ST NICOLAS, NEWBURY

HOME GROUP QUESTIONS

WEEK BEGINNING 23 JANUARY 2005

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS: LYING

For home groups that would like them, here are some questions based on the talk at Sunday's 7:30 pm service. There's no need to answer them all - just tackle the ones you have time for. You don't need to stick to the areas mentioned here - feel free to discuss any other issues that arise for you.

We're following J John's book "Ten" [ISBN - 0-85476-874-2] and he works from 10 to 1. We missed number 10 last week because Helen was in hospital, but we'll come back to it at the end of February.

What do group members know about the 10 commandments? The what, when, where etc.

The context in which they were given is important - coming directly after the Exodus. It wasn't God saying 'Obey and I'll accept you' but rather 'As those whom I have chosen and rescued, this is how you are now to behave'. Why is this important for us?

Why study them today? You might like to think about the ways in which humanity has changed in the last 3500 years. More importantly, what remains the same?

There are different types of lie. Have a look at Genesis 3:1-13 which sets out several of them.

The outright lie. Genesis 3:4

The insinuation. Genesis 3:4-5 (God's a kill-joy!)

The half-truth. Genesis 3:1

The excuse. Genesis 3:12-13

How might we find ourselves involved in these?

What other types of lie are there? (eg, gossip, flattery, exaggeration, silence. "white" lies)

What are the costs of lying?

So why do we do it?

"We think we are more important than others, and than the truth."

What needs to change?

We need to take lying seriously - think what we are saying.
We need to repent (confession below, use if you want)
We need Jesus' cleansing
We need to live lives of truth in the future
We need the help of the Spirit
We need to work at using our tongues for good not evil.

You might like to talk through these steps and ask about how to put them into practice.

T - is it true?
H - will it help?
I - is it inspiring?
N - is it necessary?
K - is it kind?

For the ease with which we twist the truth and speak falsely.
Lord God of truth, forgive us.

For the lies we tell to get ourselves off the hook.
Lord God of truth, forgive us.

For the gossip we have spread and delighted to hear.
Lord God of truth, forgive us.

For our unkind and hurtful words to those we love.
Lord God of truth, forgive us.

For the times we have not spoken up for others.
Lord God of truth, forgive us.

For the times we have been too quick to speak.
Lord God of truth, forgive us.

Edward Hobbs
24 January 2005