Sermon Central
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The Dangers Of Deception (Part Two) Series
Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Nov 28, 2017 (message contributor)
Summary: Last week, we saw how deception originated with Satan. He used it on Eve and his MO hasn't changed. We saw how being deceived hurts. And lastly, we saw how deception causes a lot of problems. Today, we'll look at some of the things we can be deceived by.
When I fake things like righteousness, peace and joy eventually I'm not going to be able to carry on the facade. My charm will dissipate and be replaced with my true colors. And there comes a point in all this where the person deceives himself.
Nathaniel Hawthorn said, "No man can for any considerable time wear one face to himself and another to the multitude without finally getting bewildered as to which is the true one". In carrying on the facade I lose myself to where I'm not sure who I really am anymore. Deception is dangerous
3) Pride.
Gal 6:3, "If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself." That's pretty self-explanatory. If I think I'm the greatest thing since sliced bread but in reality all I am is moldy bread; I have a problem. If I really am something I won't think it; I'll just be it.
One of the ways in which we are deceived by pride is when we are deceived by our own intelligence. 1st Cor. 3:18-20, "Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a “fool” so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”
Sometimes we think we're pretty smart. But intelligence does not equal wisdom; at least not spiritual wisdom. Later in chapter eight Paul says that knowledge puffs up. I can get a swelled head because of all the knowledge I have. But if I reject spiritual wisdom I'm actually a fool.
Paul says I should become as a fool, which means I should become humble and teachable, as if I actually don't know anything (which in one sense is true). So that I may have my eyes opened to true wisdom and seek it. Not that knowledge isn't important but if I don't have spiritual wisdom to go along with it I haven't really gained anything.
Speaking of thinking much of yourself and catching the wise in their craftiness: 'A newly promoted Colonel had moved into a makeshift office during the Gulf War. As he was getting unpacked, he noticed a private coming his way with a toolbox. Wanting to look important, he grabbed the phone and stated speaking, "Yes, General Schwarzkopf, I think that's an excellent plan. You've got my support on it. Thanks for checking with me. Let's talk again soon, okay Norm? Bye, now."
Looking proud, he said, "Now, what can I do for you there, Private?" "I'm just here to hook up your phone." As futile as this charade was for the colonel, so it is for worldly wisdom. I am deceived into thinking knowledge and intelligence is all I need. Because of pride I am showing myself to be a fool.
4) Sin.
Gal 6:7-8, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life."
Paul Harvey once described how an Eskimo kills a wolf. He first coats his knife with animal blood then allows it to freeze. He later adds another layer of blood and lets it freeze. This process is repeated until the knife is completely concealed by the frozen blood. The Arctic hunter then fixes his knife to the ground with the blade facing up.