Let No Man Deceive You with Vain Words (Ephesians 5:6-7)
Introduction:
1. Our lesson is based on the warning given in Ephesians 5:6 -- "Let no man deceive you with vain words." 2. Similar warnings are given many times in the Bible. a. In Matthew 24:4 Jesus said, "Take heed that no man deceive you." b. The apostle Paul wrote in 2 Thessalonians 2:3: "Let no man deceive you by any means." c. John wrote, "Little children, let no man deceive you" (1 John 3:7). 3. John explained in 2 John 7 why this warning must be heeded: "For many deceivers are entered into the world." 4. With this information before us, let us turn our attention to 3 specific areas in which we must not allow anyone to deceive us.
Discussion:
I. ACCORDING TO 1 CORINTHIANS 6:9-10, WE MUST NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO DECEIVE US ABOUT WHO IS GOING TO HEAVEN
A. Many people believe that almost everyone is going to heaven. 1. This idea might be popular, but it is not true, and we must not be deceived into thinking that it is true. 2. Jesus contrasted "the few" and "the many" in Matthew 7:13-14. 3. The Bible lists a number of people who will not go to heaven. a. (1 Corinthians 6:9a) The "unrighteous" will not inherit God's kingdom [a similar list is given in Galatians 5:19-21]. b. (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9) Those who do not know God and who do not obey the Gospel will be punished at the judgment. c. (2 Peter 2:20-22) Those who fall away from the Lord will not go to heaven. B. The good news is that cleansing from sin is available (1 Corinthians 6:11). C. We learn from Acts 18:8 how the people in Corinth were cleansed. D. To go to heaven, a person must obey the Gospel of Christ and remain faithful to the Lord (Revelation 2:10). E. Who will go to heaven? 1. We know what the Bible teaches. 2. We must not be deceived into believing something else.
II. WE LEARN FROM 1 CORINTHIANS 15:33 THAT WE MUST NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO DECEIVE US ABOUT THE INFLUENCE OF EVIL COMMUNICATIONS [COMPANIONSHIPS]
A. The evil communications under consideration are identified in vs.12. B. Consider the influence of this deception in vs.13-19. C. (vs.58) Looking forward to the resurrection should motivate us to serve the Lord faithfully. D. We need to learn a lesson from the Israelites. 1. They were told not to make covenants with pagans (Deuteronomy 7:1-4). 2. Unfortunately, they disobeyed and wandered away from God.
III. WE ARE TAUGHT IN GALATIANS 6:7 THAT WE MUST NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO DECEIVE US ABOUT THE LAW OF SOWING AND REAPING
A. The law of sowing and reaping is an undisputed law of nature. B. (vs.8) A spiritual application is made from this law -- we will reap what we sow. C. Since this is the case, let us follow the instructions given in vs.9-10.
Conclusion:
1. We have considered 3 areas in which we must not allow anyone to deceive us. 2. To avoid being deceived, let us: a. examine what we hear and read (1 John 4:1) b. always listen to and follow the Lord (John 14:6; John 8:31-32).
