TELL THE TRUTH

James 5:12

 

  Introduction:

        A.  James makes reference to an ancient practice of making idle oaths by appealing to                           various objects to confirm the truthfulness of ones statement.

             Example:

             Matthew 5:33-37

        B.  James teaches us that such appeals are wrong and that we need to be careful what we                    say.

             Example:

        C.  Survey results dealing with lying:

   I.   Why do people lie?

        A.  People lie:

             Because they are hurt.

             Because they want to protect someone's feelings.

             Because they are afraid.

             Because they want to impress.

             Because they are selfish.

  II.  The results of lying:

             Lying reveals a person's heart.  Matt. 12:34-37

             Lying wrecks relationships.  Ephesians 4:25, Galatians 5:13-15

             Lying destroys a person's influence.  Proverb 11:3

             Lying prevents a person from being blessed by God.  James 5:12

             Lying can take a person to hell.  Rev. 21:8

  III.  What to do if we are guilty:

        A.  Confess the sin of lying to God.  I John 1:9

        B.  Make necessary corrections.  Matt. 3:7-8

        C.  Be aware of the importance of telling the truth.  James 5:12

        D.  Depend on God's grace.  Colossians 3:5-10, Romans 7: 24-8:2, Romans 6:23

Conclusion:

        A.  "Honesty is the best policy."