed identity and a new beginning. Finally, God also blessed Jacob with material prosperity and dominion over his brothers. (Gen. Chaps. 28-32) Please mark for yourselves Saints the name change from Jacob to Israel means “He strives with God.”
Potipher’s Wife’s False Accusation
The story of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife showcases the devastating impact of false accusations born from lies and deceit. Potiphar’s wife attempted to seduce Joseph to commit adultery with her. Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, found himself in the house of Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Potiphar’s wife took notice of Joseph’s handsome appearance and repeatedly tried to seduce him. Genesis 39:7 (NKJV) records her saying, “Lie with me.
Whenever I read this, I immediately get the double meaning of “Lie with me.” Not only was Potiphar’s wife desiring Joseph to physically lie with her and have illicit sex, but she wanted him to “lie” against the Truth by having a secret love affair behind Potiphar’s back. Joseph told her “how can I do such a great wickedness, and sin against God,” and against Potiphar who had blessed him mightily. (Gen.39:9
No matter her persistent advances, Joseph refused her. One day, when no one else was in the house, Potiphar’s wife caught Joseph by his garment, demanding he sleep with her. Joseph fled, leaving his garment behind, which Potiphar’s wife then used as false evidence against him. Potiphar’s wife, furious at Joseph’s rejection, falsely accused him of attempting to rape her. Genesis 39:17 records that she presented to Potiphar Joseph’s garment as proof, claiming, “The Hebrew servant whom you brought to us came in to me to mock me.”
Potiphar, believing his wife’s lies, became enraged and had Joseph thrown into prison. Even though innocent, Joseph found himself unjustly imprisoned due to the false accusations of Potiphar’s wife. But, even in prison, “the LORD was with Joseph and showed him mercy.” blessing him and granting him favor with the prison keeper. (Gen. 39:21)
This Biblical account illustrates the destructive power of lies and the importance of maintaining integrity in the face of temptation and adversity. Through Joseph’s story, we see that God remains faithful to those who trust in Him, even during unjust circumstances brought about by the deceit of others. God blessed Joseph by ensuring His presence was with him through adversity, giving him success and favor, notably in the household of Potiphar and later in prison, and ultimately through Jacob’s prophetic blessings for a great inheritance and descendants.
This blessing was shown through his rise to power in Egypt, his wisdom in saving many lives during a famine, and his role as a patriarch. Genesis 41:38-41 records that Pharaoh appointed Joseph to serve as his second-in-command over all the kingdom of Egypt. Proving that no lie told against those who walk faithfully in Covenant with God can stop the blessing from manifesting on their lives.
The Lies of Ananias and Sapphira to the Apostles
In the early days of the Church, a couple named Ananias and Sapphira attempted to deceive the Apostles and the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Truth. Their story serves as a sobering reminder of the severity of dishonesty and the importance of integrity within the Christian community in regard to financial giving to God. The couple’s willing deception about their offering speaks to their craving for self-gratification, acceptance, and recognition within the early Church.
Acts 5:1-2 records, “But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”
However, the Apostle Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost confronted Ananias about his deception, saying:
“Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” (Acts 5:3-4, NKJV)
Immediately reading the account, one may wonder how it was even possible for Satan to fill the heart of Ananias to lie about the price of land; given that the hearts of every born-again believer cannot be possessed by Satan. However, in this case, the word “heart” that the Apostle Peter used is referring to the “inner-thought life,” mind and intellect of Ananias. Satan tempted Ananias with thoughts that produced imaginations in his brain about scheming to lie about the sale of the property and hold back money until he acted upon them. Rather than attempting to lie against the Holy Ghost (The Spirit of Truth), he should have casted down the imagination and followed through with laying at the Apostle’s feet the full price of the land. (II Cor. 10:5)
The consequences of Ananias and Sapphira’s dishonesty were severe and immediate. Upon hearing Peter’s words, Ananias fell down and died. Acts 5:5 records, “Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.”
About three-hours later, Sapphire came in, unaware of what had happened to her husband. Peter questioned her about the price of the land, and she also lied, confirming the amount Ananias had stated. Peter responded:
“How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” (Acts 5:9)
Immediately, Sapphira fell down at Peter’s feet and breathed her last. The young men came in, found her dead, and carried her out to be buried beside her husband. In some instances, and perhaps in the case of this couple, the stress caused by lying affected both their mental and physical well-being and they passed away. This tragic event had a profound impact on the early Church. Acts 5:11-14 notes that “great fear” came upon the entire Church and all who heard about these events. Thereafter, the Apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. Believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women.
The story of Ananias and Sapphira emphasizes the importance of honesty, integrity, and the fear of the Lord within the Church. It also demonstrates the power of the Holy Ghost to discern and expose deception, serving as a warning against lying to God and His people and when God’s people live in Truth, how the supernatural power of God is free to flow throughout the Assembly and accomplish great miracles and special works of God, and compel many souls to surrender their hearts to Christ and be saved through the preaching of the Gospel
Peter’s Multiple Denials of Jesus Christ
One of the most poignant examples of lying in the Bible is found in the story of Peter’s denials of Jesus Christ during the Lord’s arrest and trial. Even though being one of Jesus’ closest disciples, Peter succumbed to fear and deceit when faced with the prospect and pressure of persecution. Peter repeatedly lied to others about knowing Jesus.
