CHURCH OF GOD
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The Power of Lies

From falsified news reports to political mudslinging, gossip tabloids to advertisement gimmicks, deceit is common in society today. Why? And how can you arm yourself against it?

By Brandon R. Buil

At some point in your life, you have probably been the victim of a verbal assault of lies. It may have been false accusations, slandering, gossiping or just outright deceit�but one thing is always the same: Lies can be hurtful and have the potential to be quite devastating.

Unfortunately, deceit can be quite powerful and is a common part of life. The power of lies carries even more weight in today�s society where technological innovations, such as the Internet, television, radio, telephone, email and satellite, can help broadcast deceit conveniently into people�s homes.

This spreading of falsehoods creates a recurring pattern of further deceit, as demonstrated more and more in the news. Today, the severity and number of lies�be it through false insurance claims and police reporting, accusations of criminal intent, fraud, tax evasion�is on an ever-increasing pace. Never before in history has there been so much publicized, false reporting by the average citizen.

Consider the following headlines, all from recent newspapers: �Doctors are on honor system�Hospitals rarely report problems�; �Scandal of the Cancer Fakers�; �Residents Plead guilty to Fake Hurricane Claims�; �Hostage-crisis reports prove false�; �Detective says he�s guilty of turning in false reports�; �False rape claim hurts real victims�; �Senator�s Fake News Scandal�; �Costly for Business: Finger in Food Hoax�; �Death of Colorado Man Reveals Bigamist Life�; �Runaway Bride�Criminal or Victim?�

Most were shocked to learn that the people involved in the above reports lied and presented something as truth�and many believed them. They found out the hard way that it is easy to be deceived. Sometimes, people overlook deceit for sake of comfort. But in most cases, people are blindly accepting lies as truth�and doing so regularly. Jeremiah 8:11 records an example of this, where in today�s war-torn society, people claim, �Peace, peace; when there is no peace.�

Individuals often choose to believe what is convenient because it is much easier to accept rather than discern truth from lies. Although a clich�, the fact is that the truth hurts, and this often impedes people from seeing clearly.

A �lie� is defined as �a statement made by someone who believes or suspects it to be false, in the expectation that the hearers may believe it.� Conversely, based on the individual�s knowledge (or lack thereof), if a true statement is made by someone who believes it to be false it could also be considered a lie.

Most have heard the statement, �It is not a lie if you believe it to be true.� That, in itself, is deceitful, implying that a lie is simply in the eye of the beholder. In the end, a lie is a lie�however some may try to minimize it. In the same way that committing murder makes one a murderer, telling a lie makes one a liar.

Most have heard of Nazi Germany�s �The Big Lie Theory.� This propaganda technique strategically persuaded the masses towards a particular thinking, and proved to be quite successful. This tactic presented a lie, repeated and emphasized it�regardless of any attempt to refute it. The �Big Lie� often tackled large-scale subjects that would naturally appear to be a lie, but leads to the assumption that such allegations�carrying monumental implications if false�simply must be true. The media and politics often use variations of this technique.

The �Big Lie Theory� is attributed to Joseph Goebbels, who stated, �If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and/or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the truth is the greatest enemy of the State.�

By modern standards, some forms of lying are considered necessary and acceptable, even requirements, due to social standards. How many times have you told a lie at work to excuse tardiness, deceived a police officer to get out of a ticket, or even lied to a relative so you did not have to attend a family gathering? Probably quite a number of times and as your views on lying changes to adapt to our deceitful society, you will begin losing track of each time you partake of the supposed �white lie.�

Just look at the terms used to describe lies: Clouding the issue, exaggerating, white lies, fibbing, minimizing the facts, telling untruth, stretching the truth, perjuring yourself, being economical with the truth, embellishing, shading the truth, spinning the truth, generalizing, playing with your words, playing with the truth, etc. Even the terms used to describe lies are deceptive!

Each day that passes, the Ten Commandments are being removed from schools and courthouses across America, thus being pushed from our minds as the guidelines to how we interact with God and fellowman. Likewise, the Ninth Commandment��You shall not bear false witness� or �You shall not lie� (Exo. 20:16; Deut. 5:20; Matt. 19:18; Luke 18:20; Rom. 13:9)�has now been lowered to a �helpful pointer� or �interesting observation.� The Ten Commandments are no longer being adhered to as the boundaries that should define our lives.

