Things That DeceiveHebrews 3:13

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Introduction

Men are lost because they are deceived: 1 Tim. 2:14

Sin is deceitful! Heb. 3:13God warned the children of Israel about being deceived: Deut. 11:16

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Evil Company: 1 Cor. 15:33

“Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’”

Those who we spend our time with influence us.

All age groups are subject to peer pressure: 1 Pet. 4:3-4

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Law of Sowing and Reaping: Gal. 6:7

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”

The law of “sowing and reaping” is immutable! Gal. 6:7-8

But some deceive themselves thinking this law has no spiritual application. It does! Gal. 6:8 Antediluvian World

Saul

David

Judas Iscariot

“Sow an act and you reap a habit. Sow a habit and you

reap a character. Sow a character and you reap a

destiny.”

Charles Reade

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Lusts and Pleasures: Titus 3:3 “For we ourselves were also once

foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.”

Many of the rich and famous have been “taken down a notch or two” by giving in to their physical desires!

Sin’s pleasures are fleeting! Heb. 11:25

We may deceive others, and even ourselves, but we will not get away with it! Num. 32:23; 2 Cor. 5:10

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False Teachers: Prov. 12:17“He that speaketh truth sheweth

forth righteousness, but a false witness deceit.”

Many Biblical warnings about false teachers: 2 Cor. 11:13-15; 2 Tim. 3:13; 1 Jn. 4:1

Only one way to determine a false teacher: 1 Jn. 4:6

We must guard ourselves through diligent study: Acts 17:11; Jn. 8:32; 2 Tim. 2:15; Eph. 5:11

“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that

good men do nothing.”

Edmund Burke

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Riches: Matt. 13:22“Now he who received seed among

the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.”

Riches give a false sense of security: Lk. 12:15

The desire for riches is very dangerous: 1 Tim. 6:9-10

Put your trust in the Lord, not riches: Prov. 11:28; 1 Tim. 6:6-8, 17-19; Eccl. 5:13; 1 Jn. 3:17

“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to

receive.'"

Acts 20:35

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Strong Drink: Prov. 20.1“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”

God condemns every kind and amount of intoxicating drink: Prov. 23:29-35; Eph. 5:18; 1 Pet. 4:1-5

Life is too serious not to be sober! 1 Pet. 5:8; Prov. 23:31-32; 1 Sam. 11

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Satan: 2 Cor. 11:13-14

“And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.”

Sin entered the world through deception: 1 Tim. 2:14

Thus, John aptly describes Satan: Rev. 12:9

Don’t let Satan deceive you! Jn. 8:44; Eph. 6:11; Gen. 3:4

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Our Own Selves: 1 Cor. 3:18

“Let no one deceive himself.”

It is so easy to deceive ourselves! Jer. 17:9

Must not get a “big head”! Prov. 16:18; Rom. 12:3; 1 Cor. 10:12

Authentic introspection is key! 2 Cor. 13:5; Lam. 3:40

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Conclusion

Recall God’s desire: 1 Tim. 2:4

But, let us remember there are many things out there to deceive us and turn us away from God!

“Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end.”

Hebrews 3:12-15