Truthfulness
Truthfulness7
Matthew 5:33
By Chuck Smith0MAT 5:33Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of our speech and the proper understanding of oaths in light of Christ's teachings. He contrasts the legalistic interpretations of the Pharisees with the true spirit of the law, highlighting how they manipulated oaths to create loopholes while neglecting the essence of honesty and integrity. Smith points out that while oaths were once necessary, Jesus calls for a higher standard of truthfulness in our everyday conversations, urging believers to speak truthfully without the need for oaths. He warns against the chaos that arises from dishonesty and the trivialization of oaths in modern society, advocating for a return to genuine communication rooted in faith. Ultimately, the sermon calls for Christians to embody truthfulness in all aspects of life, reflecting the character of Christ.
The Frankness of Jesus
By Samuel Logan Brengle0PRO 16:28MAT 10:27JHN 18:20ROM 1:291PE 2:22Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the frankness of Jesus, who spoke openly and boldly, never engaging in secretive or whispering conversations. He highlights that Jesus' life was an open book, embodying truth and transparency, and that He encouraged His followers to share the truth without fear. Brengle warns against the dangers of whispering and gossip, which can harm relationships and weaken faith, urging believers to emulate Jesus' example of honesty and openness. He concludes that a spirit of frankness fosters brotherly love and strengthens faith in God and one another.
Exaggeration
By F.B. Meyer0PRO 12:22MAT 5:37EPH 4:15COL 3:9F.B. Meyer addresses the issue of exaggeration, emphasizing that while there may be a kernel of truth in exaggerated statements, they ultimately fall under the category of lying. He cites Mr. Moody's advice to confront exaggeration as a form of deceit and encourages listeners to speak truthfully, as exaggeration can distort reality and lead to a lack of authenticity in communication. Meyer highlights how this habit permeates various aspects of life, including personal narratives, religious expressions, and even advertisements, urging individuals to cultivate honesty in their speech and thoughts. He calls for a return to simplicity and accuracy in communication, reminding us that God is always listening and that our words should reflect His truth. The sermon concludes with a plea for divine assistance in overcoming the temptation to exaggerate.
The Ninth Commandment
By A.W. Pink0EXO 20:16PSA 31:5PSA 141:3PRO 15:4PRO 18:21ZEC 8:16MAT 12:36EPH 4:15JAS 3:8REV 21:8A.W. Pink emphasizes the significance of the Ninth Commandment, which prohibits bearing false witness against our neighbor, extending its meaning beyond perjury to encompass all forms of harmful speech. He highlights the importance of truthfulness in our communication, asserting that our words can either uplift or destroy reputations, and that we must speak truth in love. Pink warns against the dangers of lying, noting that it aligns us with the nature of the Devil and is contrary to God's character as the God of Truth. He encourages believers to be mindful of their speech, to avoid unnecessary criticism, and to uphold the truth in all circumstances. Ultimately, Pink calls for a commitment to veracity as foundational to righteousness and character.
On Being Straight
By F.B. Meyer0PRO 12:22MAT 5:37JHN 8:32EPH 4:15PHP 4:8COL 3:9F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of being true in thought, speech, and action, urging believers to align their lives with their highest ideals and the nature of God. He reflects on the innate understanding of truth that exists within every person, encouraging them to act consistently with their convictions, even in the face of societal pressures. Meyer illustrates that truthfulness is not only a moral obligation but also a pathway to deeper spiritual insight and connection with Christ. He warns against the dangers of insincerity and the temptation to conform to popular opinion, advocating for a life of integrity that mirrors the character of Jesus. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to truth as a means of experiencing the fullness of life and divine companionship.
A Detestable, Stinking Weed
By Thomas Brooks0PSA 119:163PRO 6:16PRO 12:22PRO 13:5ZEC 8:16JHN 8:44EPH 4:25COL 3:91PE 3:10REV 21:8Thomas Brooks emphasizes the destructive nature of lying, identifying Satan as the father of lies and the originator of sin. He explains that lying not only reflects the character of the devil but also corrupts those who engage in it, making them resemble him. Brooks asserts that true believers, who fear the Lord, detest lying and strive to distance themselves from it, recognizing it as a vile and detestable sin. He encourages the faithful to abhor lying in themselves and others, highlighting the importance of truth in the life of a righteous person.
Some Indirect Ways of Lying
By J.R. Miller0EXO 20:16PSA 101:7PRO 6:16PRO 10:18PRO 12:22PRO 19:5JHN 8:44EPH 4:25COL 3:9JAS 3:5J.R. Miller addresses the various forms of untruthfulness, emphasizing that lies can be conveyed through tone, emphasis, and even statistics. He categorizes lies into three types: white lies, black lies, and statistics, asserting that the intention behind the words is what constitutes a lie. Exaggeration is highlighted as a common form of lying, where individuals embellish the truth, often driven by self-conceit. Miller illustrates this with the example of a young man whose self-importance distorts his perception of reality, leading him to misrepresent conversations and events. Ultimately, he suggests that such exaggeration can lead to a disconnect from the truth, as self-conceit clouds judgment.