by Phil T. Arnold
Introduction:
A. While the ninth command directly speaks to testimony given, the principle involved is simply “Speaking the Truth” (Ex.20:16).
B. “Bearing false witness” is something that God hates (Prov.6:16-19).
Body:
A. God’s prohibition against lying (Ex.20:16).
1. When we get into the business of not telling the truth we join Satan’s family (John 8:42-47).
2. Satan’s first efforts to destroy the “good” of life came through a lie (John 10:10; 1 Cor.4:4,6).
B. Man’s propensity to lie (John 8:44).
1. Man often lies to himself (Rom.12:3).
2. Man often lies to God (Acts 5:4).
3. Man often lies to his neighbor (Lk.23:1; Gen.39:14-20; Matt.26:69-75).
C. God’s provision to eliminate lying (Eph.4:17-32).
1. Learn the truth (Eph.4:21; John 8:32; 17:17; Psa.119:142).
2. Love the truth (Eph.4:15; 2 Thess.2:10-12; Eph.4:29,31,30).
3. Live the truth (Eph.4:25).
Conclusion:
Ephesians 4:25-32 is simply the NT amplification of the ninth commandment (Prov.23:23).
