"Quit Kidding Yourself"
James 1:16-27
She woke up early and decided to take a walk. The air was clear and brisk, the birds were singing to one another in the trees. She stopped for a moment to say hello, and pat a mother deer and her 2 babies. The morning sun was just beginning to sneak over the horizon, turning the morning sky into a symphony of brilliant colors. O’ how she loved her life with Adam in the garden.
As she was walking, she realized that she had walked into the middle of the garden. And there standing with great splendor and power was the tree of "the knowledge of good and evil." It was a truly magnificent tree, it’s limbs were broad and strong, stretching out into the garden, bearing it’s divine fruit.
Suddenly, she perceived that she was not alone, she turned and looked behind her and saw The Serpent. The serpent agreed with Eve, that it was a truly magnificent tree, and then he began to entice her, with his shrewd words of deception. "Did God really say that you can’t eat from this tree? Surely you won’t die, if you eat from it. God just doesn’t want you to eat from it because he wants to hold you back, He doesn’t want you to be as wise as he is. So go on take a bite, you’ll see, it won’t hurt you, doesn’t it look delicious, come on take a bite, you know that you really want to, besides Eve you deserve it, you owe it to yourself."
As Eve pondered what the serpent said, it began to seem more & more reasonable to her. And as she reached her hand towards the fruit a strange and eery silence fell over the entire garden, it was as if the garden itself had taken a deep breathe, in fear & unbelief at what was now taking place.
The dark tides of deception had been set in motion, it’s waves are powerful and forceful, and they strive to pull men in (like a mighty undertow), moving them along with ever increasing force, until they bring their prey crashing against the rocks of self-destruction.
As Eve bit into the fruit she experienced the full blunt of the blow, she suffered and stands as a testimony to the "Agony of Deceit," to the Dangers of kidding ourselves.
Tragically, we know (many times from personal experience), that deception did not end in the garden. People still deceive, and are being deceived by both strangers and loved ones. The winds of deception are still blowing and the waves of self destruction are still crashing.
This week as I sat down to study our text - I wasn’t sure what I was going to talk about. At first I just saw a lot of good things, but I saw nothing that really pulled the passage together, then I noticed these 3 phrases; one in verse 16, 22 & 26.
"...Don’t be deceived my dear brothers..." (16)
"...and so deceive yourselves..." (22)
"...he deceives himself..." (26)
You know, It does not seem the least bit out of line -for James after talking about temptation to talk about deception. The words used here carry the idea of being led away into danger like a wandering sheep...
Remember last week we talked about temptation, we said part of the process is that a bait is dropped that looks good to us, appeals to us, interests us...
When you fish, you try to deceive the fish into biting the hook by using a bait that attracts the fish... a fisherman presents something to the fish that is intended to trick the fish - and cover up the fisherman’s true motives... Many hunters also use decoy’s to deceive their prey.
Now, there our many outside sources that seek to deceive us, sources that present something in a way that appeals to us - but in reality is far from the truth...
(How many times have you seen news shows - w/people who $1,000 in a scam)
But perhaps the most dangerous deception of all is self deception, when we deceive ourselves. When we kid ourselves and paint our own picture of reality.
Sometimes we are like the little boy who was overheard talking to himself as he strutted through the backyard, wearing his baseball cap and toting a ball & bat. "I’m the greatest hitter in the world," he announced. Then he tossed the ball into the air, swung at it, and missed. "Strike One!" he yelled. Undaunted, he picked up the ball and said again, "I’m the greatest hitter in the world!" He tossed the ball into the ir. When it came down, he swung again and missed. "Strike two!" He cried.
The boy then paused a moment to examine his bat & ball carefully. He spit on his hands and rubbed them together. He straightened his cap and said once more, "I’m the greatest hitter in the world!" Again he tossed the ball up in the air and swung at it. He missed. "Strike Three!" "Wow" the boy exclaimed, "I’m the greatest picture in the world."
The boy was deceiving himself, the truth of the matter was not that he was a great picture - he was just a lousy hitter.
Today as we look at James we will uncover 5 things that if we are not careful we can deceive ourselves about - and if we do , the end results can be deadly.
