2025.06.22 Sermon Notes. DISCERNMENT in the DAYS of DECEPTION – A SPIRITUAL WARNING PART 1_ Matthew 16:1-12
WILLIAM AKEHURST, HSWC
BIG IDEA: JESUS issues a warning, a spiritual alert to HIS disciples and for us today. A wake-up call to stand firm in sound doctrine, to test all things, and to hold fast to the truth of God's Word.
Scriptures: Matthew 16:1-12, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12, 1 Timothy 4:1, Matthew 24:24, 1 John 4:1, 1 John 4:3, Titus 1:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, Romans 12:2, Romans 10:9, John 14:6, Joshua 1:8-9
PART 1: 1-12 DISCERNMENT in the DAYS of DECEPTION – A SPIRITUAL WARNING
PART 2: 13-28 THE CHRIST, THE CROSS, THE CALL
"Who Do You Say Jesus Is? Confessing, Following, and Carrying the Cross"
Matthew 16:1-12 is a passage that may seem simple at first glance, but it is deeply relevant to our time. Jesus issues a warning, a spiritual alert to His disciples and to us. He tells them to “beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
In a world full of religious noise, twisted truth, cultural compromise, and half-gospels, this warning is not only timely - it’s vital.
I. A SIGN-SEEKING GENERATION (1–4)
The Pharisees and Sadducees Seek a Sign (Mark 8:11–13; Luke 12:54–56)
1 Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him asked that He would show them a sign from heaven. 2 He answered and said to them, “When it is evening you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red’; 3 and in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times. 4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” And He left them and departed.
KEY VERSE
"Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him asked that He would show them a sign from heaven."
The Pharisees and Sadducees were strange allies. Normally, they were religious rivals.
• Pharisees were strict legalists of the law, obsessed with outward purity.
• Sadducees were more political and liberal; denying the resurrection, angels, and miracles.
But here, these enemies unite in opposition to Jesus. Isn’t that interesting?
A common enemy can create strange alliances.
Even today, people with opposing worldviews unite in resisting the truth of Christ.
“Give us a sign,” they said.
Not just a miracle, but a heavenly sign—like fire from the sky, a cosmic wonder.
“Show us a sign from heaven…”
KEY POINT: The Pharisees and Sadducees weren’t seeking truth—they were testing Jesus with hardened hearts.
They came not to learn, not to repent, but to test—to trap Jesus.
JESUS RESPONDS
“You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times.”
They could forecast the weather but couldn’t recognize the Son of God standing in front of them. That’s spiritual blindness.
“An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.”
WHAT IS THE SIGN OF THE PROPHET JONAH?
• The Sign of Jonah points to Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.
• Three days in the belly of the fish; three days in the tomb. That’s the ultimate sign—and it still is.
APPLICATION
• Many today still seek “proof” while ignoring the cross and the empty tomb.
• People say, “I’ll believe if God gives me a sign.” He already has: the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• Be careful not to substitute spiritual curiosity for saving faith. Faith doesn’t demand signs—it trusts God’s Word.
• True faith is not built on sensationalism but on the Word of God and the resurrection of Christ.
***THOUGHT FOR TODAY***
With the things and events happening in our world today…
Are you discerning the signs of the times today?
GOD’S WORD is true, and we are watching it unfold before our very eyes!
We are living in the last years/days before Christ’s Promised Return!
II. A MISUNDERSTOOD WARNING (5–7)
5 Now when His disciples had come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. 6 Then Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.”
7 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “It is because we have taken no bread.”
Now the scene shifts.
KEY VERSE: “Now when His disciples had come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.”
It’s almost comical.
They’re worried they forgot snacks.
But Jesus uses the moment for a deeper lesson.
“Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
What’s their response?
“It is because we have taken no bread.”
The disciples misunderstand, thinking Jesus refers to literal bread.
They think Jesus is scolding them for poor planning. But Jesus is not talking about physical bread—He's talking about spiritual contamination.
What is leaven?
• In Jewish thinking, leaven (yeast) was symbolic of corruption and spreading influence.
• Just a small amount can affect a whole loaf—just like false teaching or sinful influence can affect a whole heart or congregation.
KEY POINT
• Jesus uses leaven (yeast) symbolically; epresenting the corrupting influence of false teaching.
• The Pharisees promoted legalism; the Sadducees embraced liberalism and denied resurrection and the supernatural.
APPLICATION & WARNING
• The Church today faces leaven from all sides: legalism, liberalism, compromise, false gospels, prosperity theology, moral relativism.
• Be careful what spiritual influences you allow into your heart and mind.
• Be careful what voices you listen to. Not every preacher, podcast, book, or social media (Facebook/TikTok) “Christian influencer” speaks truth.
• What we believe matters. Bad doctrine leads to bad living.
• False teaching can subtly spread and corrupt truth, just like leaven in dough.
III. A CALL TO SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT (8–12)
8 But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves because you have brought no bread? 9 Do you not yet understand, or remember the five loaves of the five thousand and how many baskets you took up? 10 Nor the seven loaves of the four thousand and how many large baskets you took up? 11 How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread?—but to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 12 Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Jesus lovingly rebukes the disciples:
“O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves because you have brought no bread?”
• He reminds them of how He fed the 5,000 and 4,000—twice, with leftovers.
• Why worry about bread when you have THE BREAD OF LIFE with you?
“O you of little faith… Do you not understand?”
POINT: Jesus reminds them of His miraculous provision (feeding thousands), showing that their focus should be spiritual, not material.
• The real issue is not bread, but belief—trusting in Christ’s teaching and rejecting spiritual corruption.
POINT: Jesus is saying: Don’t focus on physical concerns.
Wake up to the spiritual dangers around you!
THEN THEY UNDERSTOOD.
“Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
They finally understand: Jesus was warning against the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
DOCTRINE MATTERS. What you believe about God, salvation, and Scripture…matters.
• We must grow in spiritual discernment by abiding in the Word, staying alert to error, and listening to the Holy Spirit.
• Mature believers are able to test every teaching against the truth of Scripture.
LESSONS LEARNED FROM MATTHEW 16:1-12
1. Don’t demand signs when truth is already revealed
Don’t seek signs…Seek the Savior.
2. Beware of spiritual leaven…Small lies lead to big destruction.
False teaching can subtly creep in …Be on guard.
3. Grow in spiritual discernment…Know the Word, know the Truth
Discernment comes from knowing God’s Word and trusting Jesus fully.
POINT: ARE YOU DISCERNING FALSE DOCTRINE FROM GOD’S WORD?
IV. SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT IN THE DAYS OF DECEPTION
“Hold Fast to the Truth: Discernment in the Last Days”
Apostasy, Deception, and Sound Doctrine
PONDERINGS: While I believe there are those who are being drawn to the LORD by the outpouring of Holy Spirit in these last days…I also believe that in these perilous times, we are witnessing an increasing departure from truth. Scripture warns us not only that deception will rise, but that many will embrace it.
WAKE UP! This is a wake-up call to stand firm in sound doctrine, to test all things, and to hold fast to the truth of God's Word.
THE RISE OF DECEPTION AND FALLING AWAY
People will reject sound doctrine
People will reject biblical truth and seek teaching that satisfies personal desires.
• “...according to their own desires, because they have itching ears...”
2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
• APPLICATION: Are we grounded in sound doctrine, or seeking messages that only comfort us?
The spirit of apostasy
Apostasy will arise through spiritual deception.
Not every spiritual message or messenger is from God.
• 1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons
• APPLICATION: Apostasy is not passive; it involves willfully listening to lies over truth. What safeguards are you putting in place to stay anchored in truth?
God allows strong delusion
Rejection of truth leads to delusion and judgment.
Delusion is a judgment for rejecting the love of the truth.
• Because people reject the truth, God sends strong delusion
2 Thessalonians 2:10–12 And with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
• APPLICATION: How deeply do you love and pursue God’s truth?
THE DANGER OF FALSE PROPHETS AND FALSE TEACHING
False signs and wonders deceive even the elect (if possible)
Deception will be widespread, even performing signs and wonders.
• Matthew 24:24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
• APPLICATION: Not all supernatural activity is from God—truth is the litmus test. Are you prepared to identify and resist spiritual deception?
Test the spirits
Not every spiritual message or messenger is from God.
• “Do not believe every spirit…”
1 John 4:1 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.
• APPLICATION: Are you testing teachings by the Word of God?
Test based on the confession of Christ
1 John 4:3 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.
• PRACTICAL TEST: Does the message glorify Jesus as Lord and align with Scripture?
Exhort and convict with sound doctrine
• Leaders must “hold fast the faithful word”
Titus 1:9 …holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.
• APPLICATION: Our defense against deception is doctrine grounded in the Word.
OUR RESPONSE: STANDING FIRM IN THE TRUTH
Discernment is commanded
• “Test all things; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thess 5:21)
1 Thessalonians 5:21Test all things; hold fast what is good
• Abstain from every form of evil—appearance matters too
1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from every form of evil.
Renew your mind
• Be transformed by renewing your mind
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
• APPLICATION: The Word of God transforms our thinking and shields us from worldly influence.
Return to the gospel
• “If you confess with your mouth... and believe in your heart…” Romans 10:9 … if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
Understand the Power and Presence of HOLY SPIRIT and the TRUTH
The Holy Spirit is the believer’s guide into truth.
• John 16:13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
• Application: Are you relying on the Holy Spirit for discernment?
The gospel is the ultimate truth-Jesus is the truth
Truth is not just information; it's a person-Jesus Christ.
• John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
• Application: Is your relationship with Jesus your central source of truth?
Eternal life is rooted in knowing the true God personally.
• John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
• Application: Is your faith knowledge-based or relationship-based?
The battle is spiritual, not physical.
• Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
• Application: Are you equipped with spiritual armor (Eph. 6:13–18)?
KEY APPLICATIONS
Guard Your Heart and Mind
• Stay rooted in the Bible daily (Joshua 1:8 principle).
Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
• Do Not Fear
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
• Renew your mind with the truth
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
into the world
Stay Alert and Discerning
• Be skeptical of any teaching not grounded in the whole counsel of God.
• Test what you hear
1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out
Stay in Fellowship
• Isolation makes deception easier; community provides accountability.
Stay Gospel-Centered
• Hold Fast To Sound Doctrine. Keep the cross, resurrection, and lordship of Jesus central.
Titus 1:9 …holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.
Let’s Pray,
FATHER GOD,
Thank YOU for the truth of YOUR Word and the clarity of YOUR SON’S Warning.
Help us to be people of discernment and people rooted in truth, alert to deception, and focused on CHRIST.
Forgive us when we seek signs instead of trusting YOUR Promises.
Cleanse our hearts from the leaven of false belief and worldly compromise.
In a world filled with lies and confusion, anchor us in Your unchanging truth. Help us to discern the spirits, to hunger for sound doctrine, and to walk in the light of Your Word.
Strengthen us to stand firm against deception, and let us be voices of truth in our generation.
Teach us to walk in faith, live by truth, and guard our hearts diligently.
We confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we choose to hold fast to Your Word. In JESUS’ Name, Amen.
Be Blessed and Be a Blessing,
Pastor Bill
Selected Hymns:
#161 “Standing on the Promises” – firm foundation in truth
#506 “Open My Eyes, That I May See” – discernment prayer
#1 “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” – protection against deception