We are further reminded of this by the growing trends of deceit around us.

Perception is Reality

It can be said that perception is reality. Today, something could be reported anywhere in the country (even the world) and within a few hours, hundreds�if not thousands�of people will be hearing about it. That is how efficient the news media operates with the utilization of the �information superhighway.�

In the headlines referenced above, news reporters presented something as reality, and immediately it was distributed via countless programs and newspapers. When in relation to a falsified news report, sometimes a correction is issued. Other times, however (especially if it is associated with a political view or agenda), the clarification will receive much less limelight as the original (if any airtime). Again, this fits with today�s standard of �what you see is not always what you get.�

With the weighty responsibility that could make perceptions into realities, several organizations have sprouted on the scene, all in the name of maintaining and upholding standards of reporting in the media. One such organization, Accuracy In Media (AIM), focuses on rectifying false reports commonly being presented by top media outlets as facts. Their Mission Statement reads: �[AIM] is a non-profit, grassroots citizens watchdog of the news media that critiques botched and bungled news stories and sets the record straight on important issues that have received slanted coverage.� Surely, the media would be fair and accurate in their reporting and the way stories are presented, right?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. This is but a small part of today�s industry of deceit.

So much revolves around lies and deceit, where things are presented as reality when they truly are much different. Consider the following aspects of society�all relating to conscience and/or unconscious deceit:

Increasing numbers of people are going under the knife to remove or alter whatever they may see as physical �imperfections.� Cosmetic plastic surgery has become the norm, and more people are reconstructing themselves to fit the �picture perfect reality� established by the fashion world. They fail to realize that the standard of what is and is not considered physically flawed has been set by the same cosmetic industry! Regardless, cosmetic surgery is becoming more acceptable as a means of presenting ourselves as something that we truly are not. From a nose job to face implants, face lifts to Botox injections�all are a form of deceit.

How many times have you heard of various diets that are supposed to be the �cure-all pill� for being overweight? Countless easy weight-loss formulas are advertised, where the dieter can �drink their way to a healthy, trimmer body.� These diets claim to be successful, regardless of healthy eating and exercise�two vital parts of weight loss! Everyone understands that to lose weight one must have a healthy diet and remain physically active. But that requires discipline and it is so much easier to drink a pill from a bottle. So what happens? People choose the bottle, opting to drink a �one-stop remedy� that they are almost sure will not work.

Sales advertising is a common way that the unsuspecting public is often lied to. How many times have you been fooled into going to a store for a �sales extravaganza,� only to discover much later that the sale was not as good as it seemed? How many times have you failed to read the fine print of a contract and later regretted having signed it? It is easy to be fooled, especially with the many different marketing strategies available today. Yet, these sales tactics are increasingly being used on the public.

We have all seen the countless tabloid and gossip newspapers crowding the supermarket checkout lines. One can be either amused or sickened at the headlines paraded on the covers. These articles can be easily recognized as false, yet the monthly income of many of these papers is in the millions! One might ask how they can make so much money, while the �reporting� is obviously fake. Yet, one thing is understood: Not only do these papers survive on spreading lies�they thrive on it! These are all but a few examples of today�s prosperous industry of deceit.

Why? Why this obsession with untruth? We have seen in the examples above that practically every day millions of dollars are exchanged for falsities�empty and vain lies. It is almost as if man is avoiding any semblance of truth, instead choosing to believe fantasies.

To get to the CRUX of understanding why lies are so prevalent, one must go back to its source. While not as visible or reported as it is today, one can say that man�s history has been one of deceit. Historical record is filled with countless acts of treason, espionage, betrayal and deceit. Oftentimes, these acts are spun and presented in a positive manner, depending on which side the author or reader is on. (This is also a form of deceit.)

Nevertheless, we must go much further back to reveal the origin of lies�and this begins at the creation of man.

The Father of Lies

In Genesis 2, we read of two trees that were planted in the Garden of Eden. God created Adam�the first man on the earth�and placed him in the midst of the garden: �And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom He had formed. And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil� (vs. 8-9).

Later, God explained the blessings and consequences that came from eating either tree, �And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat of it: for in the day that you eat thereof you shall surely die� (vs. 16-17). God gave Adam a choice as to which tree�the Tree of Life or the tree of the knowledge of good and evil�he could eat, but specifically told Adam the effects that would accompany his choice.

