8PM PST OPTIONAL CO-ED BIBLE STUDY, POTLUCK, FILM: SWEARING TRUTHFULLY OR SIMPLY SPEAKING TRUTH? THE CALL TO INTEGRITY IN WORD AND DEED
Scripture Reading
Before we begin tonight, I want to encourage everyone to engage fully by reading scripture and notes aloud when it's your turn. There’s something powerful about hearing the Word spoken and letting it resonate in the room. After each reading, we’ll unpack the truth behind it together with group questions designed to spark discussion and reflection. I ask that you take at least a paragraph of notes for each question—write down your thoughts, insights, or even lingering questions. This practice not only deepens your understanding but also prepares you to carry the lessons forward into your daily life. Let's lean in and allow God to shape our integrity through His Word.
Scripture Reading
Matthew 5 calls us to a radical clarity in our words—a simplicity that strips away pretense and aligns our speech with our heart's truth. Jesus' instruction to avoid oaths isn't a directive to avoid commitment but a challenge to embody truthfulness so fully that extra assurances become unnecessary. It's a call to say what we mean and mean what we say—a countercultural stance in a world where exaggeration and half-truths often slip into the fabric of communication. This invitation urges us to consider how our integrity reflects both on our character and the God we serve.
Ecclesiastes 5 builds on this principle, illuminating the weight of our promises, particularly when made before God. The advice is sobering—better not to vow at all than to make a commitment carelessly or fail to honor it. This echoes a call to mindfulness, urging us to weigh not only our words but the heart behind them. To vow is to invite accountability. Our diligence in fulfilling promises, both to God and others, becomes an act of worship, a declaration of reverence and trustworthiness in our relationships.
Proverbs 10 turns our attention to the security offered by an integrity-filled life. Walking securely is more than avoiding deceit; it’s about fostering trust in every sphere—our families, workplaces, and ministry. Crookedness, on the other hand, not only chips away at trust but also leaves us on unstable ground, vulnerable to exposure and fractured relationships. These passages collectively remind us that an honest approach to speech and action creates a life anchored not on fleeting appearances but on the unshakable foundation of truth and commitment.
Matthew 5:33–37 (ESV):
"Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.' But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil."
Ecclesiastes 5:4–6 (ESV):
"When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. Let not your mouth lead you into sin, and do not say before the messenger that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands?"
Proverbs 10:9 (ESV):
"Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out."
James 5:12 (ESV):
"But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your 'yes' be yes and your 'no' be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation."
Psalm 15 (ESV):
"O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend; in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the Lord; who swears to his own hurt and does not change; who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved."
Discussion Questions
Matthew 5 points us to simplicity in our promises. How does Jesus' command to avoid oaths challenge our modern-day practices in speech and commitment?
What spiritual implications does Ecclesiastes 5 highlight about neglecting to fulfill our vows to God? How does this shape our understanding of keeping promises to others?
Proverbs 10 mentions walking securely through integrity. What does it mean to "walk securely" in relationships, at work, and in ministry? How does crookedness undermine this security?
James 5 warns about the consequences of empty or exaggerated promises. How does the “yes be yes, no be no” principle encourage a countercultural approach to communication?
Reflecting on Psalm 15, how does speaking truth in our hearts and swearing to our hurt set the standard for godly character? How do these attributes lead to dwelling in God’s presence?
Where do we see integrity tied to both our words and actions throughout these passages? Why does Scripture place such weight on their consistency?
How is God's holiness connected to the call for honesty and follow-through in our daily commitments?
What makes simplicity in commitments — a straightforward ‘yes’ or ‘no’ — so powerful for building trust? How can overpromising harm relationships?
Discuss a time when fulfilling a promise came at personal cost. How did the experience align with the biblical call to integrity?
Why do you think Scripture warns against careless vows, especially in a spiritual context? How should we approach making promises to God and others today?
How does an integrity-filled life reflect the character of God to those around us?
How can we foster a culture of commitment and follow-through in our families, workplaces, or church communities?
Psalm 15 outlines characteristics of the blameless. Which of these attributes can you work to more fully embody this week?
Why is it significant that keeping our word isn’t just for big commitments but in the small, everyday decisions too? How can we practice this daily?
