"DO NOT BE DECEIVED"
- Introduction
- The statement, "Do not be deceived," is of frequent occurrence in the New Testament.
- The words indicate that many are easily fooled into believing that which is untrue.
- Let us consider those things about which we must not allow ourselves to be deceived.
- GOD Tempts No One
- James 1:12-16
God does not tempt.
- Genesis 3:12
Some blame God for temptations (James 1:13). Adam blamed God for giving him the woman who tempted him.
- 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.
- James 1:17-18
In contrast, God is generous.
- Job 2:1-6; Luke 22:31
God does, however, permit temptation. Apparently, Satan cannot function without it.
- James 1:2-4, 12
There are benefits to be derived from temptation.
- 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Peter 2:9; Matthew 6:13
Nevertheless, it is through God that we may overcome temptation.
- "Whatever A Man Sows, That He Will Also Reap"
- Galatians 6:7-8
Actions have consequences.
- Genesis 1:11-12; Matthew 7:15-18; James 3:11-12
This truth is revealed in nature.
- Romans 2:5-10
To sow one's wild oats is dangerous! To believe otherwise is an attempt to mock God.
- "The Unrighteous Will Not Inherit The Kingdom Of GOD"
- 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Some are foolishly convinced that God will not exclude those who engage in various sins.
- Adultery and fornication are deceptively called "having an affair".
- Hebrews 13:4
God says that sex should be reserved for marriage, and that those who do otherwise invite God's judgment upon themselves.
- 1 Corinthians 6:18
God describes fornication as sin against one's own body.
- Homosexuality is deceptively called an "alternative lifestyle" or "gay".
- Romans 1:26-27, 32
God calls it a sin worthy of death.
- 1 Timothy 1:10
It is contrary to sound doctrine.
- Theft is excused as "kleptomania."
- Romans 13:9
God calls it a failure to love one's neighbor.
- Ephesians 4:28
It demonstrates lack of a work ethic.
- Drunkenness is called "alcoholism"" and is considered a "disease", as though one can simply "catch" it, and therefore cannot be held responsible for it.
- Proverbs 23:29-35
God says that we must not admire the drink in any way.
- Ephesians 5:18
Doing so is set in contrast to our spiritual duties.
- 1 Peter 4:1-4
Such activity is sin, and must be ceased.
- Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:1-6;
Truly, such unrighteousness cannot inherit the kingdom!
- "Evil Company Corrupts Good Habits"
- 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.
- 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.
- Galatians 5:9
It doesn't take much to be influenced.
- Psalm 1:1
Walking with the ungodly leads to standing in their sinful path, until finally we sit down with them!
- Proverbs 13:20
Influence, whether good or bad, is contagious.
- 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
We are to be a separate people!
- Ephesians 5:7
May we never partake with the wicked!
- 1 Timothy 5:22
Extending our approval is indicative of participation.
- 2 John 9-11
Greeting and sharing hospitality with the false teacher involves us in his sin.
- Conclusion
- Do Not Be Deceived:
- God does not tempt anyone.
- "Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap."
- "The unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God."
- "Evil company corrupts good habits."
- Therefore:
- Take responsibility for your own actions.
- Consider consequences.
- Avoid sinister influences.
Download The PDF
Back To The Archives...
|