August 7 Sermon: A Risk Worth Taking

Why do people (including yourself, perhaps) so often shrink back from the idea of truthfulness? How would you define truthfulness if you were to do so from the viewpoint of someone fearful of the truth? From this viewpoint, what does truth lead to? What did Ryan say the truth leads to, according to Proverbs?

Why can it be said that the Christian life is one that is marked by claiming responsibility for one’s actions?

Prov. 28:13 and 12:19 suggest that truthfulness via confession leads to freedom. Has this been your experience? Mark Twain said that the beauty of telling the truth is that you don’t have to remember what you said—what does he mean by that? Is this a reliable saying, as far as the wisdom of the Bible goes? Is that all there is to say—what would you add to that?

Are there consequences to telling the truth? How should we react to these potential dangers of truthfulness?

What was your reaction the last time you saw someone succeeding at something you’ve struggled at? Why did you feel that way? How does Prov 15:4 speak to that mindset?

What is the difference between flattery and genuine praise? How does flattery “spread a net” under your neighbor’s feet (29:5)?

Consider the earlier questions regarding freedom and truth-telling in Prov. 26:23-24. How does deceit (and even flattery) have the opposite effect?

What sort of effect can truthfulness have in the world? See Prov. 14:25. How have you seen this played out in your experience?

Ryan said that to be a Christian is to identify yourself by your need (see point 1). What connections can you make between this kind of truthfulness and the truthfulness of Prov. 14:25? Why do you suppose this sermon was titled, "A Risk Worth Taking"?