CAN WE FOOL GOD- -1 KINGS 14-1-20---INTRODUCTION--We live in a world of liars and we have close affinity with lies- Why---We lie to men and we lie to God- How successful will we be----From 1 KINGS 14-1-20, we can see three truths about a liar----1- A LIAR DOESN'T REALLY BELIEVE HIS OWN LIES---1 KINGS 14-1 -- a huge crisis --1 KINGS 14-1 -- Jeroboam's response. Why- --Cf. 1 KINGS 13 -- when his hand withered--So what is the ultimate reason why we lie-----2- A LIAR IS OFTEN WISE IN HIS OWN EYES- --The elaborate scheme to deceive the prophet -verses 2-4---- What's the aim--- Who's the target--- What's so funny -and silly---- Why take this route--- What's the better way---The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy-As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.--If we confess our sins,-He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins-and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.--- -3- A LIAR WILL ONLY SUCCEED IN HARDENING HIS OWN HEART---Contrast his response in 1 KINGS 13 and 1 KINGS 14 when confronted with a crisis-Isn't lying a small sin---REVELATION 21-8 - . . . all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.--JOHN 8-44 - You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.--PSALM 58-3 - The wicked are estranged from the womb- they go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies.