We Feared

Joshua 9-11; 1 Corinthians 6 

“Then Joshua summoned the Gibeonites and said, ‘Why did you deceive us by saying, “We live a long way from you,” while actually you live near us.’...we feared for our lives because of you, and that is why we did this.’”

Joshua 9:22, 24

When is deception justified?

The Gibeonites felt deception was understandable because their lives were threatened.

Do Christ-followers believe the same thing?

Do we justify lying when we, too, are threatened?

Jesus gives us his life as an example of how to respond to opposition and eventually to mortal danger. Jesus is the truth and he proclaimed that the truth would set people free. The truth also cost Jesus his life.

What is our integrity in ministry, family, and the community worth to us?

What price would we be willing to pay to stand for the truth of the Gospel?

When we give place to fear, deception can easily be justified. Jesus came to set us free and give us life. Choosing Christ’s life meant denying our own lives, rather than saving them. This is the story of the Church when they follow and look like Jesus.

“Lord Jesus, deliver me from fear and any temptation to not live by the truth, for your glory.”