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. Our theme has centered on the topics of lies and deception and we’ve been looking at some of the Old Testament characters to draw lessons for our life. We’ve learned that God detests lies – Proverbs 12:22 [MESS] This is because He is a God of truth –Numbers 23:19a And that fact is in contrast to our human nature - John 8:44 Here are some of the truth’s we’ve covered: (1)We Lie because our nature is corrupted by sin, (2)Lying is a universal trait of humanity, (3)there are some basic reasons for why we all Lie, and (4) all Lies cost us something and have far reaching consequences. Dad and child exercise: WHO broke the vase? WHY is your brother in the cage? WHAT are you doing? Our key passage today is 2 Kings 5:20-27 and deals with a Bible character named Gehazi. In 2 Kings chapter 4 we learn that Gehazi was the assistant to the great prophet Elisha. In 2 Kings 5:1-19a the chapter opens with the story of a wealthy Syrian general named Naaman. The general suffered from leprosy and came to Elisha for healing. As a result, Naaman tried to give Elisha a tremendous payment of silver and gold as a thank you, but Elisha refused it, wanting the glory to go to God alone. Gehazi watched the general's entourage ride away with all of the wealth. We can only guess what he was thinking. 2 Kings 5:20 Our thoughts lead to emotions and if undisciplined and not God-guided, we will react in the flesh and our sinful character will display itself. 2 Kings 5:21-22 Gehazi's lies which may be driven because of greed, hurt feelings, jealousy, or some other motive. 2 Kings 5:23-24 Gehazi takes advantage of the goodness and generosity of Naaman. He thought nobody would ever know. 2 Kings 5:25-26 God's Spirit had given the prophet Elisha great insight. Here's what Jesus had to say about our speech - Matthew 12:35-37 2 Kings 5:27 There is no record that Gehazi or his family were ever healed of the leprosy or that he was restored to his place of service with the prophet. Here are some practical life lessons from Gehazi: Sin hides and thrives in the secret recesses of our life. The enemy always takes more than he promises. Being near good people is not the same as becoming a good person. Consulting with God will always be better than making decisions on your own. We will be held accountable for our life and our words.