Lies People Tell Themselves

Bill Brinkworth

In I John 1 and 2, John the Apostle covers areas that many are not completely honest with themselves about. These areas include:

When Christians claim to be in fellowship with God, but are not!
“If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:” I John 1:6

Many times folks fool even themselves into believing that they can talk to God, He is listening to them, answering them, and they are in full fellowship even when they are involved in sin. They are lying to themselves.

It is impossible for a believer to have close fellowship with God, when there is sin in his life! God hates sins, and although people do not lose their salvation when they fall for sin’s enticement after they are saved, they certainly grieve Him (Ephesians 4:30). That grieving will keep the sinner from having a close relationship with God. The only remedy for that broken relationship is to turn from sin (Acts 8:22), and again “… walk in the light …” (I John 7). One should then live in the manner God requires.

When Christians claim to have no sin.

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” I John 1:8

There are those that consider themselves sin-free. Christians are saved from sin, but not sinless. They often choose to sin.

When a person, who claims to be a believer, does not keep God’s commandments. John called that one a liar (I John 1:4). God’s truth was not in him when he did not do the things that God had commanded him to do.

Going through life as a Christian, our ears, eyes, and discernment are often on others that claim the same faith. We are confused when we hear their profession of faith; yet clearly see that they are not living the life they are supposed to live. Although we scratch our heads at one that says one thing but lives another, the Holy Spirit through the Apostle’s writing simply says “… the truth is not in them.”
When one claims to be a child of God, but hates other saved people. God says one that does not love the brethren “… is in darkness even until now” (I John 1:9). If one is saved, he should love the other members of the family of God. Real love puts up with a lot, is kind, does not envy, does not boast, is not prideful, does not cause one to act improperly, does not get mad quickly, does not think the worst about another, is not happy when a person does wrong, believes people, has hope for them, and never stops (I Cor.13:4-8). Getting bitter, holding a grudge, and wishing bad things on others are not signs of love — no matter what one claims!
When people love this world more than anything. They are also fooling themselves. “… If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (I John 2:15) — no matter what they say!
Another deceiver is one that says Jesus is not the one God promised to come (I John 1:22). Some of the most popular religions, when examined, are deceptive in this area. Some even claim to be Christian, but say Jesus was just a good man, a prophet, a good example, but not God’s only Son. No matter the cult’s popularity and numbers, as far a God is concerned (and no other opinion really matters), they are liars (vs. 22).

There is much deception in this world. Sometimes people even deceive themselves. However, adhering to what God says in His Word and using it as a guideline make it possible to see what is of God, and what is not. If actions and words line up with the Word of God, then it is of God. Anything opposing it is not of Him. God is not the author of confusion (I Cor. 14:33).

“As truth stretches, trust breaks!”

This lesson was featured in the The Bible View #330.