Telling the Truth in a World of Lies - Acts 4

Pastor Dan Walker, PhD, MDiv

Introduction: Living Out God’s Truth in a Deceptive World

Today, our message is entitled “Telling the Truth in a World of Lies.” On our launch Sunday, we introduced the new vision for our church, summarized in three vision statements: Experience God’s Spirit, Spread God’s Truth, and Share Life Together. Today, we are focusing specifically on spreading God’s truth as an essential part of our calling as followers of Jesus.

John 14:6 (ESV) Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Jesus is the truth, and His followers must tell the truth in every aspect of life. The first truth that Jesus teaches in this verse is that He is the only way to have a relationship with the one true God and the only way to have eternal life. Because Jesus is the truth, those who follow Him are called to live and speak truth consistently.

Proverbs 12:22 (NLT2) The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.

God’s blessing is on those who tell the truth, even when it is difficult or costly. He is opposed to and detests those who lie and speak what is not true. This contrast between truth and lies shapes how God views both our words and our hearts.

John 8:44 (ESV) You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Jesus tells us in this verse about Satan and his children, all unbelievers. As Jesus is the truth and His followers are children of God, Satan is a liar and unbelievers are children of the devil. Most things in Scripture are binary, and there are only two alternatives in this case.

In this case, a person is either a child of God or a child of Satan. A child of God tells the truth, and a child of Satan tells lies. We live in a world of lies, promoted by Satan and unbelievers who follow him.

1 John 5:19 (ESV) We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

As believers, God calls us to tell the truth and expose the lies of the enemy all around us. We are to tell the truth in a world of lies, even when it is unpopular or difficult. Today, we are going to look at a passage from Acts 4–5 to see how God’s truth shapes our lives together.

Share Life Together

Followers of the truth, believers will share life together. This shared life is a visible expression of unity and love that flows from believing and living God’s truth. Acts gives us a powerful picture of what this looked like in the early church.

Acts 4:32 (ESV) Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.

These believers were united in their beliefs, being of one heart and soul. They understood that everything they had was a gift from God and not something to cling to selfishly. Their belongings and resources were to be managed as directed by God for the good of others.

Acts 4:33 (ESV) And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.

When there is unity and shared life together, God moves in great power. Despite being commanded not to speak about Jesus, the leaders were doing the exact opposite by boldly proclaiming His resurrection. God validated their words of truth through His grace, bringing salvation, healing, and deliverance.

Acts 4:34–35 (ESV) There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.

This passage gives a concrete example of how the church family cared for one another. Those who were wealthier and owned land or houses sold their property to help meet needs. The proceeds were given to the church leaders, who distributed the funds to anyone who had need.

Living Generously as God’s Family

This is an example of how we should share life together by sharing our time, resources, and finances to support our church family. As followers of the truth, we must obey the truth of God’s Word and apply it to our lives daily. God’s truth is lived out not just with words, but also through faithful and generous actions.

We share life together by meeting regularly to worship and learn on Sundays. We also share life together by gathering in small groups where we can know, support, and pray for one another. We share life together by giving our tithes and offerings so the needs of the church family can be met.

Confront Lies with the Truth

God’s truth not only unites us, it also confronts deception. In Acts 5, we see a sobering example of what happens when lies are allowed to take root within the church. This account shows how seriously God takes truthfulness among His people.

Acts 5:1–2 (ESV) But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Ananias and Sapphira followed the outward example of others who sold property. They pretended to give the entire amount to God’s work while secretly keeping part for themselves. The issue was not how much they gave, but that they lied about it.

Acts 5:3–5 (ESV) But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.”

Ananias wanted to appear generous while withholding the truth. He lied to the church leadership, which was ultimately lying to the Holy Spirit and to God Himself. This lie originated from Satan, who tempted Ananias and found a willing heart.

Acts 5:5 (ESV) When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last.

God’s judgment came immediately, and Ananias died on the spot. Great fear came upon the rest of the church family as they witnessed the seriousness of lying to God. The truth was confronted directly, and its consequences were unmistakable.

Speaking Truth in a Culture of Deception

The truth of God’s Word is absolute and applies directly to today’s world. Our culture, news, and media are filled with increasing amounts of lies and falsehoods. Friends, neighbors, coworkers, and relatives are listening to and believing these lies every day.

When a person believes a lie, it begins to shape their life and is often passed on to others. As believers, we are called to be truth tellers who confront lies with love and courage. While we may not change the entire culture, we can influence the people God has placed around us.

Cultivate a True Fear of the Lord

The story in Acts continues with Sapphira, showing that God’s standard of truth applies to everyone equally. This moment reveals the importance of living with a genuine fear of the Lord. It also teaches us that reverence for God shapes how we live and speak.

Acts 5:7–8 (ESV) After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.”

Sapphira repeated the same lie as her husband. Through the Holy Spirit, Peter had discernment about what had actually happened. She had an opportunity to tell the truth but chose deception instead.

Acts 5:9–10 (ESV) But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last.

The same judgment that fell on Ananias also fell on Sapphira. She did not have to suffer this fate, but she chose to participate in the lie. Her death reinforced the seriousness of testing and lying to the Spirit of God.

Acts 5:11 (ESV) And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.

This fear was not terror, but a holy reverence for God. The only fear that belongs in the believer’s heart is the fear of the Lord. When we fear the Lord, we are freed from the fear of people.

Growing in Reverence That Shapes Our Witness

The fear of the Lord is cultivated by knowing God more deeply. We grow in our knowledge of God through studying the Bible, prayer, and obedience. As our fear of the Lord grows, our fear of man begins to fade.

The fear of man is one of the greatest hindrances to boldly telling the truth. Being a bold witness for Jesus confronts the lies that keep people from salvation. Every unsaved person is believing lies and desperately needs someone to speak the truth in love.

Conclusion: Living and Speaking Truth with Courage

God is calling each of us to grow in telling the truth in a world of lies. As we share life together as a church family, we can encourage one another to walk faithfully in truth. Through unity, courage, and reverence for God, His truth is made visible to the world.

May God help us boldly confront lies with truth spoken in love. As we grow in the fear of the Lord, we will no longer fear people. Telling the truth in a world of lies brings God’s kingdom from heaven to earth.

SEO and Metadata

Telling the truth; Biblical truth; Christian worldview; Fear of the Lord; Acts 4 and 5; Unity in the church; Christian generosity; Spiritual boldness; Confronting lies; Living out faith

Meta Description: Learn how living God’s truth with courage, unity, and reverence helps believers confront lies and reflect Christ in today’s world.

📘 Continue the Journey

Reflect deeper and apply this week’s message with the Message Study Guide — perfect for personal devotions, family discussion, or your Life Group.

Looking for community?
Join a Life Group and grow in your faith with others walking the same path.