Yesterday’s message in The Ten Commandments for Today series was on the ninth commandment. The message was called You Shall Not Bear False Witness, taken from Exodus 20:16.

“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.” (Exodus 20:16)

Here is the outline of the message:

I. The meaning of the commandment
    A. Do not lie (Leviticus 19:11-12; Colossians 3:9-10 )
    B. Do not speak evil against another (Exodus 20:16; Deut 5:20; James 4:11)

II. Different ways of lying (various scriptures)
    A. Speaking falsehood directly
    B. Intending to deceive
    C. Mixing lies with the truth

III. Reasons why people lie
    A. Protect self (1 Samuel 15:13-15)
    B. Gain an advantage (Proverbs 21:28)
    C. Impress others (Jude 16)
    D. Harm others (Genesis 39:11-20)

IV. Results of lying
    A. Harms others (Proverbs 25:18)
    B. Destroys trust (Proverbs 14:5)
    C. Wrecks relationships (Proverbs 16:28; Eph 4:25)
    D. Ruins your reputation (Proverbs 10:9)
    E. Breaks your fellowship with God (Psalm 101:7)
    F. Brings God’s judgment (Prov 19:9; Rev 21:8, 22:15)

V. Sources of lying
    A. Satan (Genesis 3:4; John 8:44)
    B. The human heart (Jer 17:9; Matt 15:19; Acts 5:3)

VI. Positive application: Speaking the truth in love (Eph 4:15)
    A. Must balance truth with love
    B. Ask yourself three questions:
        1) Is it true?
        2) Is it necessary?
        3) Is it kind?

Note: To read the complete message, go to the Sermons tab at the top of the blog.