“ Living With Deception”
Allow me first to say that today’s message, “Living With Deception”, is a message that requires further study of God’s Word. It is vitally important that we understand the enemy will cause you (while listening to the sermon) to become sleepy, drift off but you must fight his attacks. He doesn’t want you to tentatively hear this message today. So put on your spiritual armor and receive what God has for you and me today.
Last Sunday I informed you that someone was praying against TWC and that individual desires the failure of our church. Beware individuals of this nature often present themselves as Children of Light when in actuality they are deceitful workers who represent the spirit of darkness, the spirit of deception. The Bible declares in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15,
“satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness”.
Now, according Strong’s dictionary, the word ‘deceive’ means to delude or misled, to err, wander, go astray, to intentionally be dishonest, fraudulent, counterfeit (that is a misrepresentation of). Deception is nothing new. It’s been around from the beginning of time.
• The devil deceived Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:13)
• The Midianites deceived the Israelites into worshiping a false god, Baal-Peor (Number 25:18)
• Today, Christians are deceived :
With flattering words (Romans 16:18)
By false reports (2 Thessalonians 2:3)
By false reasoning (Colossians 2:4)
Church, the Word of God warns us about the increase of spiritual deception. We need only to watch television and see its evidence. There was a time when you could turn the television on and enjoy a decent, crime free show. However, in this era, you can’t even watch the local news without hearing about multiple killings, shootings, death, kidnapping, and the like. I wondered why we’re witnessing such an increase in these acts of ungodliness. Well, according to 1 John 5:19, “we are children of God”, and unfortunately “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” The father of lies is the father of deception and he is none other than satan (the evil one), the devil himself. Look at John 8:44 which states,
“You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.”
We are so easy to believe what we see and hear not realizing that we are ‘Living with Deception’. Church, deception (spiritually speaking) is deeper than merely being tricked or lied to. Thus, it behooves every Child of God to take notice that our ignorance of the father of lies only propels his escalating, deceiving spirit more in this world. So here is today’s question: “How in tune to the Holy Spirit are we in discerning deception?”
Too often the Children of God are deceived because of our lack of spiritual discernment. We fail to recognize the firewall God has given us (His warnings in His Word and through the Holy Spirit). Reverend Bruce Farris of Thomasville Road Baptist Church stated, “When a firewall is used properly, it keeps unwelcome thieves out of your network while still letting you get your work done.” In other words, when we allow the Holy Spirit (our consuming firewall) to guide, led us, the viruses (deception) from the enemy will not stop us in accomplishing our God-given assignments. Thus, we’re not deceived into thinking ungodliness is presumed as acts from God. That’s why the scripture declares in Galatians 6:7-8,
“7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
Every single day, in all kinds of forums, God is quite often mocked. Too many saints come to church Sunday after Sunday and hear (but not listen) to the Word of God. Yet, immediately after the service, they conduct themselves in acts of ungodliness with the presumption that I’m only telling the truth. I’m here to inform you what’s said may be true but if the Spirit of Truth is not controlling the conversation then is truth actually in the words spoken. Too often the father of deception has us to believe that we’re living in righteousness when the motives are impure which results in us performing acts of deception. We move out of our flesh; out of our pains, hurts, and unforgiveness. We live ungodly when we know the truth. These same Sunday morning saints desire to satisfy the flesh. The Apostle Paul identifies the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-20,
• sexual immorality
• impurity and debauchery (dishonesty)
• idolatry and witchcraft
• hatred (disgust, extreme dislike)
• discord (friction, dissension)
• jealousy (resentment)
• fits of rage (flying off the handle),
• selfish ambition
• dissension (disagreement, rebellion, conflict)
• factions (division)
Oh yes Church, the devil desire is to assure we do not obtain eternal life; he desires our temple’s destruction is resting with him in the gates of eternal damnation. The devil is a liar!
So, with all that being said, this brings us to today’s text. However to clearly comprehend this text, one must study the Book of Mark and the Book of Daniel. For much reference in this text refers to the passages, especially in the Old Testament Book of Daniel. So in this pericope (this passage of scripture), we find where Jesus foretells the doom of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple—Great calamities will precede His Second Coming.
In verses 1-2: Christ foretells the destruction of the temple and brushed aside the disciples’ lavish praise of the temple. In ignorance, according to Mark 13:1 and Luke 21:5 which reads:
“As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!”
Then Luke 21:5 records,
“Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God.”
How many times do we miss the message because we are so caught up in the physical beauty of things just as the disciples were?
