Preview: Merriam-Webster defines a lie as: to make an untrue statement with intent to deceive; to create a false or misleading impression. Throughout history lying has created some of the biggest problems resulting in catastrophic consequences for so many.
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 6:12-19.
Memory Verse: Exodus 20:16.
1. Did God Himself forbid lying? Exodus 20:16.
2. What creature broke the 9th Commandment in the Garden of Eden? Genesis 3:4-5.
Note: A lie is an expression of either words or actions to deceive. Lying is a sin that had its beginning more than 5,000 years ago, and it has not ended yet. It will continue until God destroys all sin in the lake of fire and brimstone.
3. Did God punish the serpent for disobeying His Law? Genesis 3:14.
Note: It only takes a few seconds for men to break God’s Law, but sometimes the punishment for disobedience lasts for hundreds of years.
4. How did Cain try to deceive God? Genesis 4:8-9.
5. Did God believe Cain’s lie? Genesis 4:10-12.
6. How great did Cain think his punishment was? Genesis 4:13.
Note: How sad it is for man to think he can deceive God who knows the thoughts and intents of man’s heart. Hebrews 4:12.
7. How does God regard those who come before Him with lying tongues? Proverbs 6:16-19.
8. What was David’s prayer when he was in distress? Psalm 120:1-2.
Note: God is not the only one who hates lying. Everyone who loves truth hates this sin too. David said in Psalm 119:163, “I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.”
9. What did David declare would happen to the mouths of those who speak lies? Psalm 63:11.
10. Who is the father of lies? John 8:44.
11. How did Ananias and Sapphira lie to both God and man without speaking? Acts 5:1-4.
12. What was the result of Ananias and Sapphira’s deceitfulness? Acts 5:5-10.
Note: Ananias and Sapphira’s deceitfulness caught up with them. It was made known to the Apostle Peter. People who try to deceive God and His leaders today are often more deceived than the person whom they are trying to deceive. Some people forget that God has promised to reveal secrets to those who truly serve Him. Let us be wise and take the advice of Paul who said: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7.
13. What does God call those who claim to love Him but refuse to obey His Law? I John 2:4.
14. What will bring an end to those who are liars? Revelation 21:8.
Note: As we end this lesson, let us keep this fact in mind: All hypocrites are liars, because a hypocrite pretends to be that which he is not. Do not engage in anything you would not wish others to see.