Notice; �Now the serpent [Satan the devil] was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman [Eve], Yea, has God said, You shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, You shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die� (Gen. 3:1-3).

Satan carried out the first known psychological technique on Eve. He made it seem that he was unaware of God�s instructions to Adam and Eve about the tree of knowledge of good and evil. He asked a simple question, which seemed more passive than an assertion to eat of the tree. Satan had begun planting seeds of doubt.

The account continues, �And the serpent said unto the woman, You shall not surely die: For God does know that in the day you eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and you shall be as gods, knowing good and evil� (vs. 4-5). This was the first lie in mankind�s history. Satan had deceitfully worked on Eve, lying to her, then appealing to her vanity and instilling in her a desire for �intellectualism.� The devil also planted the idea that God was holding back from them vital knowledge, information that would make them �as gods, knowing good and evil.�

Continuing, �And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons� (Gen. 3:6-7).

Satan contradicted God by stating �You shall not surely die� (vs. 4). In essence, Satan was saying that God had lied to them. Satan crafted his web of deceit around Eve, and she was caught. She fell prey to the first lie and ate of the tree of knowledge of good and evil; Adam followed his wife and also ate of it. (I Timothy 2:13-14 and II Corinthians 11:3 explain that it was Eve who was fooled by Satan�s tactics, not Adam.)

Satan�s lie was multi-faceted: First, it was out-right deceit when he stated, �You shall not surely die.� Secondly, he covered up the truth, presenting a scenario that planted doubt in Eve�s mind. He deceived Eve, both explicitly and implicitly.

Adam and Eve obeyed Satan and went against their Creator. Eve yielded to her senses�saw that the tree �was good for food�pleasant to the eyes, and�desired to make one wise.� In choosing this tree, Adam and Eve cut mankind off from God and His Spirit (Gen. 3:22-24). They picked the physical, carnal path�making decisions based on what feels and looks �good� or �right.� Additionally, Satan�s goal was to pervert man�s perception of his duty to obey God�s instructions. Mankind has been living this way ever since.

Once the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil was eaten, notice that their �eyes were opened� and they �knew both good and evil.� This is the origin of the attitude of today�s world, as described by the apostle John, �For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world� (I John 2:16). Again, their eyes being opened allowed them to know �both good and evil,� and this immediately caused them to be ashamed because they were naked. Satan also deceived Eve by appealing to her pride�through the increasing of knowledge. Satan told her that she would �be as a god, knowing both good and evil.� This appealing to the ego applies to the �pride of life.�

At that moment, humanity rejected God, instead choosing to follow their own way, to choose for themselves right from wrong. Since then, man has been coming up with his own ideas and solutions. In turn, these same attributes have been passed along from offspring to offspring, generation to generation, leading up to the conditions of modern society.

Thus, as children of our original parents, Adam and Eve, we still have the same attitudes within us that infected them. As we will further understand, this nature has penetrated us to our core, affecting all humanity.

In Genesis 2 we see that deceit preceded the actual sin, or act of going against God. The devil is a master of lies. In fact, Christ said to the Pharisees, �You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it� (John 8:44). Yes, Christ�s own words reveal that Satan is the father of lies. He was the originator of deceit in the Garden of Eden, and has been deceiving the world ever since. Notice, �And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceives the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him� (Rev. 12:9).

Also notice the following scriptures, analyzing the extent of Satan�s deceit, �In whom the god of this world [Satan] has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them� (II Cor. 4:4); �And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light� (II Cor. 11:14).

Most religionists and churchgoers have not heard these scriptures preached. This is due to mankind as a whole being deceived since the Garden of Eden. It can be said that the greatest lie the devil ever perpetrated was making the world believe he did not exist. The same can apply to these scriptures�hidden to so many�yet eye opening to the true nature of the devil, who is the source of lies and deceit.

The Human Heart

The heart is often attributed to love, affection and romance. It can also be attached to bitterness, jealousy and sadness. In all, feelings and emotions are connected to the heart, when in reality it acts as the organ that pumps blood throughout the human body.

In Scripture, the heart and the mind are interchanged to describe the same thing�one�s innermost being�or that which steers how one thinks, acts and behaves. God�s Word provides us with an honest examination on the human heart and mind, as well as the influences at work within us. Paul wrote, �Wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air [Satan], the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience� (Eph. 2:2). Like a radio tower sending out airwaves, Satan, as �the prince of the power of the air,� is transmitting his attitude to those on earth.

