About this episode

Pastor Jared Richard discusses the importance of truth-telling in light of the ninth commandment and its implications for Christians.

Pastor Jared Richard opens with the sobering story of Naboth from 1 Kings 21, an innocent man stoned to death because two worthless scoundrels bore false witness against him at the orchestration of the wicked Queen Jezebel. That story, Pastor Jared argues, perfectly illustrates why God gives the ninth commandment in Exodus 20:16: "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." The commandment is not merely a rule about courtroom behavior — it flows directly from the character of God Himself. Because God is a God of truth and a God of justice, His people are called to be a truth-telling people who faithfully represent Him to the world. From that theological foundation, Pastor Jared lays out three Biblical expectations for the people of God. First, we are to speak the truth and refuse to lie, in all its many forms — from grand deceptions to half-truths, flattery, and gossip. Second, we are to speak life-giving words, refusing to demean, slander, or defame those made in the image of God, because as Ephesians 4:29 instructs, only words that build up and give grace should come from our mouths. Third, and most importantly, we are to be faithful witnesses to the gospel…

People in this episode

Host: Pastor Jared Richard

Topics covered

• truth-telling
• ninth commandment
• gospel witness
• false witness
• Christian ethics
• Biblical teachings

Keywords

• truth
• false witness
• ninth commandment
• gospel
• Christianity
• ethics
• Ephesians
• Matthew

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Ephesians, Matthew

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