1. Our lesson is based on the warning that Jesus gave in Luke 21:8 -- "Take heed that ye be not deceived." 2.Jesus gave this warning for a reason. a.(vs.5-6) Jesus told His disciples that the temple would be destroyed. b.(vs.7) The disciples wanted to know when this would happen. c.(vs.8) As Jesus answered the disciples, He first warned them against being deceived by imposters who would claim to be Him. 3.The New Testament warns Christians many times against being deceived. a.We are warned against being deceived by other people (1 John 3:7). b.We are also warned against deceiving ourselves (1 Corinthians 3:18). 4.With this information before us, let us turn our attention to 3 specific areas in which we must not be deceived.
Discussion:
I.(1 Corinthians 6:9-10) WE MUST NOT BE DECEIVED ABOUT WHO IS GOING TO HEAVEN
A.Many people believe 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.Let us listen to what Jesus said 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.(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, 32). 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. E.We must examine 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.(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 examined 3 areas in which we must not be deceived. 2.To what are you sowing? (To the Spirit or to the flesh?) 3.What kind of companions do you have? (How are they influencing you?) 4.Do you have the hope of going to heaven? (Have you obeyed the Gospel?) 5.If changes need to be made in your life, make those changes today!