In verse 3: How many times have you been minding your own business only to be interrupted by someone or something deceptive? When we look at this verse, Jesus I believe was minding His own business; He probably was praying. The scripture states, “Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives.” Every word in the Bible is significant. The Bible didn’t say Jesus was sitting but it gave reference to where He was sitting. See, the “Mount of Olives” separated the Holy City (Jerusalem) from the Judean Desert which began its descent to the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is a place of no life, a dark, dry, and deceptive place. There’s much significance to the Mount of Olives in the New Testament:
• Jesus regularly went to the Mount of Olives to pray (Luke 22:39-40). He instructed the disciples to pray so they will not fall into temptation (which only comes from the deceiver).
• He often traveled over it on His way to Bethany to visit His friend Lazarus (John 11:17).
• His triumphal entry while riding on a donkey and her colt into Jerusalem occurred there (Luke 19:28-44).
• Jesus prayed with His disciples there just before His arrest on that fateful night (Luke 22:39-46).
• Jesus was arrested there, during which Peter struck the servant of the high priest with a sword and cut off his ear (Luke 22:49-51).
• Jesus appeared to the disciples on the Mount of Olives after His Resurrection, and He ascended into heaven from there (Acts 1:1-12).
It’s at the Mount of Olives (in our text) where the disciples confronted Jesus and inquired about the destruction of the beautiful structure (the temple). They asked when and what shall be the sign of its destruction.
As stated, the deceiver wanted them only to focus on what they could see … the physical (temple’s destruction). But, not only did the disciples wanted to know the time of the temple’s destruction but also the time of Christ’s return to earth, what we know as the Second Coming of Christ. Church, we can’t just focus on tangible things because they’re here one minute and gone in the next second.
• You can get another job…but you can’t get another soul
• You can get another house…but you can’t get another soul
• You can wear the designer clothes…but you can’t get another soul
• You can have the best of electronics: iphones, computers, laptops…but you can’t get another soul
• You can eat the best and drink the best until there’s no more…but you can’t get another soul
Listen, I believe one is unable to filter spiritual distractions without a sense of focus and concentration. Paul states in Ephesians 6:12,
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
I’m telling you that Christ’s concern for them wasn’t physical but rather spiritual. As a 1st time pastor, I learned regarding this church. I was so caught up on the number of people (membership) that I was losing sight of the spiritual growth of the current members. I’m here to inform you that this is definitely a trick of the enemy, the deceiver. Spiritual matters are always more important than physical. I like the way the Apostle Paul stated it in Romans 14:17-18:
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God…”
That’s why in Verses 4-5, Jesus responds with words that it’s not the structural temple that’s of importance but rather one’s spiritual temple (one’s soul) is far more important. His reference “many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah” lets us know that we are not to listen and certainly not receive everything into our spirit that’s spoken. We are to try the spirit by the Spirit. If what’s said is contrary to God’s Word then we are to refute it and not be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Therefore, if we are not careful, the father of deception, a false Christ will deceive many. Now between verses 1-11, the word ‘deceive’ is stated three times. Henceforth, is evident that Jesus knew that the Spirit of Deception would arise as many anticipated Christ’s return. That’s why Jesus, told His disciples, “Take heed (be on guard) that no one deceives you.”
We see in Matthew 24:11“And many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.” Jesus tells the disciples that many false prophets will appear (performing all types of miracles) and deceive many people including some people of God. How many people believe the words from some television evangelist, or the psychic (false prophets). Jesus goes on to say, their outward demeanor is definitely different than their inner man. It’s in Matthew 7:15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”
Oh yes, these ferocious wolves are right here in the House of God, in every ministry of the church. Some are on the ministerial staff, in the music ministry, the deacon ministry, the trustee ministry, usher ministry, praise dance ministry, church school ministry, and sitting in the pews. They are everywhere in the church. And guess what? We are living with them everyday! Believe me these ferocious wolves will present themselves as vessels of God. Oh yes:
• They know what to say to you in your most dire straits
• They know the bible inside out…they for the most part misquote it right or use it inappropriately
• They come in their fancy church garments, priestly robes, suits, etc.
• They drive the best cars
These ferocious wolves (false prophets) misrepresent God because their motive is to steal, kill, and destroy you. Note, the words ferocious and wolf means ‘destruction, death, no life.’ The why is because, these ferocious false prophets want to in any way possible to consume, take over your life. And the how is they want to steal, kill, and destroy?
