THEME FOR THE YEAR: “A CHURCH AWAITING THE LORD’S RETURN” (REVELATION 22: 12; MATTHEW 25: 13)
TOPIC: DO NOT BE DECEIVED
TEXT: Matthew 24: 3 – 13
AIM: To charge, encourage and sensitize the children of God to be vigilant and always be on guard; and never allow themselves to be deceived by the devil and his angels as regards things of the Spirit, signs of Christ second coming and of the end of the world.
INTRODUCTION
To be deceived is to be misled and deluded by a false impression. It can be done through appearances, statements, or general influences. It is so dangerous because we may never realize what is happening. Deception does not come announced. It comes from believing the wrong source. This, in turn, can result in destruction (2 Pet. 2:1-3). This is why we must not trust men above God, and this is why we depend on our own wisdom as well. We must trust and accept what God says.
Many different factors may be involved in deception. Of course, behind all of it is the “father of lies,” the devil (John. 8:44). He is a deceiver, who prowls about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet. 5:8). This is why we need to be active in resisting him (vs. 9; Jas. 4:7).
Furthermore, false teachers are masters at deception (2 Cor. 11:3, 13-15). They are able to “deceive the hearts of the simple” (Rom. 16:18). The Scriptures teach that those who do not love the truth will be deluded (2 Thes. 2:9-12). When the blind lead the blind, both fall into the ditch (Matt. 15:9, 13-14). Sadly, many will follow the destructive ways of error, because they have been exploited with deceptive words (2 Pet. 2:1-3). No theory, idea, or practice should be so cherished that it destroys our honesty and leads us into deception.
When we are deceived, we are led to believe something that is false. It is therefore our own responsibility to make sure that we are not deceived. But how can we? Perhaps it will help if we are familiar with the deceptive influences around us and what we can do to overcome them. The yardstick of truth is God’s Word (the Bible), not man or feelings.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
(1) a. Who can be deceived?
- Who are more likely to be deceived? (Luke 8:14, 1 Cor. 10:12, Luke 18:8-14)
- By what means do you think people could be deceived today? (Rom. 10:17)
(2) Why do you think Jesus quickly responded by warning His disciples and by extension, every Christian, after they questioned him about the signs of His coming and of the end of the world? (Matt. 24: 3-4)
(3) Have you any personal experience of deception you like to share with us, as regards spiritual matter?
(4) As Christians, how can we overcome or guard ourselves from deception? (2 Cor. 13:5, James 1:21-25, 2 Tim. 3:13-15, Matt. 6:33; Luke 9:23, 1 Thes. 5:17)
FOR REFLECTION
Obviously, anyone can be deceived. This is why we must always be on guard (1 Pet. 1:13). Deceit can be a slow process, so we must watch carefully to make sure we are not deceived. Certainly, the power to deceive is enormous, hence, Paul warned Timothy, and by extension, every Christian to cherish the Scripture, for it made him “wise unto salvation,” and to “guard both your doctrine and conduct.” The Scriptures are meaningful and personal because they are true, and not because we can wrest them to advantage or manipulate them into personal meaning.
Although, meaning and application of any passage of the Scripture can be prostituted at the altar of self-gratification, but truth will stand in history when all human dissenters have said their last. Apostle Paul also went on in speaking of Jesus Christ and His work to say, “We are complete in Him.” Nothing need be added to the person and work of Jesus in the salvation He has provided and the Word that He has given for our institution. If our concern is always with the things of the world, our lives in Christ will be choked out (Luke 8:14). When we begin missing Bible studies and assemblies in order to care for trivial, worldly things, the path is cut for deception.
Again, deception is a very real and lurking threat; yet it can be overcome if we will listen to God and make a full commitment to Him. It’s up to you.
MEMORY VERSE: Matthew 24:4 “And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you.”