Some of these scriptures may seem too harsh when you are reading them. But remember the well-known phrase�the truth hurts. The Bible is God�s inspired Word, and it declares, �God is not a man, that He should lie�has He said, and shall He not do it? Or has He spoken, and shall He not make it good?� (Num. 23:19); �That by two immutable [unchallengeable] things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation�� (Heb. 6:18); �In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began� (Titus 1:2). Unlike man, God does not and cannot lie! His statements on the human condition are exactly as described.

Notice, �The heart [one�s innermost being] is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings� (Jer. 17:9-10).

Paul writes in Romans 3:10, �There is none righteous, no, not one.� The Greek word for �righteous� is dikaios, meaning �equitable (in character or act); by implication innocent, holy; just, meet, right.� There is not one person who is �innocent, just or right.�

King Solomon wrote, �This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead� (Eccl. 9:3). Not only is the human heart tainted by sin�it is full of sin.

Christ explained in Matthew, �But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man�� (15:18-20).

Sadly, this is the true nature of man, and has been since Adam and Eve�s disobedience. We must honestly look at ourselves and realize that the Bible plainly states that this spirit of disobedience is at work in all of the children of men. Our own heart cannot be trusted because it will try to deceive itself. God�s Word also explains that there are several characteristics that make the heart difficult to examine.

The Human Heart is Unsearchable: Jeremiah 17:10 states, �I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.� To God, the heart can be searched, tried and tested to measure whether its intentions and motives are true and faithful. But to the human being, the heart is virtually unsearchable. Notice, �The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable� (Prov. 25:3); �Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting� (Psa. 139:23-24).

The unsearchable heart can easily mask the individual to its true motives. Human eyes cannot search the heart alone. No one can truly understand another�s motives; neither can someone understand the true intentions behind one�s actions. Like King David, we must ask for God�s intervention and to search out our hearts and minds, allowing us to see our true nature.

The Human Heart is Deceitful and Desperately Wicked: Again, Jeremiah 17:10 adds more insight to the other characteristics of the heart, �The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?� This reveals that not only is the heart unsearchable, it is deceitful and desperately wicked. These are God�s own words! One needs only to look at mankind�s history on earth to see proof of this. This deceitfulness of the heart is the most dangerous part because it leads to blinding itself to its own faults.

The deceived person is often oblivious to the truth around him. This is why these verses can often be a �bitter pill to swallow.� Although we may excuse ourselves and try to soften the impact of these words, the truth is simple: Our hearts deceive us. Again, any other logic to the contrary is deceit.

The heart, in a way, abounds in contradictions. Many times, when someone is struggling with a particular sin, the heart may excuse the action as �This is the last time I do this,� or �I am slowly cutting out the sin from my life.� Yet by honest and logical analysis, we understand that a habit is formed when an act is recurring in our daily lives. Thus, how will �One last romp in sin� help us conquer the weakness? It does not! Yet this is the deceitfulness of our heart. (To learn more about habits, read our article �Building Suitable Habits,� available on this website).

We must be careful and be honest with ourselves. The only way to do this is by first admitting that we have the tendency to deceive ourselves about our flaws. Most do not examine themselves in this manner because they assume their ways are right and justified before God�s sight. This reasoning is a byproduct of the characteristics within us all: Our human hearts are unsearchable and deceitful.

An Active Law within Man

Why is it that the heart is full of wickedness, deceit and is unsearchable? What exactly is it that Satan broadcasts in us? What is it that makes man so evil?

Paul provides insight, �For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwells no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not�Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwells in me. I find then a LAW, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members�So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin� (Rom. 7:14-18, 20-23, 25).

Paul discovered a law naturally in effect within himself. This �law in the members� has infected every human being, and is in opposition to the Law of God. This opposing force to God�s Law of good, truth and love is a law of evil, death and sin.

This is why we, now �sold under sin,� have blindly followed Satan�s path of lies and deceit. As explained by Paul, the will to follow God�s Law (or �do good�) and see ourselves for what we really are �is not present within us.�

It is this �law in our members� that naturally pulls man towards the many evils seen today. The prophet Isaiah records a lengthy account describing our society, �But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that He will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness. None calls for justice, nor any pleads for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity�

�Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness�we look for judgment, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far off from us.

