DO NOT BE DECEIVED (1)
Intro.
1. Deceive: “to cause to accept as true or valid what is false or invalid”…”synonyms beguile, mislead, delude.” (Merriam-Webster) a. Deceive – implies imposing a false idea or belief that causes ignorance, bewilderment, or helplessness <tried to deceive me about the cost>. b. Beguile – mean to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness; it “stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving <was beguiled by false promises>.” c. Mislead – implies a leading astray that may or may not be intentional <I was misled by the confusing sign>. d. Delude – implies deceiving so thoroughly as to obscure the truth <we were deluded into thinking we were safe>. 2. There is a clear contrast & choice before us – 2 Tim. 3:12-17. 3. God repeatedly warns us! Do not be deceived by… I. SIN – Heb. 3:13; Rom. 7:11; Jas. 1:12-16. A. That It Satisfies Our Desires (Lusts) – Titus 3:3. B. That It Gives Us Lasting Pleasure – Heb. 11:25. C. That It Brings No Eternal Consequences – 1 Cor. 6:9-10 (Rom. 6:23). D. That It Is Not Seen & Punished By God – Gal. 6:7-8. II. THE ERROR OF FALSE TEACHERS – Matt. 24:3-5 (11, 24-25); 2 Pet. 2:1-3; 1 Jno. 2:26. -“We are inclined to believe those whom we do not know because they have never deceived us.” (Samuel Johnson) A. That Their Teaching Conforms To The Faith – 1 Tim. 4:1. B. That Their Teaching Comes From Christ (apostles) – 2 Ths. 2:1-3 C. That Nobody Can Be Sure About All Truth – cf. 1 Jno. 3:7 (Jno. 16:13; Jno. 8:32). D. That They (teachers of error) Are Not Deceivers – 2 Jno. 7-10; 2 Cor. 11:3-4. III. HUMAN WISDOM – Col. 2:8. A. Persuasive Words – Col. 2:4 (2-3 – void of divine wisdom & knowledge). B. Empty Words – Eph. 5:6. (fruitless: don’t be left “empty-handed”). C. Smooth Words – Rom. 16:17-18 (“good” words & polished speech). IV. RELIGIOUS FERVOR WHICH LACKS DIVINE APPROVAL – Col. 2:18-19. -Testimonials, visions, experiences, emotionalism – Col. 3:17. V. THE INFLUENCE OF EVIL ASSOCIATIONS – 1 Cor. 15:33. A. Where We Live (people we live around – cf. Lot, 2 Pet. 2:7-8). B. Where We Work – cf. Titus 2:9-10 (Col. 3:22-23). C. Where We Play – cf. 1 Pet. 4:2-3.Conclusion
1. Jesus warned us: “Take heed, that no one deceives you.” (Matt. 24:4). 2. We must heed His warning!
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