Colossians 3:5-11, Truthfulness vs. deception (4)

The Apostle Paul commands us not to lie to each other and gives us two complimentary reasons: you have put off the old man and you have put on the new man.  The “new man” is the one who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him (Col. 3:9-10).  Lying conflicts with the very nature of God.  We noted that the first “underlying principle” for speaking the truth is that “truth” is what God is!  For today’s post here is a list of simple facts about “truth.”

A.  God is true (Jn. 7:28; 8:26; 17:3; 1 Th. 1:9; 1 Jn. 5:20).

B.   God’s word is truth (Jn. 17:17; 2 Tim. 2:15).

C.   God’s must be worshiped in truth (Jn. 4:23-24).

D.  God wants us to know the truth (1 Tim. 2:4).

E.   Christ is truth (Jn. 1:14; 14:6; Eph. 4:21; Rev. 3:7; 19:11).

F.    Christ taught truth (Jn. 1:17; 8:40; 18:37; Rom. 15:8).

G.  The Spirit is truth (Jn. 14:17; 15:26; 16:13; 1 Jn. 5:7).

H.  Christ’s Church (universal and local) is (must be) the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Tim. 3:15).

I.      Satan is a liar, devoid of truth (Jn. 8:44-46).

J.      Truth is needed to stand against Satan (Eph. 6:14).

K.  Truth produces faith (Eph. 1:13; 2 Th. 2:13; Jas. 1:18).

L.   Truth liberates (Jn. 8:32).

M. Sanctification (spiritual growth) comes from truth (Jn. 17:17,19).

N.  We are commanded to walk in truth (2 Jn. 4; 3 Jn. 3-4).

O.  We must think on things that are true (Phil. 4:8).

P.    We are commanded to keep from things that lead away from truth (Titus 1:14).

Q.  Unbelievers are characterized by lack of and disobedience to truth (Rom. 1:25; 1 Tim. 6:5; 2 Tim. 2:28; 3:7-8).

R.   God’s wrath is on those who suppress and disobey truth (Rom. 1:18; 2:2,8; 2 Th. 2:23).