LIAR, LIAR (Part 2 of 2)
(Revelation 21:8)
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 burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. In the first part, we reviewed various scriptures that identify what a liar is, without getting detailed. In this portion, we'll continue a look at liars, lying and falsehood, defining aspects of scripture that enlighten us about this subject and examining ourselves as well. Lying has permeated the church today -- uncontested for the most part. We know about lying in a general sense, but we must be equipped with a broad scope on the subject in order to be victorious over it, being informed of both its internal AND external operations.
Let's start our journey, taking a look at lying in "digestible chunks":
OVERVIEW ON LYING: What's God's perspective on lying? We know what Revelation 21:8 says, but what else has He said? Let's take a quick look through the words of Solomon:
- (Proverbs 6:16-19): These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an
abomination unto him: {17} A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed
innocent blood, {18} An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that
be swift in running to mischief, {19} A false witness that speaketh lies, and
he that soweth discord among brethren.
- (Proverbs 10:18): He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth
a slander, is a fool.
- (Proverbs 12:19): The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying
tongue is but for a moment.
- (Proverbs 12:22): Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal
truly are his delight.
- (Proverbs 13:5): A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome,
and cometh to shame.
- (Proverbs 17:7): Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips
a prince.
- (Proverbs 21:6): The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed
to and fro of them that seek death.
- (Proverbs 26:28): A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
Most of us probably didn't realize that there were so many verses dealing with lying -- and this is just a profile of the word "lying" and only in the book of Proverbs. Serious, huh? God thinks so and seeks to cleanse us with the washing of the water by the word concerning it. Though you may not be a liar, it still behooves you to understand what the scriptures have to say regarding lying, falsehood and deceit. Let's begin reviewing the various aspects of lying and how to deal properly with it:
- THE CRY OF THE RIGHTEOUS (Psalms 119:29): Remove from me the way of lying:
and grant me thy law graciously. A righteous person has the same desire in
their heart as spoken by David in this verse. Realizing that we are all dwelling,
as Paul stated "in the body of this death" until Jesus comes, we
must deal with the appetites of flesh on a daily basis. Unfortunately,
one fleshly desire is to lie and deceive. If we walk in the Spirit, we won't
fulfill the lust of the flesh. If we don't do well, sin (e.g., lying) lies
at the door seeking to rule in our lives (Genesis 4:7). Those who are redeemed
by Christ are freed from sin, but we are not out of its reach. Therefore,
lying is a heartbeat away and will seize the opportunity if we are not
sober and diligent in Christ. As David depended on the Lord for victory over
lying, so also must we trust Him in the same manner -- knowing that He will
provide!
- THE ONE-TWO PUNCH (Psalms 119:163): I hate and abhor lying: but thy law
do I love. Interestingly, the word "lying" means "a sham".
Just thought I'd throw that one in :-). I love this verse because of the "two-fisted" opposition
presented against lying (or any sin). The first "punch" is delivered
by hating lying. Nobody does anything they hate. Anyone claiming to struggle
with a particular aspect/sin in their life does so because they don't hate
what they have a problem with. Hating sin is not enough, however. The second
blow is delivered by having a love for the word of God. It's not until you
love the word that you'll respect it. It's not until you love the word that
you'll draw nigh unto it. It's not until you love the word that you'll embrace,
protect and keep it. It is then and only then that an individual confirms their
love for God (John 14:21). Love for the word without a hatred for sin or hatred
for sin without a love for the word are both vain and futile. Parabolically
speaking, it always takes two blows to succeed in God (e.g., watch and pray,
submit and resist, being a hearer and a doer, etc.). If you've been without
victory in areas of your life, check to see how many punches you're blowing.
Only one punch, huh? One blow is not enough. If we deliver the appropriate
one-two punch, we'll be alright.
- WHAT'S YOUR PLEASURE? (Proverbs 17:4): A wicked doer giveth heed to false
lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue. This verse, covered last week,
provides InSight regarding a liar's mindset. A liar is not only inclined to
lie himself, but has an ear for falsehood and is referred to as wicked. Be
careful what you give ear to. It can tell who you are, as well as make or break
you. Do you love truth? Do you rejoice in the truth? Where there is no truth,
there is no freedom. Where there is no freedom, there is no peace. Where there
is no peace, there is no victory. All of this can and will result from not
having the right attitude concerning lying.
