Trail Life Troop
NC-613
Devotional – Lying by Omission
Opening
- Today, we learned about being trustworthy, now let’s see what the Bible says about that value.
- Read, or someone read the Teaching verse. FYI: The memory verse is further down
James 4:17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
Devotional
Big picture Lies of omission are lies that are wrong as well
- Q: Can anyone define the word omission? (A failure to do something you have the obligation to do)
- Q: So, here’s a harder question. Does anyone know what lies of omission are?
- A lie of omission is a lie someone tells where they deliberately withhold (don’t tell/leave out) details about something to mislead others.
- Sneaky people think lies of omission are ok because the lie they tell doesn’t include false information. But it does leave out important information that deceives the listener.
- Our teaching verse tells us that failing to do the moral thing that you know to do is sinful.
- The fact is, lies of omission are a sin just like plain old lying. Lots of people think they are getting away with something by withholding information, but God knows they are lying.
- We need to be truthful in all we say and in all that do, and not withhold the truth from others.
- In U.S. courtrooms, before witnesses testify in court, they are warned by the judge to “tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!” That is an attempt to prevent witnesses from lying by omission.
- Some examples of Lies of Omission are:
- Not telling the whole truth.
- Omitting important facts.
- Not telling all that you know.
- Not giving any answer to a question.
- Changing the subject so you don’t have to answer a question.
- Leaving out parts of a story.
- There are as many lies of omission as there are lies. And they all lead to sinful behavior.
- But God will forgive us our sins, if we confess them to Him and change our ways.
- Changing our ways is called repentance. Confession & repentance will free us from bondage to sin.
Memory Verse #2
Ask if anybody knows it yet and can say it? Read it together 2X Consider having a memory verse pamphlet for kids take home.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Topical Questions
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Why is always telling the truth so hard to do?
Because we want our way, want to be in charge -
Do you think if people knew it was one of the 10 commandments from God they would stop lying?
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Do you think people would tell the truth if they realized God knows when they lie?
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Have you ever chosen to tell a lie by leaving out parts of the story?
Give an example from real life
Closing Prayer
Dear Father God, we thank You for giving us the 9th commandment so that our whole world would value truth and know that You are the truth. And, we thank You that Jesus said He was the truth and the life, for no one comes to You Father God except through Jesus. Help these boys to always tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. For the truth will set us free, whereas lying is not freedom; it's like being in prison. Help us all to choose to tell the truth. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen!
