1. This morning our lesson was based on the warning given in Ephesians 5:6 where Paul wrote: "Let no man deceive you with vain words." 2. This lesson is based on the warning given in 1 Corinthians 3:18 where Paul wrote: "Let no man deceive himself." 3. We are examining 6 ways in which we must not deceive ourselves.
Discussion:
I. WE MUST NOT DECEIVE OURSELVES CONCERNING THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL (Proverbs 20:1)
A. Consider what happened to Noah (Genesis 9:20-21) and Lot (19:30-38). B. The addictive nature of alcohol is discussed in Proverbs 23:29-35. C. See Ephesians 5:18
II. WE MUST NOT DECEIVE OURSELVES CONCERNING OUR OFFERINGS TO GOD (Malachi 1:14)
A. God required the Israelites to offer unblemished animals to Him as sacrifices. B. In Malachi's day the Israelites offered blemished animals (vs.8, 13). C. In the early church Ananias and Sapphira practiced deception when they gave their gift (Acts 5:1-11). D. See 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
III. WE MUST NOT DECEIVE OURSELVES WITH ELEVATED OPINIONS OF OURSELVES (Galatians 6:3)
A. Nebuchadnezzar had a very high opinion of himself (Daniel 4:28-33). B. See Proverbs 16:18; James 4:6
IV. WE MUST NOT DECEIVE OURSELVES ABOUT HEARING WITHOUT DOING GOD'S WORD (James 1:22)
A. James gave an illustration in vs.23-24. B. See vs.25
V. WE MUST NOT DECEIVE OURSELVES ABOUT RELIGION THAT IS ACCOMPANIED BY AN UNBRIDLED TONGUE (James 1:26)
A. Bridling the tongue is a sign of discipline (James 3:2). B. See Colossians 4:6
VI. WE MUST NOT DECEIVE OURSELVES BY CLAIMING TO HAVE NO SIN (1 John 1:8)
A. The effects of this claim are also presented in vs.10. B. See vs.7, 9
Conclusion:
1. We have seen in our lessons today that we must not: a. allow anyone to deceive us b. deceive ourselves. 2. Let us heed the warnings we have studied. 3. Let us always practice the admonition given in Proverbs 23:23 -- "Buy the truth, and sell it not."
