When you were a kid, and you got caught doing something you weren't supposed to be doing, did you ever use the phrase, "The Devil made me do it?" This phrase became a way of passing the buck when caught in a lie. If it was the Devil that caused the action, who are we to stand against the power of the prince of darkness? Parents usually see through the phrase and lovingly correct the action. We do have to remember in this Forgotten War that the Devil is the father of all lies (John 8:44). Lying is a part of Satan's tactics. He twists the words of others and tempts us to shade the truth to make ourselves look a little better. We have to overcome the evil one's tactics by putting on the Belt of Truth. This study takes a look at how to keep your lips and lifestyle blameless and honest.
When was a time for you as a kid when you were caught in a lie? What was the situation? How did it feel to be found out?
1. How are lying and twisting the truth effective tools of Satan?
2. Read Psalm 101:1-8. What does it mean to be blameless before God? How does lying affect this?
Psalm 101:1-8 I will sing of your love and justice, Lord. I will praise you with songs.I will be careful to live a blameless life— when will you come to help me?I will lead a life of integrity in my own home.I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar.I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them.I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil.I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride. I will search for faithful people to be my companions.Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me.I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house, and liars will not stay in my presence.My daily task will be to ferret out the wicked and free the city of the Lord from their grip.
Psalm 101:1-8
I will sing of your love and justice, Lord. I will praise you with songs.I will be careful to live a blameless life— when will you come to help me?I will lead a life of integrity in my own home.I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar.I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them.I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil.I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride.
I will search for faithful people to be my companions.Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me.I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house, and liars will not stay in my presence.My daily task will be to ferret out the wicked and free the city of the Lord from their grip.
3. Why are lying and the effects of lying something to go to war with daily? What is the purpose and effect of putting on the Belt of Truth as a part of your spiritual armor?
4. Read Proverbs 12:22. Why is lying so detestable to God?
Proverbs 12:22 The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.
Proverbs 12:22
The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.
5. Where is an area in your life right now where you are currently not being completely honest or where you are shading the truth? How do you need your small group to hold you accountable?
6. What is one lie from the evil one that you believe right now? What can you do to overcome it?
7. What needs to change for you to be known as blameless this week?
Bring in a couple of different belts to your group. Talk about the purpose and intent of a belt and how it works and its uses. List out the benefits of wearing one of the belts. After you finish, refocus the conversation on the Belt of Truth. What advantages and benefits are there to the Belt of Truth? Why do you think this is one of the first pieces of armor for us to put on? Work through this exercise and then take some time to pray together as a group that God will hold you in His truth!
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1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
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