Preaching on Deceive
Today we confront a pervasive and insidious evil: Deceive. As our introduction poignantly notes, deception has become so commonplace in our world that its sting often seems dulled. However, within the community of God's people, deception is particularly grievous, fracturing trust and undermining our witness. We must examine the many ways we can deceive and be deceived, and resolve to walk in the light of truth.
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INTRODUCTION:
A. Deception is very popular these days, and unfortunately, people are so accustomed to it that it no longer bothers them to deceive anyone. Our society often seems to normalize dishonesty, where manipulation and half-truths are readily employed for personal gain.
B. But even more regrettable is when deception occurs among God's children. Within the body of Christ, where love and truth should reign, deception causes deep wounds and hinders the work of the Holy Spirit.
C. We can be deceiving, and sometimes we don't realize that with such an attitude we may be deceiving. We hope this study will help us reflect and correct ourselves if we are falling into that error. The subtlety of deception is such that we can sometimes be guilty of it without fully recognizing our actions. This study serves as a call to introspection and a plea for honesty in all our dealings.
I. MANY PEOPLE DECEIVE AND ARE DECEIVED.
The reality is that deception is a two-way street; those who practice it often become victims of it themselves.
A. Many people deceive and at the same time are deceived themselves. The very act of dishonesty can warp our perception of reality, leading us to believe our own lies.
B. For example, there are:
1. False prophets (Jeremiah 23:26; 14:14). These individuals speak visions of their own minds, prophesying lies in God's name and leading people astray.
2. False apostles (2 Corinthians 11:13). Those who masquerade as servants of Christ but are in reality deceitful workmen, seeking to undermine the true gospel.
3. A false witness habitually deceives (Proverbs 12:17). Someone who bears false testimony perverts justice and misleads those who rely on their word.
4. We deceive when we are angry with someone, but we hide our anger (Proverbs 10:18; 26:24). Concealing bitterness and pretending to be friendly is a form of hypocrisy and deception.
5. Evil people deceive with their mouths (Proverbs 24:28). Their words are designed to harm, mislead, and manipulate others.
6. The tongue is deceitful (Psalm 52:4; Romans 3:13). Our words have the power to build up or tear down, to reveal truth or conceal lies. An uncontrolled tongue can be a potent instrument of deception.
7. Sinners are led astray (deceived) (Titus 3:3). Living in sin can blind us to the truth and make us susceptible to further deception.
8. Deceivers will deceive and be deceived (2 Timothy 3:13). Evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
9. Smooth words and flattery deceive (Romans 16:18; Colossians 2:4; Psalm 12:2-3; Proverbs 26:28; 28:23; 29:5). Insincere praise and manipulative language can sway hearts and lead people astray. Let us be like the apostle Paul, who never deceives anyone by using flattering words (1 Thessalonians 2:5).
10. Some frame the word of God deceitfully (2 Corinthians 4:2). They twist and distort Scripture to fit their own agendas, misrepresenting God's truth.
11. Riches are deceitful (Matthew 13:22; Mark 4:19). The allure of wealth can lead us to prioritize material possessions over spiritual realities, deceiving us into thinking they offer true security and fulfillment.
C. Here we see how we can deceive and be deceived in countless ways, both intentionally and unintentionally.
II. GOD'S PEOPLE MUST NOT PRACTICE DECEPTION.
Our identity as followers of Christ demands a commitment to truthfulness.
A. God's children, who are His people, must not deceive because:
1. God hates deception (Psalm 5:6). The Lord detests those who speak lies and abhorrent are the bloodthirsty and deceitful.
2. Christ strongly rebuked the deceivers (the hypocrites) (Matthew 23:13, 15, 23, 27-28). Jesus' harshest words were reserved for those who presented a false outward appearance while harboring deceit in their hearts.
3. Jesus was without guile (Isaiah 53:9; 1 Peter 2:22). Our perfect example lived a life of absolute honesty and integrity.
4. We must put off deceitful desires (Ephesians 4:22). As new creations in Christ, we are called to shed our former way of life, which is corrupted by deceitful desires.
B. If we want to please God, we must put away deception. Many brothers unfortunately shake hands with another brother and say, "God bless you," when they don't really mean it in their hearts. They are deceiving themselves, saying things they don't mean. Insincere words and empty gestures are a form of deception that harms both the receiver and the giver.
III. EXAMPLES OF DECEPTION.
Scripture provides numerous examples of the destructive consequences of deception.
A. Satan (Genesis 3:1, 4-5; John 8:44; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Revelation 12:9). The ultimate deceiver, whose lies led to the fall of humanity and continues to ensnare the world.
B. Joseph's brothers (Genesis 37:31-32). Their elaborate lie to their father about Joseph's fate reveals the depths of their deceit.
C. Judas (Matthew 26:48-49). His betrayal of Jesus with a kiss is a chilling example of deception cloaked in false affection.
D. Peter (Galatians 2:11-14). His hypocrisy in withdrawing from fellowship with Gentile believers out of fear is a demonstration of deceptive behavior.
E. There are many more examples of people who deceived others with actions that seemed good on the surface but concealed ulterior motives.
IV. MANY DECEIVE THEMSELVES.
Perhaps the most insidious form of deception is the one we practice on ourselves.
A. Many are deceiving themselves with their attitude toward life:
1. He who thinks he is something, but is nothing (Galatians 6:3). Pride blinds us to our true condition and leads to self-deception.
2. He who hears but does not obey the word (James 1:22). We deceive ourselves if we think mere knowledge of God's Word is sufficient without putting it into practice.
3. He who thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue (James 1:26). Our outward piety is meaningless if we fail to control our words, which can be instruments of great deception.
4. He who thinks he is wise (1 Corinthians 3:18). Worldly wisdom, apart from God's truth, is often foolishness and can lead to self-deception.
5. Those who want to sow to the flesh and reap to eternal life (Galatians 6:7-8). We deceive ourselves if we believe we can indulge in sinful desires and still inherit eternal life.
B. Many are deceiving themselves, presenting themselves in one way but acting in another. Hypocrisy is a form of self-deception that ultimately fools no one, least of all God.
- Preaching on Hypocrisy
- Preaching on The Mind of Christ Philippians 2:5
- Preaching on Look At The Ant Proverbs 30:24, 25
CONCLUSION:
A. Let us not be deceivers or liars because we become children of the devil (John 8:44). Satan is the father of lies, and when we practice deception, we align ourselves with his nature.
B. Deceivers will not inherit eternal life (Revelation 21:8). Those who persist in falsehood will face eternal separation from the God of truth.
C. All the examples of people who deceived others never worked out well for themselves. Deception, in the end, always leads to destruction and regret.
May we, as followers of Christ, be marked by unwavering honesty and integrity in all our words and actions. Let truth be the foundation of our relationships, both with God and with one another, so that we may reflect the character of the One who is truth itself. Amen