�For our transgressions are multiplied before You, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them; In transgressing and lying against the Lord, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood. And judgment is turned away backward, and justice stands afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter�� (59:2-4, 9-14).

In I John 3:4, we read that �sin is the transgression of the law��or rebellion against God�s Way. Since it is in our nature to go against God, all men have allowed their carnality to dictate their actions. Romans 6:23 explains that the wages of sin�or disobedience to God�is death.

Paul wrote, �Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be� (Rom. 8:7). Here, we see that because human beings are influenced by Satan, human nature is hostile towards God. This enmity against God and His laws is what drives the increasing evils in the world, and is the force leading the growth of lies and falsehoods.

But there is a force much greater than the �law in our members.� This great power is recorded in the Bible as enabling great miracles and powerful deeds�deeds much more powerful than the human nature within us.

Defining Dunamis

Although millions are following the �law in our members,� which adds to the power of deceit, betrayal, gossip and slander, there is an even greater force available to us. This power is described in the Bible, but some background is first necessary.

Notice the account of Christ�s birth: �And the angel answered and said unto [Mary], the Holy [Spirit] shall come upon you, and the power [dunamis] of the Highest shall overshadow you: therefore also that the holy thing which shall be born of you shall be called the Son of God� (Luke 1:35). Matthew 1:18 further explains that Mary �was found with Child of the Holy Spirit.� Through the power of God�s Holy Spirit, Christ was conceived inside Mary.

As Christ grew, so did His power: �And Jesus returned in the power [dunamis] of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of Him through all the region round about� (Luke 4:14). Jesus Christ possessed great power�the Bible is filled with many accounts of Him walking on water, casting out demons, healing those with infirmities, even raising the dead. This same power enabled Christ�s miracles, and was the tool by which the earth and entire solar system was created (Col. 1:16-17; Neh. 9:6; Jer. 32:17).

Where did Christ get this strength? The Bible reveals its SOURCE: ��GOD anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power: Who went about doing good�for GOD was with Him� (Acts 10:38). This scripture and the ones before it equate this power with the Holy Spirit. It is one and the same�and emanates from God the Father!

In Luke 1:35 and 4:14, the Greek word dunamis is used for the term �power.� The words �dynamic,� �dynamo� and �dynamite� come from the same Greek root word, meaning �strength, dynamic, power, force or ability.�

Paul further explains where this power�or dunamis�comes from: �Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit�that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge�� (Rom. 15:13-14). Also, �For He [Christ] whom God has sent speaks the words of God: for God gives not the Spirit by measure unto Him� (John 3:34). God is the one who gives this strength. Christ recognized this, and gave God the glory for all He did, declaring that by His own will He could not perform those miracles (John 5:30). Christ understood that only through God dwelling in Him�through the Holy Spirit�did He accomplish so much (14:10).

After His death and resurrection, Christ explained to the disciples that ��when [it], the Spirit of truth, is come, [it] will guide you into all truth�and [it] will show you things to come� (John 16:13). Acts 2 shows that Christ�s promise was fulfilled and on Pentecost A.D. 31, God�s Spirit came upon the New Testament Church and has been available to His true Church ever since.

This miraculous power was made available to us�true Christians in God�s Church today. Christ promised that this Spirit would help us and lead us into all truth. This is an inspiring promise as we see the increasing of lies and deceit around us.

The �Spirit of Truth� versus the �Spirit of Deceit�

Notice the reference to the Holy Spirit in John 16:13��the Spirit of truth.� The Greek word for �truth� in this scripture is aletheia, and means exactly as it reads, �truth, true, truly, verily.� Seeing that in these end times ��evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived� (II Tim. 3:13), surely God would not leave us unprotected from them.

Notice the following scriptures, connecting the importance between truth and God�s Spirit, and lies with the spirit of Satan:

�Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth� (I Cor. 5:8).

�Rejoice not in iniquity, but rejoice in the truth� (I Cor. 13:6).

�But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses�By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by love unfeigned, By the word of truth, by the power of God�� (II Cor. 6:4, 6-8).

�But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man�s conscience in the sight of God� (II Cor. 4:2). (While all the scriptures here are vital, II Corinthians 4:2 carries strong implications for leaders and members of God�s Church, who are actively following and teaching others God�s Way of life. We are not to �handle the word of God deceitfully,� but in sincerity and truth.)