- ARE YOU FRIENDS WITH LIARS? (Psalms 31:6): I have hated them that regard
lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD. Do you associate with liars? Before
you answer this question, remember the definitions taken from scripture last
week. Consider more words from David in Psalms 101:3-5: I will set no wicked
thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall
not cleave to me. {4} A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know
a wicked person. {5} Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut
off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. Now
the hatred that David referred to in Psalm 31:6 is illustrated in Psalm 101:3-5.
David once spoke of a "perfect hatred" (Psalm 139:22). This is
not the hatred of the world, but rather a hatred for what the person does
as opposed to the individual. We still love the individual through prayer,
meeting a need if it arises, etc. Remember, love worketh no ill to his neighbor
and thus, fulfills the law (Romans 13:10). No doubt David felt this way because
he was aware of the effect that improper association with unregenerate people
can have on your life if you're not on your toes. If you're friends with
liars, you can't be too far behind them in the paths they take. Check your
roster carefully. Be a blessing to those that are in your life (e.g., co-workers,
family, neighbors, etc.), but don't let down your guard by compromising the
stand that God has commanded us to take. These are hard words, but this message
is echoed throughout the scriptures. Anyone opposing it is...., well, read
the next sub-topic.
- BEWARE OF LYING EVENTS (Antichrist) (2 Thessalonians
2:9-10): Even him,
whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying
wonders, {10} And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that
perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might
be saved. Though this passage speaks of things that will take place during
the reign of the beast (commonly referred to as the antichrist), it's elements
all already and have been operating for quite some time. First John 2:18
says, Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist
shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it
is the last time. John dealt with antichrists and so do we. Just as antichrist's
reign brings false signs and wonders, so also do they display themselves
now in antichristian settings. Take note to the word "antichrist". We know what Christ
means, but consider what "anti" refers to: instead of (substitute);
opposite; contrasting and correspondence.
We need to pitch a tent here and review for a moment. If you've ever questioned
the validity of discovering the meaning of a word in scripture and whether
or not it's edifying to do so, consider the following aspects of the prefix "anti" in "antichrist":
SUBSTITUTE: Antichrist is anything that is a substitute for Jesus Christ --
anything that would attempt to or does take His place or seat. This includes
such things as false doctrine, false hope, false comfort, false deliverance,
false salvation, false signs and wonders and/or a false gospel. Remember, when
John spoke of antichrists in 1 John 2, he was dealing with false teachers,
not the events during the tribulation period. Anything false is a lie and should,
therefore, be considered antichrist.
- OPPOSITE and CONTRASTING: This word means "to oppose" or "to
come against". From a natural standpoint, football teams (or any sports
teams for that matter) are a good example of this. Teams are in opposition
to one another, each attempting to win a battle. In the spiritual, anything
that opposes Christ and the purpose of Christ is "antichrist" --
not just the beast in Revelation. In Luke 9:50, Jesus states, Forbid him not:
for he that is not against us is for us. This "principle" applies
today. Ask yourself a question. Do you ever find yourself in opposition to
the things of God, the doctrine of Jesus Christ or the faith of God's elect?
If so, repent quickly for you've been stung by antichrist. There are many,
right in the house of God, that would dare to oppose any move of God, be it
small or large. This is antichrist. This is a lying event.
- CORRESPONDING: This is the tricky one. "Correspond" is
the opposite of "conflict". We've all heard the old saying, "If
you can't beat them, join them". The devil follows this same mentality.
To "correspond" means "to
match", "be consistent with" or "to relate". Three
passages of scripture illustrate this: 1) Galatians 2:4 -- false brethren
came in "privily" (to enter along side of) for the purpose of spying;
2) 2 Peter 2:1 speaks of false teachers who "privily" (in close
proximity) bring in damnable heresies and 3) Matthew 13:25-30 which speaks
of tares (children of the devil -- those practicing wickedness) being sowed
among the children of light. These three examples each refer to "correspondence".
The devil joins up with the cause of God, but never has the goal of Christ
at heart. This is a reason why Paul warns us in 1 Corinthians 15:33, Be not
deceived: evil communications (companionships) corrupt good manners (morals).
If you are subject to "corresponding" with the seed of the enemy,
you may eventually lose what God has given you. Revelation 3:11 says, Behold,
I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
If somebody has ever told you that there's nothing you can do to lose your
crown, they lied (a lying event) and you will be in danger if you believe
the falsehood. Only those who strive will make it (Luke 13:24). Don't be
tricked into corresponding with the enemy.
