Sermons on Spiritual Self Deception:

The Deceptive Power Of A Good Excuse

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jul 29, 2024

Excuses can rob us of God's best. They are an enemy of great faith and accomplishment. In this examination of Luke 14:15-24, we learn from Jesus's story about those who excused themselves from a great feast. Those people missed the opportunity of a lifetime.

Intro We take as our text today Luke 14:15-24. Follow with me as we read that passage. “Now when one of those who sat at the table with Him heard these things, he said to Him, ‘Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God! 16 Then He [Jesus] said to him, ‘A certain man gave a great ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:1-24, Matthew 22:1-14, 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, Philippians 4:13, Luke 6:1-11, Proverbs 26:13, John 4:1-29, John 3:16, Matthew 7:13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

The Character Of Self Control Series

Contributed by Scott Bradford on Mar 20, 2007

This sermon is in a series on fruit of the Spirit, namely The Character of a Christian: Self Control.

I. I have really enjoyed preaching this series on the "fruits" (character) of a Christian, and then I came down to this last one and read it again "Self Control". I sort of did one of those Lucille Ball takes (uggh!) on it! Like it is easy for me to talk about joy, and love, and peace, but "self ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-26

Denomination: United Methodist

Self-Control Is The Key Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 5, 2021

The point that Paul stresses is that a Christian leader is to be one who has a great deal of self-control so that he does not let his actions or emotions go to extremes. He does not dominate, lose his temper, or go off on a binge of drinking to escape the pressures of life.

Gigi is Billy Graham's daughter, and she writes about one of those days she wishes she could wiped off the calendar. It all started with an experience some of you have had. It was flood damage to their house. The carpet men were there replacing the water ruined carpet. She was trying to do ...read more

Scripture: Titus 1:5-9

We Can Deceive Ourselves Series

Contributed by Dr. Dave Hartson on Jun 29, 2021

Deception can come from within. Have you ever told yourself a lie, and talked yourself into believing it? That is self-deception. Have you ever seen your friends doing something, and you know it is wrong, but you still talked yourself into doing that exact same thing? That is self-deception.

Introduction My Bible tells me as we approach the end times, there will be one major event that will occur that the church is silent about for the most part, and therefore, the church is not teaching its members to be aware. But this event must occur, and we must be prepared for it because God ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:3

Denomination: Baptist

It Is Not A Good Idea To Lie To God! Series

Contributed by John Hamby on Nov 14, 2000

Deals with the danger of spiritual deception.

A Study of the Book of Acts Sermon # 11 “It is not a Good Idea to Lie to God!” Acts 5:1-11 Things were going great in the church. As we have seen in the previous study, verse 33 tells us that there was great power and great grace at work in the church. Satan, always the enemy of God’s great ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Dark Deception Of Pedophiles In The Pulpit Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Oct 5, 2025

In the context of pedophiles disguising themselves as prophets, preachers and priests, we must turn to Scripture for guidance and wisdom.

The Bible warns us about the dangers of false teachers and spiritual leaders who seek to exploit and harm the vulnerable. In the context of pedophiles disguising themselves as prophets, preachers and priests, we must turn to Scripture for guidance and wisdom. Identifying the Wolves in Sheep's ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:6

The Deception And Death Of Annanias And Sapphira

Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Oct 27, 2014

A sermon examining the tragic end of a deceptive couple.

THE DECEPTION AND DEATH OF ANNANIAS AND SAPPHIRA Acts 5:1-11 (Antioch Baptist Church: Wednesday, October 11th, 2025) “George MacDonald wrote, ‘Half of the misery in the world comes from trying to look instead of trying to be, what one is not.’ The name that Jesus gave to this practice is ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Defection, Deception & Destruction Of The Gospel Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Aug 11, 2018

In Galatians 1:6–9 we see the dangers of: 1) Defection (Galatians 1:6), 2) Deception (Galatians 1:7), and 3) Destruction (Galatians 1:8-9) of those who would pervert the Gospel of Grace.