First, the deceiver wants to steal your hope in God. He presents hopelessness to you; whereby, he steals your hope so you will begin to worship him and not God Almighty. He wants to steal your hope that is your faith and trust in God so that you don’t converse with Him. He wants you to think that you can't accomplish that dream, that goal which God has placed inside of you. If the deceiver can steal your hope then without your permission, he trusts that your vision will not come to fruition, into existence. So, he messes with your mind and heart and makes you think well because:
• I don't have a college degree
• I don't have the money
• I don't have any backing
• I don't have the necessary skills
• I don't have the talent
I don’t, I don’t, I don’t! Choosing to live the lie that my goal will never come to pass! Oh yes, the deceiver makes you think negatively and desires you to walk opposite of God’s Word"
“I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.”
“Greater is He that’s within me than he who’s in the world.”
“In all these things I am more than a conqueror through Him who loves me.”
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
“Now thanks be to God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ …”
Church, the deceiver doesn't want you to believe that:
¶ Yes, I can develop that nursing home
¶ Yes, I can be a parent to that child who needs a mother/father
¶ Yes, I can provide shelter to those who are homeless
¶ Yes, I can fed those who hunger
¶ Yes, I can't visit the sick, incarcerated, the lonely, the elderly
¶ No, I can't heal them but I can visit and lay hands on them and pray for them in the name of Jesus
Next, God’s enemy wants to kill your purpose, why God created you. Your purpose is not just accomplishing things in this life but moreso to fulfill the reason for your very existence in order for you to bring glory to God. If we’re not watchful of the enemy’s tricks, deception, we will fall into his trap. We will fall because our spiritual discernment is in isolation; thus, God’s people are deceived into fulfilling his (the deceiver’s) purpose …annihilation of God’s people.
He, the deceiver, not only wants to steal your hope, kill your purpose but he also desires to destroy your vision. If you can’t keep your focus on God and His righteousness then we’ll subject to focus on the things of this world…things which pleases the flesh. Remember Proverbs 29:19 states, “without a vision one will perish.” What you know to be wrong will begin to be right. What you know is godly will appear to be ungodly. Vision! It’s off because your spiritual discernment is no longer in tune to the ways of God.
We must be watchful for the deceiver’s tactics, trips and remember he comes as an angel of light but he is not your friend. Afterall, as I said, he wants to:
¶ Kill your purpose
¶ Destroy your vision
¶ Steal your hope
And the only way to win this battle is to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. The warning Christ gave to His disciples in verse 11 referencing the deceiver and his comrades is still valid for us today. Look at verse 11, "And many (not some but many) false prophets will appear and deceive many people." This verse gives reference to Daniel 9:27 when Daniel references the ‘abomination of desolation.’ This term, ‘abomination of desolation’ addresses Daniel’s prophetic words referencing the deception of many people in the last days.
27”…And at the temple he (the deceiver) will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.”
The Prophet Daniel states because of deception, God’s people will erect images of the antichrist in the Temple of God. This image erection is repugnant; it disgraces the ‘True and Living God.’ For, turning the temple of the Living God into a place of worship for the father of deception is truly an “abomination,” meaning sinful unto God.
Christ makes reference to Daniel 7 and is literally addressing His earthly death and His return to rapture the saints. He goes on to say things like wars, famines, pestilences and earthquakes are false evidence of His return. Rather they are the labor pains which forecast His return. And that the deceiver would have you to believe otherwise.
How many times do we attend gatherings and worship services only to find out that it’s actually a time to display one’s own talents; to usurp one’s own way…that is to bring glory to self? The House of God is solely for His purpose and glorification. Yet, the deceiver will have one to think that as long as we say it’s done for God’s glory that’s it is okay to do whatever we please. Not all things performed in the Name of Jesus are for Jesus’ sake. Church, everything done in God’s house has order as the scripture declares, “in decency and in order. And there is a way that seems right unto man but the end it leads to death.”
In closing, Eve’s sin was due to her willful desire to have her way and go against the Word of God. She knew what God’s Word decreed. Yet, she chose to listen to the lie of the deceiver to have her way. As a result of her choice, she paid the price. Question: Are you willing as the Apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 4:4 (paraphrasing): “To allow the god of this age blind your mind so that you cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God?”
Listen, are you willing to pay the price for allowing your spiritual discernment to be inactive? Or are you willing to allow the One (Jesus Christ) who has already paid the price (His death on Calvary) to lead us from all unrighteousness, falsity even while “Living With Deception”?
