Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 3:10-17

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!