- LAY IT ASIDE (Ephesians 4:25): Wherefore putting away lying, speak every
man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Here the
word "lying" means "to
utter an untruth or attempt to deceive by falsehood". This speaks to
our relationship with others in the body of Christ. Paul takes this a step
further in Colossians 3:9-10 saying, Lie not one to another, seeing that
ye have put off the old man with his deeds; {10} And have put on the new
man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him...
It is imperative that if we want to be successful Christians, lying must
be "laid aside".
It will easily beset those attempting to run this Christian race (Hebrews
12:1-2). It creates schisms and mistrust and keeps us from glorifying God
as a people.
- BE YOURSELF (1 Kings 14:5): And the LORD said unto Ahijah, Behold, the
wife of Jeroboam cometh to ask a thing of thee for her son; for he is sick:
thus and thus shalt thou say unto her: for it shall be, when she cometh in,
that she shall feign herself to be another woman. In this passage, the wife
of Jeroboam has purposed in her heart to "act like someone else" in
order to gain benefit. The message here, pertaining to lying, highlights
the fact that we can lie with our actions, as well as with our tongue. Are
your actions pure, my brothers and sisters? Are you being yourself or are
you trying to benefit by being someone else??? There is nothing thankworthy
about this type of behavior. It is not blessed before the Lord.
- BEWARE OF DISSIMULATION (Romans 12:9): Let love be without dissimulation.
Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Speaking of "being
someone else", this aspect of lying is one of the most prevalent today
-- people being phony and insincere (lying with their actions and behavior)
-- pretending to be or represent one attitude, when they're actually thinking
or believing something else. Remember, we're not talking about the world. We're
talking about the church. What is dissimulation? I mentioned dissimulation
in a discussion before and, ironically, the person who was guilty asked me
what it was. This was a shame, because the person claimed to be a teacher of
the word and didn't know. Apparently, Romans only has 10 or 11 chapters in
her Bible. Firstly, the word translated "without dissimulation" in
Romans 12:9 means "to be sincere" or "without hypocrisy".
The word "dissimulation" is used alone in Galatians 2:13 and means "acting
under a feigned part" or "deceit". The word is also translated "hypocrisy" in
other parts of the New Testament. Practically all of us know that we are commanded
to love our brethren, but not too many of us know or consider that this is
to be done "in sincerity" and with a pure heart. Anything short of
that is dissimulation and the person doing so is in "the land of the liar".
In Galatians 2:14, Paul associates dissimulatory behavior with "not walking
uprightly according to the truth of the gospel." If you're guilty of this,
all I can say is repent. If you know someone guilty of this, pray for them
that they might be healed. Remember, if you're busy being someone else, how
can God bless YOU?!?
- THE LONG-TERM EXPECTATION OF A LIAR (Revelation 21:8): 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 burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Lastly, consider Revelation 21:8. This verse reveals several classifications of people that have no inheritance in the kingdom of God. Lists such as this one appear several times in scripture, but few mention lying. Though it's only mentioned a few times, it's not less serious than the other things. By now, if not before, we should realize the serious nature of lying -- how it can hurt us, how it can hurt others, the mindset of the perpetrator and now, the long-term expectation. Liars will have their part in the lake of fire. Revelation 22:15 adds clarity to the issue of lying by referring to ...whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. In Revelation 21:8, "liars" means "erroneous, deceitful and wicked". Revelation 22:15's statement about "loving" and "making" lies highlights the mindset of the liar. Loving refers to "being fond of" or "being sentimental towards". "Maketh" comes from the same Greek word that appears in 1 John 3:8 which states, He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. To "commit" in this passage deals with "practicing something". Therefore, from a scriptural perspective, a liar is one who is attached to falsehood and deceit in his/her heart. This is why Proverbs 13:5 says, A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame. Hopefully, you hate lying -- not just in yourself, but in others as well. Hopefully you hate it enough to do something about it, such as praying for the person and/or teaching about it when the opportunity presents itself and the Spirit leads you to do so. We should want to see a liar healed because of the expectation in store for them, even if they're not aware.
* * * * *
I hope you were in a position to rececive this exposition on lying. Let's not take lying "lying down" [pardon the pun :-)], but let's remember and strive to love righteousness and hate iniquity, being in a readiness to avenge disobedience when our obedience has been fulfilled (2 Corinthians 10:6).
Until next time, keep the word and be blessed!
Reprinted from Cry Aloud: Volume 2, Issues
44 -- Liar, Liar -- Part 2
Copyright © 2000, CyberSaint/Scenario Ministries International
An outreach ministry of Remnant Christian Assembly, Inc. All rights reserved.
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