1) Don’t Be Deceived About The Source Of Good Things
"Do not be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the havenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
James 1:16,17
Are there any good things in your life right now? (Good relationships. Good family, nice home, new car, great job...)
Where did all these things come from? "Every good & perfect gift is FROM ABOVE ..."
It’s not from you - you didn’t do it! Understand that you don’t have these good things because of you! Because you are; so capable, so talented, so intelligent, or so resourceful - NO you have these things because God is so giving... They are from Him, every good and perfect gift!
WHY is important to know where these good things come from? (Let me try to explain)
When I was a kid one of the shows that was on television was called "Bewitched" - with Elizabeth Montgomery, her husband’s name was Darrin and he worked in advertizing, for a man named Larry Tate. An a recurring theme in the show was how Darrin was able to put together an aid campaign despite the craziness at home - and every time Larry Tate would take credit for coming up with the idea himself. And he always looked silly doing it.
Well, besides looking silly - as we act as though everything good thing in our life is from us, because of who we are - we also run the danger of developing 3 very serious attitudes/3 very dangerous sins and they are; pride, independence from God and a late of thankfulness to God.
Is pride a good thing? No Lack of dependence on God? No
Ingratitude? Certainly not!
However, when we recognize and acknowledge that God is the source of every good gift it results in 3 good things, 3 things that bring us closer to God, 3 things that allow Him to bless us and use us.... humility, dependence and gratitude.
2) Don’t Be Deceived About The New Birth
"He chose to give us birth through he word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all He created." James 1:18
Question; WHAT do we mean by New Birth?
By new birth we mean being born again - becoming a Christian, having our sins forgiven - being made right with God - being saved.
Now there is much confusion about the new birth today...
And many people today have deceived themselves into thinking they are saved when they are not, don’t take my word for it; listen to Jesus;
"Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is heaven. Many will say to me on that day, `Lord, Lord did we not prophecy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, `I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’" Mt 7:21-23
I can’t think of any more tragic words that could ever be spoken or heard then those.
Well, in verse 18 some of the confusion is cleared up. As James tell us 3 facts about the new birth...
#1; The New Birth Is A Gift...... "He choose to give us birth...."
We don’t earn our salvation... God gives it to us - it’s a gift - it’s by grace we have been saved.......
Steven Brown in 1 of his books tells about a man who wanted to get into heaven. He was confronted by St Peter, "we have a new system up here and you have to get 1,000 points to get into heaven." "Okay, what have you done to earn 1,000 points...?"
"Well I’ve never heard of that requirement before but I’m sure I’ve earned it. I’m a father of 3 children, a good father, and a good husband, I never cheated on my wife, I’ve never mistreated my kids. Both of my sons are missionaries and my daughter works in the slums as a nurse. I’m a banker and I give 20% to the Lord (now you know it’s a fictitious story, I’d let hm in for that).
I’ve worked to bring low income housing to the poor. I work 1 night a week in a clinic in the slums. I’ve put several poor kids through college. I support missions, I raise money every Christmas for the Salvation Army. I support my preacher, I’m an elder at church. I built an education wing on the church annousmoly. I built a hospital in Haiti"
The man looked at Peter and said, "How am I doing." Peter replied, "well, that’s one point."
"One point --- may God have mercy on my soul" Peter laughed and said, "you got it right-- that’s 1,000 points...."
It by grace....Don’t be deceived, nothing you do can save you -- AND nothing you do can make you more saved then what Jesus did on the cross....
#2; The New Birth Is God’s Plan
"He choose to give us birth...."
He choose -- the plan for the new birth, the manner of the new birth, the plan of salvation -- is God’s call, not ours. Unfortunately many people deceive themselves into thinking that they can make their own plan.. They think they know more about how to be saved then God does... "Well, it does not make any sense to me that God would require me to this in order to be saved... I just don’t believe that God would send someone to hell just because they weren’t.... I don’t care what the bible says I know what I did to be saved..."
"Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God ands sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness..." Rm 10:1-3
They didn’t know God’s plan - so they made up their own...
We need to understand that God is God, and we are God - He is the offended Lord, He is the one we’ve sinned against - And God is the one who sets the terms of peace with Him. It’s His plan/son/cross/world. We’ll either do His way or what we do doesn’t matter, no matter how we may feel in our heart, "Many on the day will.....".
