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THE SCENARIO: There is a certain adult individual who is a chronic liar. They have been caught in their lies on more than one occasion. Oftentimes their lies are just those so-called “little lies.” They lie with almost predictable regularity whenever their perceived image of themselves may be called into question by the truth.
In the outworking of this scenario please consider the following:
1. This individual has a tremendous sense of self—consider the role of pride as a motivating factor for lying. What are some other common motivations behind folks’ lying.
2 We have heard some folk say it is necessary to lie in certain situations (for example, to protect the feelings of others when the truth may offend, or cause psychological setbacks; if your own life hangs in the balance, etc). Do you think they are right? Why/why not on a Scriptural basis. Consider in your discussion, at least, Mar 14:61.
3. This point is related to point two just above—is there such a thing as a “little lie”–isn’t every lie, big or small, for whatever reason, a lie, and therefore sin—please defend Scripturally.
4. Little Arny, a five-year-old, was asked: “Arny, have you been in the cookie jar again?” Arny responded: “No daddy.” Of course little Arny had cookie crumbs all over his mouth when he answered. It would seem that lying reflects well the sin problem that is passed along from generation to generation—little Arny’s teeny weeny lie came quite naturally from within. A secular non-Christian might argue that little Arny was just displaying a sort of natural self-defense in a childishly innocent sort of way, and that there is no sin at work here whatsoever. What do you think about that? We believe that only through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ can one avert lying per se. In that case, little Arny would have to grow to maturity and then come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ to come clean. That being so, consider the importance of his Christian guidance at home until such time as he might invite our Lord to come into his heart. Can you categorize this guidance?
5. Though there are subtle differences, there is an intimate connection between lying and deceit. Discuss how “putting up a front” before man and/or God is tantamount to lying to man and/or God.
6. Why do you suppose that Satan has been specifically labeled “The father of all lies” by our Lord (Jhn 8:44). Why does he deserve this title? Given this label, would you agree that Satan must revel every time a Christian deceives or lies (discuss, at least, a kinship angle)?
7. Finally, consider this scenario against the backdrop of Pro 12:19 and Salvation (that is, life eternal in the presence of Jehovah God).