The title for our October series, Tricks & Treats, has two aspects that will be highlighted this month: Tricks: We'll look at characters in the Old Testament who can be described as tricksters, deceivers, imposters, liars, and other such terms. Treats: We're being encouraged to party with someone individually, with families, and in our community. 15 of the more common types of lying, and the general effects deception has on people and relationships. What type of liar are you? The Old Testament does not present its characters as flawless heroes. Instead it often shows the reality of mankind's fallenness. Rather than excusing or ignoring these moments, Scripture records them honestly. Today we will look at a few Old Testament characters who would probably be found in the Liar Liar's Hall of Fame. These people are known for their deceiving, manipulating, and lying. They each had their reasons for doing so, but as a whole they were pretty selfish. And just like them, people today lie to accumulate material wealth, protect ourselves or others, escape punishment, avoid embarrassment, win approval or admiration, maintain privacy, or gain power over others. Their stories teach us some powerful truths (not everyone who is intelligent is wise, not everyone who appears successful is righteous, and not everyone who smiles at you has good intentions) and practical lessons (not to imitate their wickedness, but to better understand human nature, recognize poor character, and learn what we can do to avoid their attitudes and actions). 1. Jacob Genesis 25:29-34; 27:1-36 The cost and consequences of manipulation are manifold. 2. Samson & Delilah Judges 16:4-21 An undisciplined life leads to an undesired future. 3. Haman Esther 3:1-6; 5:9-14; 7:1-10 What goes around comes around. Deception is a trap that often catches the person who set it. Unchecked pride, uncontrolled pettiness, and an unsatiable desire for power have a way of looping back to you. Consider the characters we talked about: Jacob, Samon, Delilah, & Haman. Can you relate to any of them? Have you encountered anyone like them? What practical advice would you give to the character you are thinking of? What step(s) will you take this week to act more like Jesus and less like these four?