"DO NOT BE DECEIVED"

• Introduction
  1. The statement, "Do not be deceived," is of frequent occurrence in the New Testament.
  2. The words indicate that many are easily fooled into believing that which is untrue.
  3. Let us consider those things about which we must not allow ourselves to be deceived.

1. GOD Tempts No One
   1. James 1:12-16
      God does not tempt.
   2. Genesis 3:12
      Some blame God for temptations (James 1:13). Adam blamed God for giving him the woman who tempted him.
   3. Matthew 4:1; 1 Corinthians 7:5; 1 Thessalonians 3:5
      It is not God who tempts, but Satan. The business of tempting is one in which the Devil has a monopoly.
   4. James 1:17-18
      In contrast, God is generous.
   5. Job 2:1-6; Luke 22:31
      God does, however, permit temptation. Apparently, Satan cannot function without it.
   6. James 1:2-4, 12
      There are benefits to be derived from temptation.
   7. 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Peter 2:9; Matthew 6:13
      Nevertheless, it is through God that we may overcome temptation.
2. "Whatever A Man Sows, That He Will Also Reap"
   1. Galatians 6:7-8
      Actions have consequences.
   2. Genesis 1:11-12; Matthew 7:15-18; James 3:11-12
      This truth is revealed in nature.
   3. Romans 2:5-10
      To sow one's wild oats is dangerous! To believe otherwise is an attempt to mock God.
3. "The Unrighteous Will Not Inherit The Kingdom Of GOD"
   1. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
      Some are foolishly convinced that God will not exclude those who engage in various sins.
      1. Adultery and fornication are deceptively called "having an affair".
         1. Hebrews 13:4
            God says that sex should be reserved for marriage, and that those who do otherwise invite God's judgment upon themselves.
         2. 1 Corinthians 6:18
            God describes fornication as sin against one's own body.
      2. Homosexuality is deceptively called an "alternative lifestyle" or "gay".
         1. Romans 1:26-27, 32
            God calls it a sin worthy of death.
         2. 1 Timothy 1:10
            It is contrary to sound doctrine.
      3. Theft is excused as "kleptomania."
         1. Romans 13:9
            God calls it a failure to love one's neighbor.
         2. Ephesians 4:28
            It demonstrates lack of a work ethic.
      4. Drunkenness is called "alcoholism"" and is considered a "disease", as though one can simply "catch" it, and therefore cannot be held responsible for it.
         1. Proverbs 23:29-35
            God says that we must not admire the drink in any way.
         2. Ephesians 5:18
            Doing so is set in contrast to our spiritual duties.
         3. 1 Peter 4:1-4
            Such activity is sin, and must be ceased.
   2. Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:1-6;
      Truly, such unrighteousness cannot inherit the kingdom!
4. "Evil Company Corrupts Good Habits"
   1. 1 Corinthians 15:33
      Many are genuinely deceived in this matter, thinking they can influence others for the better, rather than being influenced by sin.
      1. Matthew 9:9-13
         While we must spend time with the ungodly in order to share the gospel with them, we ought to be sharing the gospel with them, not just having a good time, always reflecting on whether our influence is effective.
      2. Galatians 5:9
         It doesn't take much to be influenced.
         1. Psalm 1:1
            Walking with the ungodly leads to standing in their sinful path, until finally we sit down with them!
         2. Proverbs 13:20
            Influence, whether good or bad, is contagious.
   2. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
      We are to be a separate people!
   3. Ephesians 5:7
      May we never partake with the wicked!
      1. 1 Timothy 5:22
         Extending our approval is indicative of participation.
      2. 2 John 9-11
         Greeting and sharing hospitality with the false teacher involves us in his sin.

• Conclusion
  1. Do Not Be Deceived:
     1. God does not tempt anyone.
     2. "Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap."
     3. "The unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God."
     4. "Evil company corrupts good habits."
  2. Therefore:
     1. Take responsibility for your own actions.
     2. Consider consequences.
     3. Avoid sinister influences.