(Christian Living Sermon) Dumas 87, Hillside 8/95, 7/97
Filename: Four Liars

FOUR LIARS AND GOD

INTRODUCTION-- There is a great gulf between the "truth of God," and the lies of men (Romans 3:4)--"God is not a man that He should lie" (Numbers 23:19).

1. The end of all liars is the 2nd Death. Revelation 21:8
   
2. Consider the contrast between the truthful and the liars. 1 John 1:1-2:6

LESSON--

1. John asserts that he speaks the truth. 1:1-4
   
   1. Peter, also. 2 Peter 1:16-21
      
   2. Paul testifies, also. Acts 26:25; Romans 9:1-2; 2 Corinthians 11:31; Galatians 1:20; 1 Timothy 2:7
      
   3. They all take their example from God. 1:5 (Compare Psalm 119:160.)
      
   4. God desires for men to speak truth. Psalm 51:6; Ephesians 4:25
      
2. The rest of our Text shows the evil effects of 4 liars.
   
   1. LIAR #1--The hypocrite. 1:6-7
      
      1. The lie-- to say, "we have fellowship while we walk in darkness."
         
      2. Jesus said, "Look therefore whether the light that is in thee be not darkness." Luke 11:35
         
      3. He also said, "He that walks in darkness knows not where he goes." John 12:35
         
      4. The solution-- "Walk in the light, as He is in the light" (to have"fellowship with God," and the "cleansing of Jesus' blood.")
         
   2. LIAR #2-- The person who ignores guilt. 1:8-9
      
      1. The lie-- to say, "We have no sin."
         
      2. Sometimes a whole church can have this problem. Revelation 3:17-18
         
      3. Paul feigns this attitude in 1 Corinthians 4:3-4
         
      4. The solution-- "Confess our sins" (to receive forgiveness from a faithful and righteous God). Compare Proverbs 28:13
         
   3. LIAR #3-- The Gainsayer.1:10-2:2
      
      1. The lie-- to say, "we have not sinned."
         
      2. This gainsays (contradicts) God. Romans 3:23 ("His word is not in us.")
         
      3. The solution-- His word in us to the full, and Christ as an "advocate."
         
         1. See 1:14b for what John said to "young men."
            
         2. To us, he says, "I write to you that you may not sin."
            
   4. LIAR #4-- The false claimant of "knowledge of God." 2:3-6
      
      1. The lie-- to say, "I know him and not keep His commandments."
         
      2. Christ says, "If you love me, keep my commandments." John 14:23
         
      3. He also says, "Why call me Lord, and do not the things I say." Luke 6:46
         
      4. The solution-- Keep the Word to perfect love. Compare John 8:29

APPLICATION-- God's answer to those who "lie to the Holy Spirit" is not very comforting (Acts 5:1ff), so we should live, breathe, and speak the truth, always.