Truth saves but lies destroy is a theme throughout the Bible. Jesus contrasts the enemy and himself. John 10:10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. [1] To follow satan is to follow the path of death, and the path of Jesus leads to life.
The story of Ananias and his wife Sapphira is about a couple whose lies caused their death. Acts 5:1But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. 2 He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest. [2] We don’t know all the motives behind this couple’s deception, but their consequences were swift and severe.
There Are Consequences to Our Lies
Acts 5:3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself. 4 The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God!” 5 As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died.[3]
Later, Peter asks Sapphira the same question about the land, and she dies suddenly, as she also lies. Telling the truth would have saved this couple’s lives, but they deceived themselves, thinking they could get away with their deception. The enemy always tempts us with lies, telling us that what we are doing is not all that bad and that no one will know. Today, what voice are you listening to? Ask the Lord to help you better hear and obey His voice to avoid the temptation to deceive others.
The Truth Saves
Jesus gives insight. John 14:6I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. [4] Jesus tells us He is the way, while satan tells us there are many ways to heaven. Jesus is the truth, while the enemy lies. In Jesus, we have life, but there is no life in following satan. Jesus tells us the truth, and as we follow the truth and place our faith in Him, we have eternal life. If people follow satan and believe his lies, that will lead to their destruction and separation from God.
3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. [5] When we walk in the truth, we live out the truth of the Gospel through our behavior. As a parent, I want my kids to walk in truth and serve the Lord. Our heavenly Father desires the same for all his kids, regardless of age. When we walk in the truth, we can overcome the temptation to lie and speak about the truth.
To learn how truth saves but lies destroy, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/ananias-sapphira
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.
[5] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (3 Jn 4). (2016). Crossway Bibles.