Us In The Real World - Week 4

Week 4 Recap:

Get Real: Confession in Relationships

Introduction

Honesty sounds simple—but living it out is one of the hardest parts of following God. From small social lies to deep hidden struggles, we all face moments when truth feels inconvenient or risky. Yet, God calls His people to reflect His truth, not just in what we say, but in how we live. When we walk in honesty, we build trust, strengthen community, and reveal the real power of the gospel in our lives.

The Standard of Absolute Truth

Truth isn’t something we get to redefine. The Word of God sets the standard—it is absolute, unchanging, and completely trustworthy. Every word in Scripture is true because the One who spoke it is perfectly honest. When we pick and choose which parts of the Bible to believe, we create a shaky foundation. But when we stand on the whole truth of God’s Word, we find peace and confidence in knowing we can rely on it completely.

Removing the Mask

Honesty goes deeper than just avoiding lies—it’s about removing the mask and being real with each other. Church should be the safest place for vulnerability, not performance. When we pretend to have it all together, we build walls instead of relationships. Authentic community begins when we choose transparency over appearance and invite others to see the real us. Vulnerability builds trust, and trust builds unity.

The Danger of Hypocrisy

The story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 reminds us how seriously God takes honesty. They wanted to look generous and spiritual, but their hearts weren’t aligned with truth. Their deception wasn’t just about money—it was about image. God exposed their lie to remind the church that authenticity matters. When we act one way in public but live differently in private, we become performers instead of followers. God doesn’t want actors—He wants a church that reflects His character in sincerity and truth.

Why We Lie

We lie for many reasons—to protect ourselves, to gain advantage, to fit in, or to spare someone’s feelings. Sometimes fear or insecurity drives us to hide the truth. Yet every lie, no matter how small, chips away at trust and creates distance between us and others—and between us and God. True honesty begins with the Spirit of God convicting our hearts. When we listen to His voice, He helps us discern what’s right and gives us the courage to walk in truth.

The Power of Authentic Community

When honesty takes root in the church, something beautiful happens—real growth. Acts 9:31 says the church grew in peace and strength, living in the fear of the Lord. That kind of growth only happens when believers are genuine with each other. When we confess instead of conceal, encourage instead of judge, and offer mercy instead of shame, we become the kind of community the world needs to see. Authenticity attracts people because it mirrors the heart of Christ.

Closing

Honesty isn’t about perfection—it’s about alignment with God’s truth. We all fall short, but grace invites us back to authenticity. When we stop pretending, when we confess and forgive, when we love each other enough to speak truth in grace, the church becomes alive. Let’s be a people known not for polished masks, but for open hearts. Because when truth and mercy meet, the world sees Jesus in us.