01/23/2026
Hey Refuge! With severe weather coming, we have rescheduled guest speaker Teejay Britton to a future a date. We very well may not meet on Sunday morning. Therefore, we have prepared a short Bible study for your family or group to do at home on Sunday. Stay safe and make sure to get in the Word!
Being True to Your Word
Key Scripture
• Matthew 5:37 NLT – Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.
• Proverbs 12:22 NLT – The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.
• Ecclesiastes 5:4–5 NLT – When you make a promise to God, don’t delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools. Keep all the promises you make to him. 5 It is better to say nothing than to make a promise and not keep it.
Goal
To understand why honesty and keeping commitments matter to God and learn how to live with integrity in everyday life.
Questions to begin:
• Have you ever trusted someone who didn’t keep their promise? How did it make you feel?
• Have you ever broken a promise—even a small one? Why did it happen?
Explain that trust is built or broken by words—and God cares deeply about how we use them.
Lesson 1: God Is Faithful to His Word
• God always keeps His promises. Numbers 23:19: God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?
• Every promise in Scripture shows that God is reliable.
• Because God is trustworthy, He expects His people to reflect that same faithfulness.
Truth: Our integrity points people to God’s character.
Lesson 2: Our Words Carry Weight
• Jesus teaches that simple, honest speech honors God. (Matthew 5:37)
• Overpromising, exaggerating, or making excuses damages trust.
• Even casual words (“I’ll pray for you,” “I’ll help,” “I’ll be there”) matter.
Truth: Words spoken lightly can still carry spiritual responsibility.
Lesson 3: Integrity Costs Something
• Keeping your word may require sacrifice.
• It might mean showing up tired, admitting mistakes, or saying “no” more often.
• God values faithfulness over convenience.
Truth: Integrity is proven when keeping your word is hard.
Application
Encourage your family or group to:
1. Think before they promise.
2. Speak honestly—even when it’s uncomfortable.
3. Follow through, especially when no one is watching.
4. If they fail, own it and make it right.
Discussion Questions
• Why is it sometimes hard to keep our word?
• How does honesty affect relationships?
• What’s one area where you can be more intentional with your words this week?
Memory Verse
Proverbs 10:9: People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed.
Prayer
Lord, help us to speak truth and live with integrity. Teach us to honor You with our words and our actions. Give us the strength to keep our commitments and the humility to admit when we fall short. Amen.