In Luke 22:57 (NKLV) Peter first denied Jesus, when a servant girl recognized him as one of Jesus’ followers. He quickly denied it, saying, “I do not know Him.” Peter’s second denial of Christ is recorded at Matthew 26:72 when another person identified him as a disciple, he again denied it, this time with an oath saying, “I do not know the Man!” The third denial is recorded at Matthew 26:74 (NKJV) where bystanders insisted that Peter was a follower of Jesus, and Peter began to curse and swear, declaring, “I do not know the Man!”
Peter’s repeated lies demonstrate the power of fear and the human tendency to attempt to prioritize self-preservation over loyalty and Truth. But, His denials also fulfilled Jesus’ earlier prediction that Peter would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed. (Luke 22:34) Again Saints, you can never get ahead of the Truth; it will catch you! In Peter’s case he turned remorseful and his relationship with the Lord was restored.
At Luke 22:62 NKJV records that after his third denial, Peter heard the rooster crow and remembered Jesus’ Words. Filled with remorse, “he went out and wept bitterly.” Peter’s tears of repentance showed the depth of his sorrow and the realization of his failure. But, Jesus’ post-resurrection encounter with Peter demonstrates the power of forgiveness and restoration. Recorded in John 21:15-17, three times, Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love Me? (“Even more than the other disciples” was the import of the Lord’s question.) Each affirmation of love corresponded to Peter’s previous denials, allowing him to reaffirm his commitment to Christ.
This powerful exchange between Peter and Jesus highlights the depths of Jesus’ forgiveness when we tell lies and miss the mark, and the possibility of restoration afterwards. Through this encounter, Jesus not only forgave Peter but also commissioned him to feed the Lord’s sheep, entrusting him with the responsibility of leading and nurturing the early Church. (John 21:7)
Peter’s story serves as a reminder that even in our weakest moments, God’s grace and mercy can restore us, and use us for His purposes. After being filled with the Holy Ghost on the Day of Pentecost and leading the early Church, Peter became a Shepherd of the sheep (fellow Christians) feeding lessons in particular on the topic of Truth. Check out some of Peter’s writings to Christians in the early Church on Truth and false teachers:
I Peter 1:22
Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
II Peter 1:12
Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.
II Peter 2:2
And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
II Peter 3:16
As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
Saints, I close with these thoughts. These examples from the Bible demonstrate that lying can have serious adverse consequences, both for the deceiver and those who believe in them. From the Serpent’s deception in the Garden of Eden to Peter’s denial of Jesus, dishonesty often lead to broken relationships, lost trust, and a distancing from God.
But, the Bible also emphasizes the power of forgiveness and restoration. Many of these stories showcase God’s mercy and willingness to redeem those who turn back to Him in repentance. As we reflect on these narratives, let the Holy Ghost remind you of the importance of honesty, integrity, and faith in your walk with Christ. Also be reminded that no matter the untruth told, Truth always prevails in the end.
By learning from the mistakes of Biblical figures and striving to live in Truth, we can cultivate a closer relationship with God and those around us. Though we may falter at times, God’s mercy and grace is always available to help us back onto the path of righteousness. Not so we can keep lying and failing and falling. Rather, God’s Grace is afforded to us when we lie in hopes we might learn that the telling of lies has no profit, and the blessing is found in living in Truth. The Apostle Paul said “…shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Rom. 6:1-20)
If we yield completely to the direction of the Holy Ghost, we can live out our years on earth without ever telling a lie; forever we can walk in Truth and receive all of the things God has freely prepared for us to receive from the storehouses within the Kingdom of Heaven.
Here are some key scripture references to sow into your hearts on the Truth about lying. May you determine with the help of the Holy Ghost to always walk in Truth as you have been called of God to live in.
Exodus 20:16: The Ten Commandments include, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”
Proverbs 12:22: “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.”
Proverbs 19:9: “A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish.”
Ephesians 4:25: “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.”
John 8:44: Jesus identifies the devil as “a liar and the father of lies.”
Revelation 21:8: Lists “all liars” among those who will have their part in the lake of fire.
Colossians 3:9: Commands believers not to lie to one another.
Psalm 34:13: Advises keeping your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.
Psalm 101:7: Declares that those who practice deceit and lies shall not dwell in God’s house.
Leviticus 19:11: States that one shall not lie to one another.
Proverbs 14:5: Contrasts a faithful witness who will not lie with a false witness who utters lies.
I John 2:21: Asserts that no lie is of the truth.
Proverbs 6:16-19: Lists a lying tongue among the things God hates.
Psalm 51:6: Expresses a desire for truth in the innermost being.
Amen for the preaching of the Word of the Living God.
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