Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 11:1-4

Let No One Deceive You

Intro.

1. Human experience teaches us that we can be and often are misled, if not deceived, cf. Prov. 14:12. The possibility of being deceived is not something we cherish; neither should it cause us to be suspicious and distrustful of everyone around us.

2. Deceive (exapataō): “To deceive” (Thayer); “to seduce wholly” (Strong); Strengthened form suggesting thoroughness (1 Tim. 2:14). Beguile: “To mislead by guile, deceive, to deprive (of or out of) by deceit; cheat” (Webster’s). [Guile: “Cunning, crafty”]

3. We were all deceived at one time! Titus 3:3

4. God’s word helps us identify this possibility and its source, and offers us protection so that we will not be deceived and cheated out of our heavenly reward.

I. YOU CAN BE DECEIVED! 2 Cor. 11:3

A. Satan’s Craftiness Causes Corruption.

1. Eve: Caused sin and separation from God and His blessings.

2. We are his targets, too. Cunning efforts deceive us.

B. Satan’s Deceptions can be Withstood, 2 Ths. 2:3.

1. “Do not be deceived…”

2. Sober watchfulness, 1 Pet. 5:8 (Jas. 4:7)

3. Beware of Satan’s craftiness! (2 Cor. 11:3)

II. THINGS WHICH CAN DECEIVE YOU.

A. The Power and Influence of Sin, Rom. 7:11.

1. Sin deceives us into underestimating its power and effects.

2. By lusts and temptations, 2 Pet 2:19; 1 Jno. 2:16; Jas. 1:14-15

3. We cannot play with sin and not be harmed! 1 Cor. 5:6; 15:33

4. Prevention: Clearly define proper and improper desires, and which ones you will fulfill in your life, Col. 3:5-9, 12-13.

-Do not love the world, 1 Jno. 2:15.

B. Yourself (self-deception), 1 Cor. 3:18; cf. Deut. 11:16.

1. Element of pride and conceit (over-valuing of one’s opinions, etc.), Lk. 18:9-12; Prov. 16:18.

2. Prevention: Devalue our estimation of self (humility), 1 Cor. 3:18; Lk. 18:14; Rom. 12:3; 1 Jno. 1:8.

C. Evil People Who Cause Division, Rom. 16:17-18.

1. Show vs. Substance, 16:18; Col. 2:4; 2 Pet. 2:3.

a. Smooth and fair speech: Often persuasive, but not necessarily the truth! Harmless suffer!

b. Covetous men: Desire you for their advantage (Gal. 6:12-13)

2. Prevention: Mark and turn away from them - Rom. 16:17; Tit. 3:10-11.

D. Deceitful Teachers, 2 Ths. 2:3; 2 Cor. 11:13-15.

1. Contradict apostolic teaching, 2:1-2; 1 Cor. 14:37.

2. Empty words, Eph. 5:6.

3. Prevention: Hold fast apostolic teaching, 2 Ths. 2:15 (1 Ths. 2:13).

III. GOD WILL NEVER DECEIVE YOU - Heb. 13:5.

A. God is Faithful, Rom. 3:4; 1 Cor. 10:13.

1. He will not deceive you about your spiritual condition, about remedy for sin, about proper service of Him, about moral living or anything else!

2. He will deliver you from deceitful men! Psa. 43:1

3. Cast your burden on Him! Psa. 55:22-23

B. God’s Word is Sound (Not Deceptive), 1 Tim. 6:3; 1 Pet. 2:23.

C. Jesus Will Never Lead You Astray, Jno. 14:6; 8:31-32.

Conclusion

1. If we trust in ourselves or other men - We will be deceived.

2. “The LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man” (Psa. 5:6).

3. By trusting in God and His word (faith) we are shielded from the cunning attempts of Satan to beguile us and slay our souls.