�For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth� (II Cor. 13:8).

�Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ� (Col. 2:8).

�And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not Me, says the Lord. Take you heed every one of his neighbor, and trust you not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbor will walk with slanders. And they will deceive every one his neighbor, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity. Your habitation is in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, says the Lord� (Jer 9:3-6).

�In transgressing and lying against the Lord, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood� (Isa. 59:13).

�He that works deceit shall not dwell within My house: he that tells lies shall not tarry in My sight� (Psa. 101:7).

�You shall destroy them that speak leasing: the Lord will abhor the bloody and deceitful man� (Psa. 5:6).

�A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaks lies shall not escape� (Prov. 19:5).

�The just man walks in his integrity: his children are blessed after him� (Prov. 20:7).

�Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity� (I Tim. 2:7).

�I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit� (Rom. 9:1). (Paul explains that as an ordained preacher and as a true leader in Christ, he did not lie. Although he wrote in Romans 8 that he was sinful and his nature went against the laws of God, as a minister and apostle of God he only spoke the truth. This serves as a warning that while we must not judge other men in their weaknesses, we must be watchful of leaders claiming to be teachers of righteousness yet are untruthful. Such fruit is clearly tied to those fruits produced by the �god of this world��Satan the devil.)

�And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defiles, neither whatsoever works abomination, or makes a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb�s book of life� (Rev. 21:27).

�Lie not one to another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his deeds� (Col. 3:9).

�As newborn babes [Christians today], desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby� (I Pet. 2:2).

We are told to �Prove all things; hold fast that which is good� (I Thes. 5:21). God expects that true Christians�those who have this Spirit of sincerity and truth�prove, test and try His Word.

Philippians 4 explains, �Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things� (vs. 8).

Further notice what Paul describes as the �fruits of the Spirit�: �But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law� (Gal 5:22-23). Here we find that NO law has governance over God�s Spirit of truth and the fruits of the Spirit. This no doubt overpowers the �law in our members��or law of carnality. We have an irrefutable promise that this greatest of all powers�the Holy Spirit�can help us overcome the law of sin and death within us, lead us out of the cesspool of deceit and into God�s Way of life.

Reconciled to God

In Romans 8:7, we read about how the carnal mind is enmity against God. But there is much more to this subject than this lone verse. To understand the context of the verse, we must examine the majority of the chapter. Notice, �There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

�For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

�For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace�So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But you [true Christians, those who were baptized and received God�s Spirit] are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness�

�For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God�� (Rom. 8:1-6, 8-10, 14-16).

Christians today have the chance to receive the dunamis�or dynamic power that enabled Christ to overcome sin and pay the death penalty in our stead. Because of this great power, we are thus able to strive against the law in our members, and by actively overcoming our carnal nature we can be victorious in our battles against sin.

Paul further describes this great spiritual battle, �This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that you would� (Gal. 5:16-17).

Romans 5 further explains, �When we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life� (vs. 10). While sin and deceit cannot be accepted (but must be removed from our lives), this reconciliation to God allows us�as sinful beings�to still have a relationship with Him. This relationship comes through the receiving of His Holy Spirit, given upon baptism. Notice, �For [Christ] is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of partition between us [and God]; Having abolished in His flesh the enmity [the death penalty]�that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the [stake], having slain the enmity thereby� (Eph. 2:14-16).

Our sins cut us off from God, but Christ paid the death penalty in our stead for our past sins. However, it is now up to us to overcome our sinful nature�through the power of the Holy Spirit�and withstand temptation to commit future sins.

Paul wrote to the Ephesians congregation, �That you put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that you put on the new man [after conversion], which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another. Be you angry [against our carnal nature], and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil� (Eph. 4:17-27).

We are not to �give place to the devil,� lest he deceive us into rejecting God�s Way.  We are also commanded to be �renewed in the spirit of your mind� and �put on the new man��through the power of the Holy Spirit and reconciliation to God through Christ�s sacrifice.

How comforting it is to know that the power of deceit, lies and betrayal is superseded by this greatest of all powers�God�s Spirit of truth.

Hebrews 4:12 reveals, �For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged 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.�

God�s Spirit leads us to His truth, which is as sharp as a two-edged sword. This �sword� can pierce through the strongest fronts of lies and deceitful attacks, capable of even discerning the �unsearchable��the human heart.

