Honesty in Family – Why Tell the Truth?

1. Read: Colossians 2:9-10 – “Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,”

2. About the Text:

1) Christians are not to lie to one another.

2) Lying was part of the old man and his deeds.

3) The new man tells the truth because of his renewal in the image of Christ.

4) This truth applies to our families.

5) They are the ones to whom we must be honest.

6) Why is it so hard to be honest with our families and what can we do about that?

3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.

1. Accepting self.

1) “But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another” (Galatians 6:4).

2) “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified” (2 Corinthians 13:5).

2. Taking ownership of one’s life.

1) “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).

2) “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

3. Being Responsible.

1) “That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you” (1 Thess.4:11).

2) “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Colossians 3:23).

1. Others need to hear the truth – “but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—” (Ephesians 4:15).

2. Love “does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;” (1 Corinthians 13:6).

3. “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2).

4. Must confront our brother if he sins – Matthew 18:15-17.

5. “let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:20).

1. Lying destroys relationships

1) Old Prophet – 1 Kings 13:18 – “He was lying to him.”

2) Ananias and Saphira – Acts 5:1-11.

2. Telling the truth builds relationships.

1) “As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17).

2) “Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel” (Proverbs 27:9).

3) “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24).

4) “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29).

1. We tell the truth because there is forgiveness.

1) Sometimes we must tell the truth about our own sin.

2) This is hard to do because we are afraid of what may happen.

3) We need not fear God, Christ, or the church when confessing sin.

4) Confession is not so that others may hold something over you.

5) Confession is so that you may be free of your guilt.

6) “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16).

2. We may also want to just confide in a friend.

1) Christians forgive and do not hold things against you.

2) “And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him” (Luke 17:4).

1. We should tell the truth . . .

1) Integrity

2) Love Confronts

3) Deeper Relationships

4) Forgiveness

2. Invitation