Losing Credibility One Empty Promise at a Time
Each of our reputations are defined by our level of credibility. Instead of exaggerating with empty promises, simply stay reliable with a trustworthy life.

By Travis Agnew
January 17, 2021
Sermon Notes
Each of our reputations are defined by our level of credibility. Instead of exaggerating with empty promises, simply stay reliable with a trustworthy life.
Our credibility is determined by the trustworthiness of what we say.
Little White Lies (5:33-36)
- Jesus paraphrased Old Testament teaching (Lev. 19:12; Num. 30:2; Deut. 23:21; Zech. 8:17) regarding the importance of empty or misleading promises.
- We can easily justify misrepresenting the truth in order to support an agenda.
- Jesus condemned the use of God’s throne, God’s creation, God’s people, or God’s child to fortify our words.
- No matter where we are, our words never escape the observation of God.
Simply Truthful Statements (5:37)
- Bold assertions are unnecessary for the truthful person.
- The disciple’s life should be so marked with integrity that nothing more than a simple statement is required.
- If we need more backing for our words, we reveal them to be unfortunately untrustworthy.
Distinctly Christian Applications
- Accept that every media outlet has mastered the art of filtering the truth.
- Realize that our culture accepts inconsistencies as long as it supports the favorable reality.
- Christians must distinguish themselves as reliable in a time obsessed with fabrications.
- If you ruin your credibility on trivial issues, you forfeit the opportunity to speak into significant matters.