1. In his letter John used several terms to express his affection for his readers, including "beloved" and "little children." 2. As John referred to his readers as "little children" in this verse, he issued a strong warning against deceivers. 3. Similar warnings are given throughout the New Testament. a. Romans 16:17-18 b. Ephesians 5:6 -- "Let no man deceive you with vain words." c. 2 Thessalonians 2:3a -- "Let no man deceive you by any means." 4. We learn from 2 John 7 why this warning is necessary -- even during the time of the apostles there was an abundance of "deceivers." 5. Unfortunately, there is still an abundance of deceivers today, and we must heed this warning given by John -- "let no man deceive you." 6. In our lesson we are examining 3 specific areas in which we must not allow anyone to deceive us. Discussion: I. WE MUST NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO DECEIVE US ABOUT WHO WILL GO TO HEAVEN (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
A. Contrary to the teaching of deceivers, Jesus said that "few" will be saved, and "many" will be lost (Matthew 7:13-14). B. The Bible reveals who will be among the many, including: 1. "the unrighteous" who engage in sinful activities such as those listed in: a. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 b. Galatians 5:19-21 c. Ephesians 5:3-5 2. those who do not obey the Gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9) 3. those who fall away (2 Peter 2:20-21). C. Thankfully, cleansing from sin is available (1 Corinthians 6:11; Acts 18:8). D. The Bible is very clear about who will and who will not go to heaven -- we must not allow anyone to deceive us. II. WE MUST NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO DECEIVE US ABOUT THE INFLUENCE OF EVIL COMPANIONSHIPS (1 Corinthians 15:33)
A. The evil companionships under consideration are identified in vs.12. B. In vs.13-19 Paul dealt with the consequences of this false doctrine. C. Thankfully, Christ made it possible for us to be raised (vs.20-22). D. According to vs.58, looking forward to the resurrection should motivate us to serve the Lord faithfully. E. We need to learn a lesson from the Israelites (1 Corinthians 10:8). III. WE MUST NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO DECEIVE US ABOUT THE LAW OF SOWING AND REAPING (Galatians 6:7)
A. In agriculture a farmer reaps on the basis of what he sows. B. A spiritual application of this law is given in vs.8. 1. We have 2 choices -- we can sow to the flesh or we can sow to the Spirit. 2. The destiny of our souls is at stake -- on the basis of how we sow, we will reap accordingly. 3. Let us follow the instructions given in vs.9-10. Conclusion:
1. The Bible warns us not to allow anyone to deceive us. 2. Let us follow the truth concerning: a. who will go to heaven b. the influence of evil companionships c. the law of sowing and reaping.
