Integrity In An Age Of Internet Fraud Series

INTEGRITY IN AN AGE OF INTERNET FRAUD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Proverbs 11:1, Ephesians 4:28

Supporting Texts: Leviticus 19:11, 1 Timothy 6:9-10, Matthew 16:26, 2 Corinthians 8:21, Romans 12:17

INTRODUCTION:

We are living in an age where digital crime—popularly known as “Yahoo-Yahoo,” scams, and cyber theft—is becoming widespread, especially among the youth. Many have exchanged godliness for greed, justifying their actions under the guise of “hustling” or survival. Yet, God’s Word remains unchanged: dishonesty is sin, and righteousness is the standard.

Internet fraud may seem like an easy way to wealth, but it brings spiritual corruption, legal consequences, and shame to individuals, families, and even the Church. Many have sacrificed their consciences and testimonies on the altar of quick gain, forgetting that every dishonest act is seen by God.

In a corrupt generation, God is still looking for men and women who will walk in integrity. Integrity is not just about how we behave publicly, but what we do when no one is watching. This message is a call to return to biblical standards of honesty, godly work, and faithful living.

1. GOD HATES DISHONESTY AND FRAUD

No matter how culture justifies it, fraud is sin in the eyes of God.

a) God Detests Dishonest Scales (Proverbs 11:1)

Unjust gain, deception, and manipulation are all abominations before the Lord.

b) Theft in Any Form Is Forbidden (Ephesians 4:28)

Let him who stole steal no more, but work with his hands what is good.

c) Lying and Deceit Are Works of Darkness (Leviticus 19:11)

You shall not steal, lie, or deceive your neighbour.

d) The Love of Money Leads to Destruction (1 Timothy 6:9–10)

Greed fuels fraud, but it pierces the soul with many sorrows.

Biblical Example: Achan’s hidden theft led to Israel’s defeat and his personal destruction (Joshua 7:1–25).

2. INTERNET FRAUD IS A SIGN OF MORAL DECAY

What is popular is not always right; cybercrime reflects the decay of values in society.

a) Many Are Justifying Evil for Survival (Isaiah 5:20)

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil.

b) A Corrupt Society Celebrates Criminals as Heroes (Psalm 12:8)

The wicked strut about when what is vile is honoured among men.

c) Secret Sin Still Brings Open Shame (Ecclesiastes 12:14)

God will bring every secret thing into judgment.

d) We Must Not Conform to This World (Romans 12:2)

Our lives must reflect Christ, not trends or pressure to compromise.

Biblical Example: Gehazi’s greed for money brought leprosy upon him (2 Kings 5:20–27).

3. INTEGRITY IS GOD’S REQUIREMENT FOR EVERY BELIEVER

God still expects His children to live clean, upright lives—even in a dirty world.

a) Righteousness Guards the One of Integrity (Proverbs 13:6)

A life of honesty preserves you from shame and destruction.

b) Provide Things Honest in the Sight of All (2 Corinthians 8:21)

What you do in business, online, and offline must reflect honesty.

c) Do Not Be a Stumbling Block to Others (Romans 14:13)

Let your life challenge others to godliness, not sin.

d) Integrity Is a Daily Decision (Psalm 15:1–2)

The one who walks uprightly and speaks the truth is the one who will dwell with God.

Biblical Example: Joseph in Egypt maintained integrity even when tempted and falsely accused (Genesis 39:7–12).

4. REPENTANCE AND RESTITUTION BRING RESTORATION

For those who have engaged in cyber fraud, God offers forgiveness—but true repentance must follow.

a) Confess and Forsake Your Sins (Proverbs 28:13)

Mercy is reserved for those who turn from sin, not those who cover it.

b) Restoration Includes Making Things Right (Luke 19:8)

Zacchaeus restored what he stole and showed fruits of true repentance.

c) God Can Forgive and Cleanse You (1 John 1:9)

No matter how deep the sin, His grace is deeper still.

d) The New Life in Christ Leaves the Old Behind (2 Corinthians 5:17)

If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation—no longer a fraudster.

Biblical Example: Zacchaeus the tax collector was transformed by one encounter with Jesus (Luke 19:1–10).

CONCLUSION:

Fraud and internet crime may offer temporary wealth, but they lead to eternal loss. What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul? (Matthew 16:26). God is calling this generation to reject the way of deception and embrace the path of integrity.

Let us be known not for clever scams but for sincere faith. Let us build wealth through hard work, not wickedness. When we walk in integrity, God blesses the work of our hands, preserves our lives, and uses us as vessels of honour in this dark generation.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, deliver our youth and nation from the grip of fraud and greed.

2. Father, raise a new generation that walks in truth and righteousness.

3. Cleanse my heart from every form of dishonest gain.

4. Help me to honour You in all my dealings, both online and offline.

5. Restore those who have strayed into fraud and give them a new beginning.