1. In 1 Corinthians 15:33 Christians are warned against being deceived. 2. Similar warnings are given many times in the Bible. a. (Luke 21:8) Jesus said, "Take heed that ye be not deceived." b. (2 Thessalonians 2:3) "Let no man deceive you by any means." 3. As we compare passages that warn us against being deceived, we see that there are at least 2 ways in which we can be deceived. a. We can deceive ourselves (1 Corinthians 3:18 - "Let no man deceive himself"). b. We can be deceived by others (Ephesians 5:6 - "Let no man deceive you with vain words"). c. We must guard against both types of deception. 4. We are concerned with the warning given in 1 Corinthians 15:33 -- we must not be deceived about the influence of evil companionships. 5. Let us first consider . . .
Discussion:
I. 1 CORINTHIANS 15:33 IN ITS CONTEXT
A. Paul was writing to the Corinthians about the resurrection. B. (vs.12) There were some in this congregation who said that there is no resurrection -- these people were the "evil communications." C. To illustrate the evil influence of these people, what good is Christianity if there is no resurrection? (see vs.13-19, vs.32b) D. Paul showed that the resurrection is real -- it will occur when the Lord returns. E. Looking forward to it should motivate us to serve the Lord faithfully (vs.58). F. We need to examine our associates very carefully because they will influence us positively or negatively (see Ephesians 5:11). G. Now let us turn our attention to . . .
II. AN ILLUSTRATION OF THIS PRINCIPLE FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT
A. (Genesis 13:10-12) When Abraham and Lot separated, Lot decided to go to Sodom. 1. Lot saw that the plain of Jordan was well watered. 2. However, he overlooked something (vs.13). 3. Could Lot have thought that he and his family would not be influenced by the wickedness of Sodom? B. We read about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19:1-25. C. Lot, his wife, and their 2 daughters escaped. D. These 4 apparently did not participate in the sins that were prevalent in Sodom; however, it seems that the wicked influence of the people of Sodom rubbed off on them. 1. (vs.26) Lot's wife looked back (Luke 17:32 - Jesus said, "Remember Lot's wife"). 2. (vs.30-38) Lot and his daughters participated in shameful activity. E. The things that happened to Lot and his family illustrate the truthfulness of the principle revealed in 1 Corinthians 15:33 - "evil communications corrupt good manners." F. Let us never be deceived into thinking otherwise.
Conclusion:
1. May God help us to make wise decisions, especially when other people are involved. 2. May God help us to choose our associates very carefully. 3. We will be influenced by the choices we make.
