1. In Luke 21:8 Jesus gave a strong warning to His disciples -- "Take heed that ye be not deceived." 2. This particular warning is given many times in the New Testament. 3. As we examine these warnings we see that there are 2 ways in which we can be deceived. a. It is possible for us to be deceived by others (1 John 3:7 -- "Little children, let no man deceive you"). b. It is also possible for us to deceive ourselves (1 Corinthians 3:18 -- "Let no man deceive himself"). 4. In our lesson we are examining 3 passages that contain specific warnings against being deceived.
Discussion:
I. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10) WE MUST NOT BE DECEIVED ABOUT WHO IS GOING TO HEAVEN
A. Many people have the idea that God will allow almost everyone to go 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. I am not the judge, but Jesus is, and He dealt with this 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. b. A similar list is given in Galatians 5:19-21. c. (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9) Those who do not know God and who do not obey the Gospel will be punished at the judgment. d. (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: 1. obey the Gospel of Christ 2. 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 thinking something else.
II. (1 Corinthians 15:33) WE MUST NOT BE DECEIVED ABOUT THE INFLUENCE OF EVIL COMMUNICATIONS [COMPANIONSHIPS]
A. The evil communications under consideration are identified in vs.12. B. The influence of such teaching would be devastating (vs.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 7:1-6). 2. Unfortunately, they disobeyed and wandered away from God. E. We must try the teaching we hear and the things we read (1 John 4:1). 1. We must receive that which is true. 2. However, that which is false must be rejected because of its influence.
III. (Galatians 6:7) WE MUST NOT BE DECEIVED ABOUT THE LAW OF SOWING AND REAPING
A. The law of sowing and reaping is an undisputed law of nature. B. In vs.8 a spiritual application is made from this law. 1. The "sowing" refers to what we do in this life. 2. The "reaping" is the reward we will receive at the judgment. C. Since this is the case, let us do as we are told in vs.9-10.
Conclusion:
1. (Luke 21:8) Jesus said, "Take heed that ye be not deceived." 2. Let us heed the warnings in the Bible about who is going to heaven, the influence of evil companions, and the law of sowing and reaping.
