Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 3:1-17

Do Not Be Deceived

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

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

I. BY FALSE PROPHETS, FALSE TEACHERS AND THEIR FALSE TEACHINGS, Luke 21:8; 2 Ths. 2:3. 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)

II. BY THE NATURE OF SIN, 1 Cor. 6:9. Heb. 3:13; Rom. 7:11

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

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

C. That it has no Eternal Consequences, 1 Cor. 6:9-10 (Rom. 6:23).

D. That it is not Seen and Punished by God, Gal. 6:7-8 (Num. 32:23).

III. BY THE INFLUENCE OF EVIL COMPANIONS, 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.

IV. BY SATAN'S CRAFTINESS, 2 Cor. 11:3-4.

V. THAT YOU WILL ESCAPE THE CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR ACTIONS, Gal. 6:7. Deut. 29:19-20; Rom. 2:6-11.

VI. BY THE TEMPTATION TO SIN, Jas. 1:12-16.

Conclusion

1. The light of truth prevents deception, 1 Jno. 1:6-7.

2. Jesus warned us: “Take heed, that no one deceives you” (Matt. 24:4).

3. We must heed His warning.

By: Joe R. Price

Posted: November 21, 2015