LIAR, LIAR, PANTS ON FIRE!

September 29, 2014

LIAR, LIAR, PANTS ON FIRE!

1 John 4:1-6

Shelly Lindahl

Central Truth

Through an abiding relationship with Christ, we have access to all that we need to discern the truth from the lies that we are confronted with every single day in this world.

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

Test the Spirits

1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. 4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

The Apostle John knew that his flock was in danger of being deceived by new philosophies that twisted the truth of the gospel. He lovingly warns them, reminds them of the truth, and equips them for the battle ahead . . . a battle that we are faced with every minute of every day.

When I was 40 years old, I realized that in addition to being emotionally and physically abused as a child, I had also been sexually abused . . . not just once but on several occasions. This realization set me on a path that has exposed lies that informed what I believed about God, myself, and the world around me. In turn, my beliefs influenced how I thought and behaved. Abuse of any kind is always based in lies, telling its victims that they are worthless, unloved, and unseen by God. I had lived in shame and believed these lies for so long that I thought they were true. The result in my life was devastating and led to people-pleasing, promiscuity, divorce, two abortions, struggles with pornography, a food addiction, and lots of drama. And that's just the short list! They robbed me of freedom, joy, and meaningful relationships with God and with others. Even as a believer, I struggled to recognize the lies.

John 8:32 says, "[A]nd you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." The enemy of our souls has always been a sneaky liar, waiting for any chance to make us question God's truth and His character. Discerning the truth from the lies is a skill that develops over time and must be sharpened on an ongoing basis. God's Word equips me daily, and I am surrounded by others who remind me of God's truth and His great love. As God's Word informs my beliefs, I come to know and trust His character, I learn to wisely navigate the world around me, and I understand who I am in Him. I am a new creation, and I am free.

1. How have you been deceived by the lies of our culture or by a long-standing lie in your life?

2. How have lies about God, yourself, and the world damaged your relationship with God and with others?

3. Who in your life consistently reminds you of God's truth and helps you stay on track when lies threaten to derail you? Consider calling them or writing a note to thank them for supporting you in the battle against the lies of the enemy. If you are longing for this kind of relationship, ask God to bring a supportive and godly friend into your life.

4. How has time in God's Word changed your beliefs, your thinking, and your behavior, resulting in freedom from the bondage of lies and sin? Thank God for the transforming power of His Word and the freedom that only He is able to give.

Two truths: Nos. 1 and 2
A lie: No. 3