Introduction. Our world has grown very accepting of dishonesty. In business it is viewed as “salesmenship” or being “a go-getter.” In court rooms it is viewed as “avoiding self-incrimination.” In politics it is “good campaigning.” In relationships it is viewed as “doing one’s own thing.” -- Yet in spite of all of this the Bible paints a very different picture of lying. This morning I’d like to study this very important issue together with you.

I. Lying Defined.

1. Lying & Our Relationship to Truth.
   1. No lie is of the truth. (I John 2:21).
2. Lying & Our Relationship to God.
   1. God does not lie. (Numbers 23:19).
   2. God cannot lie. (Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18).
   3. One who fails to keep God’s commands is a liar. (I John 2:4).
   4. One who adds to God’s word is a liar. (Proverbs 30:5,6).
   5. Those unfaithful to the Lord’s covenant lie to the Lord. (Psalm 78:35-37).
3. Lying & Our Relationship to Satan.
   1. Satan is a liar & the father of lies. (John 8:44).
4. . Lying & Our Relationship to Man.
   1. Lying reflects a lack of love for our neighbor. (Romans 13:9,10).
5. Lying & Our Relationship to Ourself.
   1. Lying is part of the behavior of the “old man” of sin. (Colossians 3:9).
6. Bearing false witness “defiles” a man. (Matthew 15:18-20).

II. Biblical Admonitions Against Lying.

1. The Law of Moses.
   1. Forbidden in the 10 Commandments. (Exodus 20:16).
   2. The Law of Moses outlines different types of lying. (Leviticus 6:2-7).
2. The foolishness & destructiveness of lying.
   1. The false witness is like a destructive weapon. (Proverbs 25:18).
   2. It is better to be a poor man than a liar. (Proverbs 19:22).
   3. God hates a lying tongue & a false witness who speaks lies. (Proverbs 6:16-19).

III. Biblical Examples of Lying.

1. Ananias & Sapphira. (Acts 5:1-11).
2. Peter’s denial of Jesus. (Luke 22:56-62).

IV. The Consequences of Lying.

1. The false witness will not go unpunished. (Proverbs 19:5).
2. The liar will perish. (Proverbs 19:9).
3. Punishment of the liar.
   1. Those who practice a lie are not allowed within the New Jerusalem. (Revelation 22:15).
   2. Eternity in the lake of fire & brimstone. (Revelation 21:8).
   3. Nothing that causes a lie enters into heaven. (Revelation 21:27).

Conclusion. As we have seen from our lesson lying is serious business. Its not cute. Its not clever. It is deadly. It is destructive. It can lead one to eternal punishment if one does not turn from it.