Don’t Be Deceived

 

Intro: We need to pay close attention to what is being said and taught all around us, in our government and churches, in the news and social media. We need to be alert for the deception, it is here. We are and will continue to be exposed to deception about the intentions of the other religions that are coming into our nation. There is deception by some of our government leaders about their intentions for a new world order and one world religion. The news deceives us everyday trying to control what people believe. There are so many deceptions right now. God does not want us to be deceived so He warns us in His word.

I. The bible warns there will be much deception in the last days.  1 Timothy 4:1-2 ¹ Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, ² speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron. Jesus and the apostles forewarned us that during the last days false teachers will abound—loving money and attention, power and prestige, distorting the truth, dividing believers, and causing many to go astray as they follow lying spirits and teachings that come from demons. These people in the church will turn away from the faith, even though they may appear to still be faithful believers. They pretend to be religious, but their consciences are dead. Paul warns us about false teachers. He never said that the false teachers misunderstood the gospel or that they simply taught in error. Rather, they were hypocrites (pretenders) and liars, with their teaching coming from Satan himself. Don't think you can't be deceived by false teaching. 

II. We are to test the spirits of prophets and teachers.                     1 John 4:1-3 (NKJV) ¹  Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. ²  By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, ³  and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. The devil has put his false prophets in the church, news, and in our government to deceive many. We are to test the spirits by the truth of God's word.

III. Satan’s goal is to deceive the whole world.                                                    Satan is brilliantly clever at taking age-old lies, disguising them to look good, and gradually introducing them to even those who insist that they believe in the infallible authority of the Bible. Revelation 12:9 speaks of, "... that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceives the whole world." The Lord put this and similar verses in his Word to warn us of a reality of worldly deception. Devil tries to disprove the word of God. He says it is outdated and too narrow-minded toward other religions. And even those who profess to be Christians are falling for the lies. Satan tells mankind that they can work out all their problems without God. He tells them take God out of school and all public arenas. He tells them you have a right to live as you chose. Whatever way you want to live is o.k. You have a right to believe as you choose, you have the right to choose abortion and the homosexual lifestyle. You don't have to listen to Christians and God's word.

IV. Satan’s deception about salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV) ⁸  For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, ⁹  not of works, lest anyone should boast. He teaches the doctrine of salvation by works instead of God’s grace. There are many ways to God. He Attempts to mix all ideas and religions together into one. To make God whatever you want Him to be and approve of all your religious ways and lifestyle. That your way to God is as good as the one mentioned in the bible. [John 14:6]

V. The solution to avoiding deception. Matthew 4:4  But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' " As we read the Holy word of God and meditate and memorize it we will see the lie instantly. Christians who don't read God's word are likely to fall for Satan's deceptions and lies. The bible will do you no good until you read and memorize it. People are much more likely, these days, to not refer to the Bible for their convictions and world- view, but instead to follow the opinions of leaders they look up to. In these days T.V. Ministers are likely to draw our attention and our allegiance because of smooth words. It is a dangerous thing to set up experts within the Body of Christ who are beyond criticism. In these last days we cannot afford to follow human leaders as if they were experts; no matter who they are. We are to be taught by Jesus, and him alone. We must make it a priority to read God's word everyday to keep from being deceived by the news, friends, church leaders, smooth talkers and political leaders.

Invitation: Do not be deceived about your salvation. Be sure you have confessed your sins to Jesus and asked Him to forgive you for all have fallen short of God’s glory according to Rom. 3:23. The bible says in 2 Corinthians 6:2b Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.