Don’t be deceived you can’t make your own way - set your own terms...
Create your own plan....
#3 The New Birth Comes About Through the Word Of Truth
"He choose to give us birth through the Word of truth...."
James here echo’s the words of 1 Peter 1:20-23
What is God’s plan for the new birth - it’s really simple His plan is that his word (gospel, good news) would be preached and heard; and that people would respond to the message of Christ in belief, repentance, confession and immersion...
3) Don’t Be Deceived About Conflict
"My dear brothers take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you." James 1:19-21
DON’T BE DECEIVED ABOUT CONFLICTS PRIMARY SOURCE
I know that we have all heard it before, but the truth is, that communication is ONE OF the leading cause of conflict. Poor communication can led to all kinds of misunderstandings;
A rather old fashioned lady, was planning a couple of weeks vacation in Florida. She also was quite delicate and elegant with her language. She wrote a letter to a particular campground and asked for reservations. She wanted to make sure the campground was fully equipped but didn’t know quite how to ask about the "toilet" facilities. She just couldn’t bring herself to write the word "toilet" in her letter. After much deliberation, she finally came up with the old fashioned term "Bathroom Commode," but when she wrote that down, she still thought she was being too forward. So she started all over again; rewrote the entire letter and referred to the Bathroom Commode" simply as the "B.C.". Does the campground have its own "B.C.?" is what she actually wrote.
Well, the campground owner wasn’t old fashioned at all, and then he got the letter, he couldn’t figure out what the lady was talking about. That "B.C." really stumped him. After worrying about it for several days, he showed the letter to other campers, but they couldn’t figure out what the lady meant either. The campground owner finally came to the conclusion that the lady was and must be asking about the location of the local Baptist Church.
So he sat down and wrote the following reply: "Dear Madam: I regret very much the delay in answering your letter, but I now take pleasure of informing in that the "B.C." is located nine miles north of the camp site and is capable of seating 250 people at one time. I admit it is quite a distance away if you are in the habit of going regularly but no doubt you will be pleased to know that a great number of people take their lunches along, and make a day of it..... They usually arrive early and stay late. The last time my wife and I went was six years ago, and it was so crowded we had to stand up the whole time we were there. It may interest you to know that right now, there is a supper planned to raise money to buy more seats.....They plan to hold the supper in the middle of the B.C., so everyone can watch and talk about this great event.....I would like to say it pains me very much, not to be able to go more regularly, but it is surely not for lack of desire on my part....As we grow older, it seems to be more and more of an effort, particularly in cold weather..... If you decide to come down to the campground, perhaps I could go with you the first time you go...sit with you...and introduce you to all the other folks..... This is really a very friendly community.....
>>>> now that’s some poor communication.
James in our text gives us some great advice about communication;
"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry..."
QUICK TO LISTEN;
Now that’s a tough one isn’t it....
When Lyndon B Johnson was a senator from Texas, he displayed a sign on his office wall which read, "you ain’t learnin’ nothin’ when you’re talkin.’"
That’s true and so is this statement -- you ain’t listening when your talking....
Is listening before you speak hard for you?
Have you ever said something you wish you could take back?
Are you a good listener?
Would you spouse? Parents? Children? Friends? Co workers? Say that you are.
Here is a little quiz for you, God gave us how many ears? How many mouths?
Some people say that’s because He wanted us to spend twice as much time listening as talking. Others claim it’s because listening is twice as hard as talking.
Besides text, listen to what else God has to say about being quick to listen and slow to speak;
"When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise." Pr 10:19
"Reckless words piece like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Pr 12:18
"He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin."
Pr 13:3
"He who answers before listening that is his folly and shame." Pr 18:13
"Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise." Pr 19:20
"He who guards his mouth and his tongue, keeps himself from calamity." Pr 21:23
Here is some good advice to help us become a better listener; I know we can all do a better job at this, I know I can, because my wife says that I never listen to what she says; at least I think that’s what she said.
Cecil C. Osborne, in his book The Art Of Getting Along With People gives 8 principles that can help us become better listeners;
1) Don’t grab the conversation
2) Don’t let your gaze wander from the other persons face except momentarily
3) Validate the other persons feelings, "Yes I see what you mean."