Every culture has unique expressions that can seem foreign to others. For one who is astonished, the British have the expression that one is “gob-smacked.” “Gob” is slang for “mouth.” To be smacked is to be slapped with an open hand. So someone who is “gob-smacked” opens his mouth, claps his hand ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:6-9

Denomination: Other

Discernment In The Days Of Deception – A Spiritual Warning From Matthew 16:1-12 Series

Contributed by William Akehurst on Jun 21, 2025

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.

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 ...read more

Scripture: 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  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Deception To Tap Into Your Weaknes

Contributed by Gregory Thomas on Feb 10, 2009

Shows That Dlilah Is Not Gender Specific and That It’s A Spirit That Comes To Identify Your Weakness That Your Strength Will Be Overtaken.

Deception to Tap Into Your Weakness Judges 16: 4-19 Introduction It is inevitable to tap into your strength until someone has tapped into your weakness. Delilah deceives Samson so that she could gain monetary favor from ...read more

Scripture: Judges 16:4-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Staying True In A Time Of Deception

Contributed by Derek Geldart on May 3, 2025

In a world saturated with deception and shifting opinions—even infiltrating the church—believers must stand firm in the timeless truth of God's Word, pursue godliness through disciplined devotion, and anchor their hope in Christ, who alone is the unchanging way, truth, and life.

Staying True in a Time of Deception 1 Timothy 4:1-10 Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567 Immanuel Kant and other constructivists would argue that truth is not something objective, but rather the construction of each person’s mind, shaped by perceptions, experiences, and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Empowered But No Self-Control Series

Contributed by Manny Salva Cruz on May 16, 2016

Samson was a man who was gifted with supernatural strength but has not much with regards to his moral character. He was greatly empowered by God but he was not able to control his desires. We will learn several life lessons from this story.

Samson was the strongest man alive, yet something went wrong along the way that has changed his life's direction. The four D's of Samson's downfall - His Desire, His Disrespect, His Disobedience and His Deception. First, he was overwhelmed by his desire for the woman. When he went to Timnah, he ...read more

Scripture: Judges 14:8-20

Denomination: Nazarene

Defection, Deception & Destruction Of The Gospel Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Aug 18, 2008

1) PAUL’S WONDER ABOUT THE GALATIANS’ DEFECTION (Galatians 1:6) 2) PAUL’S WISDOM REGARDING THE FALSE TEACHERS’ DECEPTION (Galatians 1:7) 3) PAUL’S WARNING OF GOD’S DESTRUCTION (Galatians 1:8–9)

This week, a U. S. soldier who was deported after his refugee claim was dismissed in Federal Court. This is nearly three years following his arrival in Canada and he may now face a number of consequences for army desertion. Robin Long, believed to be the first military deserter to be sent back to ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:6-9

Denomination: Other

False Doctrine Leads To Deception

Contributed by Donna Kazenske on Sep 7, 2002

Many "Christians" are being led astray by false teaching. We must be careful to hear and know the truth that will keep us from getting caught in the enemies net of delusion and deception.

By: Donna J. Kazenske Most Christians today have no problem discerning that Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, Masons, etc. are teaching false doctrine and leading many astray. However, there are many so-called “Christians” who are not able to discern truth from error. As a result, they have placed ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 2:1, Hebrews 13:9

Denomination: *other

Self-Control - 2 Peter 1:6 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Mar 9, 2025

Imagine how much better your life would be with more self-control. Why is it so hard? Elite athletes who are unbelievers often outshine most Christians in this area—how can that be, if it’s a fruit of the Spirit?

2 Peter 1:5 For this very reason, having made every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control. Introduction I want to start with this question: in Peter’s list of virtues in 2 Peter 1:5-7, why isn’t verse 5 enough? By the end of v.5 you ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:6