Series Two: The Man of God

Relationships with others can be difficult. Dealing with your own heart is difficult enough, and bringing another’s into it only doubles the challenge in navigating relationships. Whether a believer or not, everyone ought to receive the same love and truth in our speech. This section will help reinforce the need for Christians to be speaking truth to whomever they encounter for the sake of Christ.

This is one of the more challenging lessons in the Christian life. Interactions with others are ongoing throughout each day and it’s important to model what is given to us in Scripture as we relate to one another through conversation. There are times when we will be offended, hurt, and lied to. But even those circumstances do not necessitate a response other than what Christ demonstrated during His ministry.

1. Recognize your status in Christ (Eph 4:17–25).
   1. You are no longer to live as pagans.
   2. Unbelievers’ lives are marked by futile thinking and hardness of heart.
      1. Leads to sensuality
      2. Impurity
      3. Greed
   3. Being in Christ means that you are to live exactly opposite to the way that unbelievers live (v. 20).
   4. You have laid aside the “old self” (v. 22).
   5. The new self is
      1. “in the likeness of God” (v. 24).
      2. “created in righteousness and holiness of the truth” (v. 24).
   6. Strong habits of the new life are needed to avoid the temptation for deceitfulness.
   7. The struggle is at the heart level.
   8. Deceit is not merely lying to others but propagating falsehood before the Lord.
      1. Lay aside falsehood (v. 25).
      2. Speak truth (v. 25).
2. Gird up your loins with truthfulness (Eph 6:14).
   1. Truthfulness ought to be worn at all times.
   2. God delights in truth in our inward being (Ps 51:6).
   3. Hypocrisy defines the lives of those who are rebellious toward God.
   4. Truth should always be spoken to your neighbor (Zech 8:16–17).
      1. Make for peace.
      2. Do not devise evil in your hearts.
      3. Do not love false oaths.
      4. There should be no hidden deals or private agendas.
         1. Consider the hidden deal to turn over Christ to the authorities.
         2. Greed and envy were the motivations.
   5. In dealing with Christians, we are members of the same body.
   6. Those who are truthful are blessed forever (Prov 12:19–20).
   7. Those who lie are an abomination (Prov 12:22).
   8. Justice depends on truthfulness (Prov 14:25; 17:23; 19:28).
3. Guard against whispering/gossip (Prov 18:8).
   1. This is another type of destructive dishonesty.
   2. It involves spreading rumors to belittle others.
   3. It involves playing games to make yourself feel better.
   4. These “morsels” can endanger or destroy reputations.
   5. Those who enjoy this practice are known as slanderers (Prov 20:19).
   6. The more mature in Christ we become the more careful we should become in our speech.
   7. Questions to ask before engaging in the spread of information:
      • What am I sharing and why am I sharing it?
      • Am I potentially widening harm by expanding the information?
4. Avoid manipulative techniques of speech (Prov 6:12–14).
   1. This does not refer only to perverse speech.
   2. It includes manipulative tactics with hidden signals while appearing to speak honestly to the victim.
   3. Don’t give the impression of helping others while actually deceiving them.
5. Be diligent to keep a clear conscience (1 Cor 4:5).
   1. Just because your brother may not see the intentions of your heart does not mean you are not guilty.
   2. God will reveal all things kept secret on earth.
   3. Offer only what is good for edification (Eph 4:25–29).
   4. Be sure to be putting all slander away from you (Eph 4:31).
   5. Our own forgiveness should be a constant reminder to do so.
6. Respond rightly to those who are deceptive toward you (Ps 4).
   1. Do not remain indignant and sin toward them (v. 4).
   2. Be still. Calm your soul (v. 4).
   3. Continue to trust the Lord with all things (v. 5).
   4. Know that God will ultimately protect you (v. 8).
7. Always be aware that you bear the name of Christ (Eph 5:3–5).
   1. No filthy language, foolish talk, or coarse jesting should be known among Christians.
   2. The giving of thanks should be recognized as the pattern of your life.
   3. Guard your reputation by what comes out of your mouth.

See Appendix: Navigating the Gray Areas of Life.