The Ninth Commandment: What Does It Mean?

Speaker: Jim Staley, Passion For Truth Ministries

Introduction

Topic: The true meaning behind the Ninth Commandment:
Statement: "Thou shall not bear false witness against your neighbor."
Overall Objective: To explore the context, culture, and language surrounding this commandment and its deeper implications.
Scripture Reference: Exodus 20:16

Main Questions: What does it mean to bear false witness? What does it mean to lie?
Common Interpretation: Many think it simply means "Thou shall not lie"
Deeper Dive: Examining the Hebrew word for truth, 'Emmett' (Aleph, Mem, Tav) and its implications.
- Aleph: First letter, signifies strength/leader (like an ox)
- Mem: Middle of the Hebrew alphabet, represents waters of chaos
- Tav: Last letter, signifies Covenant
- Significance: From beginning (Aleph) to end (Tav) with chaos (Mem) in between, truth encapsulates leadership through covenant born out of chaos.

Walking in Subconscious Truth: Many people live based on lies planted by the enemy.
Examples of Lies and Their Impact: False beliefs affect one's behavior and interactions (e.g., believing oneself is unworthy).
Counseling Approach: Identify and reverse lies, planting seeds of truth to set individuals free.
Importance of Truth: "The truth shall set you free," essential for spiritual and emotional healing.

Satan in the Garden of Eden: False witness against God, leading to mankind’s fall (Genesis).
Absalom: David's son, used slander to create dissension and take over the throne (2 Samuel).
Potiphar's Wife: Falsely accused Joseph out of jealousy and rejection (Genesis 39).
Joseph's Brothers: Jealousy led them to bear false witness, causing family strife (Genesis).
Aaron and the Golden Calf: Feared and shifted blame for idolatry, lying to Moses (Exodus).
Korah's Rebellion: Challenged Moses's authority, leading to God's severe judgment (Numbers 16).
The Gibeonites: Deceived Israel into making a covenant based on lies (Joshua 9).
King Saul: Disobeyed God’s command and lied about it, leading to enduring conflict (1 Samuel 15).
Ananias and Sapphira: Lied about financial contributions, resulting in their deaths (Acts 5).
Pharisees: False witnesses against Jesus, leading to his crucifixion (New Testament).

Spirit of Fear: Lies often stem from fear, causing people to shift blame or fabricate stories.
Consequences of False Witness: Destroying reputations, spreading slander, and causing chaos.
Prayer and Humility: Responding to false accusations with prayer, humility, and trust in God's justice.
Primary & Secondary Sources: Understand the importance of verifying information and avoiding the spread of falsehoods.
Judgment and Condemnation: The dangers of judging others and the call to show love and compassion instead.
Transformational Approach to Conflict: Use a three-step formula in conflicts: Admit potential fault, express feelings, and seek understanding.
Encouragement for Believers: Focus on love, uplifting one another, and cultivating positive relationships.

Avoiding Critical Spirit: Promote positivity and avoid judgmental attitudes within the community of believers.
Focus on Forgiveness and Understanding: Engage in open, humble conversations to resolve misunderstandings.
Call to Action: Pray for compassion, defend truth, and support one another in love and truth.

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