4) Don’t interrupt
5) Don’t try to top the other person’s story or joke
6) Don’t criticize
7) Ask appropriate questions, "What happened then?" Or "How did you feel?"
8) Don’t argue
9) Don’t prepare your response when the other person is speaking*
10) Men with wives - sometimes need to just listen, don’t solve problem
DON’T BE DECEIVED ABOUT IT’S UNACCEPTABLE RESULT
James says that being slow to listen and quick to speak usually results in anger and that anger will not help you to life the right kind of life God wants. Good never comes out of anger.
Here are some wise saying about anger:
. Anger is one letter short of danger
. He who retrains his anger overcomes his greatest enemy.
. A chip on the shoulder indicates that there is wood higher up.
. You can’t get rid of a bad temper by losing it.
..Hate like acid, does more damage to the vessel in which it is stored than to the object on which it is poured.
"Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city..." Pr 16:32
"A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.." Pr 29:11
"Anger is cruel and fury is overwhelming..." Pr 27:4
"You have heard that it was sad to the people long ago, `Do not murder,’ and anyone who murders will be subject to judgement. But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment..." Mt 5:21,22
Anger & hatred are seeds that if left unchecked led to terrible sins -- (Columbine HS --- is where anger wants to take you...)
Do not be deceived about anger, anger is your problem - and you need to deal with it before it deals with you. AND don’t kid yourself that it is not a big deal... because until you control you anger - you will never live the kind of life God wants you to live....
3) Don’t Be Deceived About The Importance Of Obedience
James 1:22-25
A man went to see his doctor because his health had been going downhill. Each day he seemed to be getting weaker. After examining him the doctor tells him, "you’re in bad shape, your lungs are bad, your heart isn’t doing too well and you have diabetes. But if you do what I tell you we can overcome this, eat a healthy diet, exercise and stop smoking. And the man responds "That’s all I have to do? Thank you doctor"
Then the man walks out of the office, lights up a cigarette, drives to the Varsity and orders just about everything on the menu.... Stops by the local DQ for a huge banana spilt...then goes home picks up the remote and falls asleep during re-runs of Lassie.
Let me ask you, did knowing what to do, do the man any good?
It is not enough to just know the right thing to do; Suppose that you are pulled over by a police man for doing 80 in a 45 MPH zone, "But officer I know what the speed limit is...." Or what wife would find the following acceptable, "but dear I know that I am supposed to be faithful...."
Knowing the right is not enough.....
Anyone here ever looked in a mirror, why do you do that? To make sure you look okay. Nothing out of place.... Now what good would it do for you to look in a mirror and see that your hair is sticking up in the back like a porcupine, your left cheek has pizza sauce on it and you have a huge piece of oregano stuck between your teeth - if you walk away do nothing....
The mirror did you no good...
God’s word is a mirror - and it tells us about things we need to straighten up -- and it does us no good to know what the word says about;
and then not do it...
5) Don’t be Deceived About The Nature Of True Religion
"Religion that God our father accepts as pure and faultless is this; to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
Religion that God accepts and that He wants, is not merely an outward thing; it’s no just about being in a certain building at a certain time , wearing the right clothes, standing when it is time to stand, singing when it’s time to sing...it’s not merely about observing the outward acts of religion....
It’s really about 2 things;
helping those in need "whoever is kind to the needy honors God..." Pr 14:32.
AND it’s about trying to be more like Jesus, U R like the world.
I remember as a kid watching the opening of the show THE WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS... I remember the scenes of people winning sports events and I remember seeing some guy wipe out in the trees while skiing... And the announcer would say "The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat..."
Well, today we’ve talked about the agony of deceit.
How decieving ourselves about certain things can led to pride, independence from God, ingartitude, missing out on the new birth, conflict, anger, judgment and having a relgion that is worthless...
This past week we saw powerful images of the thrill of victory and the agony of deceit...
Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold - are a picture of the agony of deceit. They were deceived and they deceived themselves into thinking there was no hope. And mass murder was the way they wanted to go out. They now know they were deceived .. That there is a way that seems right to man but only ends in death.
Rachael Scott on the other hand experienced the thrill of victory.. She stood her ground, trusted her Lord and received her reward...
