Bearing False Witness

Reading Romans 12:9-13:10

Which is the ninth commandment?
The ninth commandment is, "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour." (Exodus 20:16, KJV).

What is required in the ninth commandment?
The ninth commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man,1 and of our own2 and our neighbor's good name,3 especially in witness-bearing.4

1. (Zechariah 8:16b, KJV).
2. (1Peter 3:16, KJV) (Acts 25:10a, KJV).
3. (3John 1:12a, KJV).
4. (Proverbs 14:5a, KJV).(Proverbs 14:25a, KJV).

What is forbidden in the ninth commandment?
The ninth commandment forbiddeth whatsoever is prejudicial to truth,1 or injurious to our own 2 or our neighbour's good name.3

1. (Romans 3:13a, KJV).
2. (Job 27:5, KJV).
3. (Psalms 15:3, KJV).
Review the following passages

Jos 2:1-13
2 Kings 8:7-15
2 Kings 10:18-19, 28, 30

Did the characters in these passages act righteously? Was their deceit acceptable to God? (Question from Jessica)

What about God? What is His character?

Psalms 31:5 Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.
Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
1 John 2:21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

We are to be different! Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

What is a lie? Examples

• Flattery Ps 12:3 (You are so beautiful)
• Exaggerate
• White Lies (They are Harmless? Santa Claus/Tooth Fairy)
• Lies of Convenience (I am not at work/home)

Gossip – How often do we repeat things
Leviticus 19:16 Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people:

We should think before we speak
Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

James 3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

It can also be wrong to be silent
Leviticus 5:1 And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and is a witness, whether he hath seen or known of it; if he do not utter it, then he shall bear his iniquity.

We should remember that we are to please God. It is His approval that we should be seeking.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Thou shalt not steal – Exodus 20:15

What is the eighth commandment?

The eighth commandment is, "Thou shalt not steal." (Exodus 20:15).

What is stealing? Stealing is getting a reward without paying the price

What is required in the eighth commandment?

The eighth commandment requireth the lawful procuring and furthering the wealth and outward estate of ourselves(1) and others.(2)

1.Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. (Romans 12:17)

Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. (Proverbs 27:23).

2.If thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him. (Leviticus 25:35a).

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. (Philippians 2:4).

What is forbidden in the eighth commandment?

The eighth commandment forbiddeth whatsoever doth or may unjustly hinder our own(1) or our neighbour's wealth or outward estate.(2)

1.If any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. (1Timothy 5:8).

2.He that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough. (Proverbs 28:19b).

Because he hath oppressed and hath forsaken the poor; because he hath violently taken away an house which he builded not; Surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly. (Job 20:19-20a).

Why do people steal?

What do people steal? Money, things, software, time etc

How do people justify it?

Eph 4:28 – Not to steal – Labour – Give

Titus 2:10 Purloining – Steal/keep back/embezzle, fidelity - faithful

Luke 19:8 (Example of film Flywheel)

What should do if we have stolen something? How should society deal with thieves?

Proverbs 6:30-31

Do we steal from God? Mal 3:6-11 Note tithes and offerings

1 Cor 6:19-20 Are you stealing from God by living an un-surrendered life to Him?