Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 3:10-17

Do Not Be Deceived

(Part 1)

Intro.

1. Deceive: “to cause to accept as true or valid what is false or invalid”...“synonyms beguile, mislead, delude” (M-W).

a. 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. A clear contrast and choice is before us, 2 Tim. 3:10-17.

3. God repeatedly warns us: Do not be deceived...

I. BY SIN, Heb. 3:13; Rom. 7:11; James 1:12-16.

A. That Sin Satisfies our Desires (lusts), Titus 3:3.

B. That Sin Gives Lasting Pleasure, Heb. 11:25.

C. That Sin Does Not Bring Eternal Consequences, 1 Cor. 6:9-10 (Rom. 6:23).

D. That Sin is Not Seen & Punished by God, Gal. 6:7-8; Num. 32:23.

II. BY THE ERROR OF FALSE TEACHERS, Matt. 24:3-5 (11, 24-25); 2 Pet. 2:1-3; 1 John 2:26.

-“We are inclined to believe those whom we do not know because they have never deceived us.” (Samuel Johnson)

A. That their Teachings Conform to the Faith, 1 Tim. 4:1.

B. That Their Teachings Come from Christ (apostles), 2 Thess. 2:1-3.

C. That No One can be Sure about All Truth, 1 John 3:7 (John 16:13; 8:32).

D. That they (false teachers) are Servants of Christ, not Deceivers, 2 John 7-10; 2 Cor. 11:3-4, 13-15.

III. BY HUMAN WISDOM, Col. 2:8.

A. Persuasive Words, Col. 2:4 (void of divine wisdom and knowledge, 2:2-3).

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. BY RELIGIOUS FERVOR WITHOUT DIVINE APPROVAL, Col. 2:18-19 (Rom. 10:1-3).

-Testimonials, visions, experiences, emotionalism, Col. 3:17.

V. BY EVIL ASSOCIATIONS, 1 Cor. 15:33. (evil influences)

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.

3. Part 2: Deceiving Ourselves.

By: Joe R. Price

Posted June 1, 2021