As deceit and slander is on a rise, we have an inspiring promise before us. Will we believe God�s Word and accept this powerful tool? How grateful are you to have such a gift available?

Honesty is the Best Policy

Sometimes, you will find yourself in a situation where honesty may not seem like the best policy. A perfect example of this would be if someone asked for your opinion on something that may offend them. In situations like this, one should use judgment, asking God for guidance on the particular matter. Regarding the tongue and the dangers of its misuse, Proverbs 21:23 states, �Whoso keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.� Sometimes, in order to not offend, it is best to not say anything. But one must not lie to get out of a difficult situation.

There will be times in your life when you will be confronted and tempted to �stretch the truth,� �shade the truth,� �cloud the issue,� �say a white lie,� �fib,� �adjust the truth,� �be economical with the truth,� �embellish,� �minimize the facts,� �spin the facts,� �generalize,� �play with your words,� or even lie through our actions (I John 1:6; 2:4; 4:20). Before falling to these temptations, think upon all the scriptures covered here, and realize that God hates lies.

Notice, �These six things does the Lord hate [�foe, enemy, utterly hate�]: yea, seven are an abomination [�disgusting or abhorred�] unto Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that devises wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaks lies, and he that sows discord among brethren� (Prov. 6:16-19).

Of the seven things that God sees as �His enemy,� �disgusting� and �abominable,� four of them involve deceit and lying. Revelation 21 reveals the end result of those who continue in such actions, �But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second [eternal] death�And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defiles, neither whatsoever works abomination, or makes a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb�s Book of Life.� (vs. 8, 27).

Two Opposing Forces�which will you choose?

Under the inspiration of God, Paul wrote to Christians today, �For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day�Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God�� (Eph. 6:12-17).

We are to take up the �sword of the Spirit,� which is God�s Word. In combination with Hebrews 4:12, we discover that this �sword of truth� is able to discern good from evil, weighing out truth from lies.

In actuality, truth and lies are the foundation of two very different sets of laws:

One set of laws was established by the Great Creator God of the Universe, and has been in effect eternally. These laws produce good fruit�love, goodness, mercy, truth and sincerity�it is able to discern thoughts and the intents of the heart. The Spirit of God directly leads us to His Law, which leads to happiness, fulfillment and countless other profitable results.

The other set of laws was established by Satan and have been in effect since his rebellion against God. It has been active within man since Adam and Eve ate of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. This �law in our members� produces bad fruits and attitudes�lies, deceit, anger, hatred, resentment, hypocrisy, respecters of persons (I Pet. 1:17), double-mindedness, conniving, idolatry, covetousness, etc. Since its inception, this �law of sin� (Rom. 8) has been present within each human being, leading to many horrible consequences we see in the our present world.

It is up to man to actively choose which he is to follow: God or Satan�the Law of the Bible or the law in our members�truth or lies. Our actions determine which set of laws we are following, and in effect which god we obey�the God of truth and light or the god of lies and darkness.

Truth and lies have a direct impact on our choice, and we cannot excuse our lying by trying to minimize the severity of the sin. A lie is a lie�any other reasoning is a lie in itself!

We must guard our hearts against deceit, which always precedes sin. If you have been struggling with lying, go to God in prayers and ask for forgiveness and strength to overcome. I Peter 5:7 states, �Casting all your care upon Him [God]; for He cares for you.� Ask God in prayer, �Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting� (Psa. 139:23-24). King David understood the deceit of the heart and asked God to search him out. The more we learn about and understand God�s truth, we will begin to be able to search our hearts and compare our thoughts to the teachings of the Bible.

By faithfully seeking out and obeying God, He will begin working with us, eventually leading to our conversion and receiving His Holy Spirit. Once we are armed with this �Spirit of truth� and the �sharp, two-edged sword� of God�s Word, we can be able to �quench all the fiery darts of the wicked� (Eph. 6) and can pierce through the falsehoods and deceits of this world.

Although we can still be the victim of lies, gossips, betrayal, slander and deceit, or may occasionally slip into sin and lie, we have God�s solemn promise that His Spirit will help us see through them and overcome.

You are now armed with the knowledge to defend yourself against power of lies!

© Church of God, Faithful Flock
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