Week 3 Honesty Day 1 Faithbuilder Story
Question 1.
Proverbs 28:13 (NKJV)
"Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy."
Think about a time when you were tempted to leave a better impression of yourself than was true. What did you do? Why?
I am a big hypocrite. I do not always practice what I preach.
There are times at work where I see somebody acting in a certain way that I do not approve of. The problem is I have acted in the same way myself.
I do not like gossip[ at work but I find myself getting caught up in the gossip as well.
Things I tell myself, "Who am I to judge?"
With gossip and rumors I make it a habit not to spread what I hear. That way the gossip and rumors fizzle out. Still I should turn a deaf ear on any type of slander talk, even if it is juicy.
Even though I might keep my actions hidden from everyone else. nothing is hidden from God. For example, I might decide to fudge my numbers a little come tax season so I do not have to pay the IRS. A little fudging here and there might not be caught by the IRS. However, God knows.
I am guilty of making assumptions about other people. One time came to my mind that happened around 30 years ago. I got a call from Tony regarding a job interview. Tony talked in a very effeminate voice and I assumed that he was homosexual. When I showed up for the interview, I found out that Tony was actually Toni, a female.
Question 2 In the faith builder story, the husband-who is a pastor-was struggling in his marriage. He had blamed his wife for all the problems. After a revival summit, he realized he was completely at fault. As a result, he was able to confess to his wife and seek her forgiveness. Because of this they were able to rebuild their marriage.
How had this man deceived himself, his wife, and others? What were the consequences?
He blamed others, especially his wife. He was a hypocrite. He thought he was not at fault. Because of this, he almost ruined his marriage.
Question 3. Why is it so difficult to be transparent about our failures and needs with those we are closest to?
Sometimes it is hard to tell since many people are self-centered. Plus it would help if people use a buddy system to point things out. But the individual needs to listen. Taking Bible Study courses are a big help.
Question 4 Psalm 15:1-2
1. O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent?
Who shall dwell on your holy hill?
2. He who walks blamelessly and does what is right
and speaks truth in his heart.
Psalm 24:3-5
3. Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
4. He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to what is false
and does not swear deceitfully.
5. He will receive blessing from the Lord
and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
What do you think it means to speak truth in your heart? Why do you think complete honesty with God and others is a prerequisite to enjoy an intimate relationship with God?
A person has to be honest with himself to have total peace with God. He has to know that sins are what they are, acts that God hates. He should not try to justify or make excuses for the acts that God condemns.
Proverbs 28:13 (NKJV)
"Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy."
Think about a time when you were tempted to leave a better impression of yourself than was true. What did you do? Why?
I am a big hypocrite. I do not always practice what I preach.
There are times at work where I see somebody acting in a certain way that I do not approve of. The problem is I have acted in the same way myself.
I do not like gossip[ at work but I find myself getting caught up in the gossip as well.
Things I tell myself, "Who am I to judge?"
With gossip and rumors I make it a habit not to spread what I hear. That way the gossip and rumors fizzle out. Still I should turn a deaf ear on any type of slander talk, even if it is juicy.
Even though I might keep my actions hidden from everyone else. nothing is hidden from God. For example, I might decide to fudge my numbers a little come tax season so I do not have to pay the IRS. A little fudging here and there might not be caught by the IRS. However, God knows.
I am guilty of making assumptions about other people. One time came to my mind that happened around 30 years ago. I got a call from Tony regarding a job interview. Tony talked in a very effeminate voice and I assumed that he was homosexual. When I showed up for the interview, I found out that Tony was actually Toni, a female.
Question 2 In the faith builder story, the husband-who is a pastor-was struggling in his marriage. He had blamed his wife for all the problems. After a revival summit, he realized he was completely at fault. As a result, he was able to confess to his wife and seek her forgiveness. Because of this they were able to rebuild their marriage.
How had this man deceived himself, his wife, and others? What were the consequences?
He blamed others, especially his wife. He was a hypocrite. He thought he was not at fault. Because of this, he almost ruined his marriage.
Question 3. Why is it so difficult to be transparent about our failures and needs with those we are closest to?
Sometimes it is hard to tell since many people are self-centered. Plus it would help if people use a buddy system to point things out. But the individual needs to listen. Taking Bible Study courses are a big help.
Question 4 Psalm 15:1-2
1. O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent?
Who shall dwell on your holy hill?
2. He who walks blamelessly and does what is right
and speaks truth in his heart.
Psalm 24:3-5
3. Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
4. He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to what is false
and does not swear deceitfully.
5. He will receive blessing from the Lord
and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
What do you think it means to speak truth in your heart? Why do you think complete honesty with God and others is a prerequisite to enjoy an intimate relationship with God?
A person has to be honest with himself to have total peace with God. He has to know that sins are what they are, acts that God hates. He should not try to justify or make excuses for the acts that God condemns.
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