Titus 1 Lies, lies, lies. Part 5

Titus 1:1-2

"Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness - a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time"

When I was a child, I went through a phase where I lied about everything. It was so bad my siblings used to say, “If she says it three times you know for sure she’s lying.” Well, the Cretans were also liars. They lied so much that the word “Cretanize” meant “to lie”.

At the beginning of Paul’s letter to Titus and the Cretans he wants them to know that God does not lie. Paul is emphasizing that God is truth, His word, spoken through Paul, is trustworthy and true, therefore, we can believe what Paul is going to tell us. The Bible tells us that God cannot lie or change. We see this in Numbers 23:19 where it says, “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind.” Because the Cretans were considered such liars, Paul is putting their conduct in contrast to God’s. God does not lie, He does not change; He is constant, consistent and timeless. God’s perfect moral character is a foundation of our faith because God is not only truth, but He is also the source of all truth. For this reason, we can be confident that He keeps His promises.

Not only can God not lie, but He also hates lies. Proverbs 6:16-19 says, “There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies and one who sows discord among brothers.” God hates lying so much it’s in the list twice! Just as God cannot lie, so we are called to be honest and not bear false witness. This is one way we can try to reflect the image of God.

There is a comfort in knowing this; we can believe God’s word, trust His promises and look forward in hope to the fulfillment of His word. So, search the scriptures and rely on the promises He makes to us in them. Seek to be honest and trustworthy so that those around you will know they can trust your words. Be confident in the word of the LORD!

 

1.        Why is it important that God cannot lie?

2.        Where else in the Bible does it tell us that God cannot lie?

3.        Think about yourself for a moment, do you have a reputation for being honest and trustworthy?

4.        What comfort can we find in all this?

5.        Why does Paul want the reader to know that God does not lie?


Lord God and Father of truth, I come before you now in humility, knowing that although I have been and am a liar, You are a gracious God. Please forgive these sins and make me a fountain of Your truth. Help me to be honest and trustworthy that others may see Your work in me. Amen

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