How does the principle of integrity in speech and action free us from the fear of being “found out” as mentioned in Proverbs 10? How does integrity lead to spiritual security and peace?
Closing Exhortation
Living with integrity is a constant reflection of both our trust in God and our desire to represent His character to the world. Remember, securing integrity doesn’t call for empty perfection, but for an earnest, truthful heart that walks securely in His grace. Keep your promises — even the quiet ones spoken in prayer — and trust the Lord to guide your steps.
Potluck Instructions and Film Viewing
After Bible study, we'll come together for fellowship over a shared meal. If you'd like to contribute to the potluck, feel free to bring a dish that’s easy to share, such as a casserole, salad, dessert, or drinks. If cooking isn’t convenient, takeout is a great option — pizza, sandwiches, or any favorite local spot can add to the spread.
Once we've enjoyed the meal, we’ll gather for a viewing of the film Shattered Glass (2003). This thought-provoking drama is based on a true story and follows the rise and shocking fall of Stephen Glass, a journalist at The New Republic whose fabricated stories shake the world of investigative journalism. The film explores themes of integrity, truth, and the high cost of deception — tying back perfectly to our study on uprightness in character. Starring Hayden Christensen, Peter Sarsgaard, and Chloë Sevigny, it’s sure to stir meaningful insights and discussions. Don’t miss it!
What aspects of Stephen Glass’s personality or behavior made him so convincing to his peers and editors?
How does the film portray the importance of accountability in maintaining integrity, both personally and professionally?
At what points in the film do you think Stephen could have turned back from his path of deception? What stopped him?
How do the themes of the film compare to biblical teachings on truth and honesty?
What impact did Stephen Glass’s fabrications have on the people around him, both personally and professionally?
How is Chuck Lane’s determination to uncover the truth showcased in the story, and what can we learn from his actions?
What role does pride or the fear of failure play in Stephen’s decisions throughout the film?
Were there moments when you empathized with Stephen Glass? What does this tell us about the complexity of human flaws and forgiveness?
How does Shattered Glass challenge us to reflect on the consequences of deception in our own lives?
What can the film teach us about the importance of building trust and the difficulty of rebuilding it once broken?Closing Exhortation
Living with integrity is a constant reflection of both our trust in God and our desire to represent His character to the world. Remember, securing integrity doesn’t call for empty perfection, but for an earnest, truthful heart that walks securely in His grace. Keep your promises — even the quiet ones spoken in prayer — and trust the Lord to guide your steps.
Potluck Instructions and Film Viewing
After Bible study, we'll come together for fellowship over a shared meal. If you'd like to contribute to the potluck, feel free to bring a dish that’s easy to share, such as a casserole, salad, dessert, or drinks. If cooking isn’t convenient, takeout is a great option — pizza, sandwiches, or any favorite local spot can add to the spread.
Once we've enjoyed the meal, we’ll gather for a viewing of the film Shattered Glass (2003). This thought-provoking drama is based on a true story and follows the rise and shocking fall of Stephen Glass, a journalist at The New Republic whose fabricated stories shake the world of investigative journalism. The film explores themes of integrity, truth, and the high cost of deception — tying back perfectly to our study on uprightness in character. Starring Hayden Christensen, Peter Sarsgaard, and Chloë Sevigny, it’s sure to stir meaningful insights and discussions. Don’t miss it!
What aspects of Stephen Glass’s personality or behavior made him so convincing to his peers and editors?
How does the film portray the importance of accountability in maintaining integrity, both personally and professionally?
At what points in the film do you think Stephen could have turned back from his path of deception? What stopped him?
How do the themes of the film compare to biblical teachings on truth and honesty?
What impact did Stephen Glass’s fabrications have on the people around him, both personally and professionally?
How is Chuck Lane’s determination to uncover the truth showcased in the story, and what can we learn from his actions?
What role does pride or the fear of failure play in Stephen’s decisions throughout the film?
Were there moments when you empathized with Stephen Glass? What does this tell us about the complexity of human flaws and forgiveness?
How does Shattered Glass challenge us to reflect on the consequences of deception in our own lives?
What can the film teach us about the importance of building trust and the difficulty of rebuilding it once broken?