In what ways can we ensure we do not "follow the lies" today? Key Verse “How long, O men, will you turn My glory to shame? Will you love vanity and seek after lies? Selah.” (Psalm 4:2) Why We’re Vulnerable to Lies Today • Constant information flow—news, social media, advertising, entertainment • Cultural pressure to redefine truth (Isaiah 5:20) • Spiritual warfare—the devil “is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44) Guarding Our Minds and Hearts • Anchor everything to Scripture – Test every claim: “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.” (Isaiah 8:20) – Daily reading keeps truth fresh (Psalm 119:105) • Cultivate discernment through the Spirit – The Spirit “guides you into all truth” (John 16:13) – Pray for wisdom (James 1:5) • Filter input intentionally – Limit sources that distort or sensationalize – Choose content that exalts Christ (Philippians 4:8) Practicing Truth in Community • Engage with mature believers – “Iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17) – Accountability guards against drift • Sit under sound teaching – Elders must “hold firmly to the trustworthy word” (Titus 1:9) • Speak truth in love – “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully” (Ephesians 4:25) Daily Habits that Keep Us From Following Lies 1. Start and end the day in God’s Word 2. Memorize key verses that confront common deceptions (e.g., 2 Timothy 3:16–17) 3. Ask “What does Scripture say?” before forming opinions 4. Confess quickly when tempted to embellish or misrepresent 5. Regularly evaluate media habits and make adjustments 6. Celebrate testimonies of truth prevailing—build a culture of honesty at home and church The Fruit of Walking in Truth • Stability—no longer “tossed by waves and carried about by every wind of teaching” (Ephesians 4:14) • Freedom—“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32) • Witness—shining “as lights in the world” by holding fast to the word of life (Philippians 2:15–16) Final Encouragement Lies lose their grip when hearts are captivated by God’s unchanging truth. Stay in the Word, stay in fellowship, and stay alert; the God of truth will guard you from every deceit. |
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