“The Lord’s Servant is Honest!” Proverbs 6:16-19

(Madison Sarratt Student Center, Vanderbilt University “Today, I am giving two examinations… but there are no good people who cannot pass the examination of honesty.”

Frankly, integrity these days is refreshing. Why Frankly, integrity these days is refreshing. Why? Because it is often so rare…

Few international celebrities have been so baffling as Charles Lindbergh…

Three high school boys in Jackson, Mississippi arrived at school two hours late. They had made a side trip to their favorite fishing lake…

Ephesians 4:25 “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”

What do you think of when it comes to “honesty”?

to see the necessity behind living the truth Purpose: to see the necessity behind living the truth

“Live the Life” “…For the World to know the truth There can be no greater proof Than to live the life, live the life. There’s no pain we can’t endure, If we live the life, live the life Be a light for all to see For every act of love will set you free

I Recognize There is a Problem A. Definition of Cheating

Cheating Defined: “To deceive by trickery; defraud; swindle – it implies dishonesty or deception which is designed to obtain an unfair advantage for one’s self.”

I Recognize There is a Problem A. Definition of Cheating B. Some Examples of This Problem

Was fired from his job as Air Force financial analyst after he exposed a 2 billion dollar overrun on a contract. He was later rehired as he testified to a Senate panel… A. Ernest Fitzgerald

Cheating in Sports

Cheating is now being taken to a whole new level…

II Christian Perspective of This Problem A. Solomon is a Good Example

John 8:44 “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

II Christian Perspective of This Problem A. Solomon is a Good Example B. Other Biblical Examples

James 5:4 “Look! The wages you failed to pay the workman who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.”

II Christian Perspective of This Problem A. Solomon is a Good Example B. Other Biblical Examples C. Different Perspective on Life

III Overcoming This Problem A. Plan Ahead

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Proverbs 4:23 “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”

III Overcoming This Problem A. Plan Ahead B. Dishonesty Will Destroy

Roman 6:16 “Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey – whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?”

III Overcoming This Problem A. Plan Ahead B. Dishonesty Will Destroy C. Apologize Not for Honesty

Truth often comes at a high cost…

Matthew 5:10-12 “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Three “detestable” matters to God that involve honesty:

Conclusion and Summary Is it clear to you that the Lord’s servants must be men, women and young people of integrity and honesty?!