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Complete Sermon Notes
Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire
Sharing in All Things – ACTS 4:32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.
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Our possessions are really not “ours.”
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“Unity” is very common when people first come to the Lord. But sadly, it’s lost. I remember 1999 to 2000 and then seeing all the division.
33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all [unity = power]. 34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
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A need is different than a want – abundance should take the place of lack.
36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, 37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
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The RIGHT WAY
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The WRONG WAY
ACTS 5 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
Why do we lie? Fear, Get out of Trouble, Poor self-image, To get our Point Across (e.g., many people feel this way), Selfish.
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Lied to appear spiritual.
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Lying to God – “Sin, by definition in the Bible, is not wronging another person. It is assaulting the glory of God, rebelling against God…The world doesn’t understand how serious hell is, because they don’t understand how serious sin is” (John Piper).
Jesus is the Truth – We our the voice of Truth – We live by the Truth – The Truth sets us free. – THE TRUTH IS A BIG DEAL!
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David said, “Against you and you only have I sinned” – He wronged others, but rebelled against GOD.
“Why has Satan filled your heart?” The Devil doesn’t make us do anything – “A lying spirit is attacking me.”
Blame shifting is very common – One simple story illustrates this, “Alexander was trying to save all the pennies that he could in order to buy a baseball bat. But he had a hard struggle. One night when he was saying his prayers, his mother heard him say fervently, ‘O Lord, please help me save my money for a baseball bat. And, God, don’t let the ice cream man come down this street anymore’!”
5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. 6 And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him. 7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. 11 So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.
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From the Flood, to the Children of Israel to Ananias to King Herod: God’s justice cannot sleep forever.
Don’t tempt or test God. Keep short accounts with Him –
“Not even God himself could sink this ship.” — Employee of the White Star Line, at the launch of the Titanic, May 31, 1911.
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Psalm 32:When I kept silent, my bones grew old Through my groaning all the day long. 4 For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was turned into the drought of summer… 5 I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” And You forgave the iniquity of my sin.
1. Sovereignty plays a role.
We may not die, but we lose spiritual power, insight and wisdom – our walk with the Lord is severely hindered.
2. We want New Testament power, but not N.T. holiness.
3. For fear purposes – another reason for Matt. 18 and when people are exposed:
EXPOSURE should prompt repentance –
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THE CURE – Psalm 32: When I kept silent, my bones grew old Through my groaning all the day long. 4 For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was turned into the drought of summer… 5 I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” And You forgave the iniquity of my sin.
Compulsive lying excerpts – LEXIS CLARK – Though compulsive liars often take extreme care to keep others under the spell of their deception, once in awhile the web of lies unravels and the liar is seen as is without any of his dishonest walls. When this occurs, the liar works quickly and frantically to rebuild those walls, constructing more lies in order to rebuild himself into what he was previously seen as. This often involves elaborate stories of being falsely accused, constructing lie after lie with the intention of defending his or her supposed innocence. If this method, as well as any other attempt at lying, fails and the compulsive liar is forced to tell the truth, he or she will often become incredibly nervous and display a great deal of uncomfortable behavior.
TRUTH ABOUT DECEPTION – I have been married to a compulsive liar for more than 25 years. The lies ranged from simple ones that had no apparent point, to very complex deceptions made to achieve a goal. When confronted, she would deny lying, misdirect the conversation, verbally attack me, and try every approach imaginable to avoid the truth. If pursued long enough, she may tell the truth, but with a great deal of resentment. Anyone who has been shocked or devastated by the actions of a liar knows the shame that follows. You are outraged, but deep inside you feel stupid and naive for having misjudged someone’s character so profoundly…It can be deceptive, painful, and downright confusing. You lose your bearings. You can feel like your relationship is a boat without an anchor, not rooted to anything, anywhere…most liars who are compulsive or pathological don’t want to change enough to enter treatment.
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Revelation 21:8 says that the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars will go to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.
BELIEVERS AND UNBELIEVERS: James – Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
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