the deceitfulness of sin

​Introduction after prayer:
John14  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 4And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. 5Thomas saith unto him, LORD, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
the return of the Lord is near
If I go away I will come again
you can have peace in the Lord

The message:
Be reminded of Jesus' words about the last times!
The answer is in the word of God
that is what we have to stand fast in, to hold on to in this world today
We begin with Matt 24  the last days
2Tim perilous times, perplexity, confusion, chaos
2 Timothy 3:1-13
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
 
the answer to hope is in the word of God
in our relationship with Christ
a despair, discouragement, depression deep in unbelievers.  We give hope in Christ Jesus
 
Stay focused and mindful of the wiles, schemes, deceptions of the enemy
spirits of fear or deception drawing  us away from the love, power and faithfulness of God
watching out for the deceitfulness of sin -  behind the mask, beyond people’s awareness
2Cor4 - Satan, the God of this world has blinded the minds of those who believe not
Don’t allow blinders or earplugs to stop us from seeing and hearing the word of the Lord
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Sin has subtle ways of seducing away from steadfastness
be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord

Deception
Matthew 24:3-4 3And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 4And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
people can see things are not coming to a good end
Jesus’ answer, “take heed that no man deceive you”
One major sign of the times is the spirit of deception.   the lies of the enemy disguise the truth.  We have to be on guard against this.

try the spirits by the Word of God
what does the word of God say?
the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds
2 Corinthians 10:5  Bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.--
 
Matt 24:4 take heed that no man deceive you. 
Matthew 24:5-15 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

The lies of the enemy are disguised as the truth
Try the spirits by the word of God
Think, what does the Word of God say about the situation?
we see earthquakes, etc but strong warnings Jesus gave us.
 Satan comes to deceive as a serpent
 2Corinthians 11:3  But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
Satan disguises, hides his true identity
The bait of Satan. he entices into a lie, to get you to believe a lie with the intent of creating fear
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allowing technology, the wisdom of man  to override the wisdom of God.  aside from the way of God brings fear
God has not given us a spirit of fear
f e a r – false evidence appearing real
Satan’s lies appear to be the truth
the only way to see the lie is by the word of God and the HOLY Spirit!
Deception is behind the scenes, subtle,  the serpent was more subtle that all the beasts of the field
lest your minds be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ
For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
Paul was justifying his calling as an apostle of Jesus Christ, refuting, rebuking, exposing false prophets who were drawing men away from Christ into covetousness, materialism, worldly mindsets  drawing away from the simplicity in Christ JESUS
enticing and luring them away from the simplicity in Christ Jesus,  the power of the blood, power of the blood, names of God, salvation in none other, foundational tenants of the faith, 
keep this thing simple
living for Christ is not as hard as the devil wants you to think it is.
Jude said contend for the faith
we can live a life that pleases God, have a sound mind, 
keep trusting God, living for him, not as fearful but having a sound mind and overcome the spirit of fear
11:13  false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ  on the increase in this day
Their end shall be according to their works
simplicity in salvation  
mixing with Islam, Buddhism, new age teachings – ecumenical movements teaching many ways to the one Lord
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even ministers begin to dilute and be led into these false teachings
the subtlety of the serpent challenges us
Examine yourself – isolation – move in, discipline yourself.  Get to know Him more than ever before!
No man comes to the father but by me.
STAY FOCUSED THERE IS WAR FOR YOUR SOUL  MAKE SURE YOU ARE IN THE FAITH
MAKE SURE YOUR MOTIVES ARE PURE,
it's gonna be necessary that you have a discerning spirit
fix this section
its a time to really hone in discipline yourself, get to know him more than ever before
Jesus' warnings to the last churches, many of whom exhibit caracteristics of modern day churches

Ephesus – the backslidden church lost their first love,
Smyrna, the persecuted church,
Pergamos, the worldly church.
Thyatira the compromising church.
Philadelphia – church of brotherly love, ( there was no rebuke, only praise from Jesus, commended an open door)
Sardis -
Laodicea – represents the condition of the latter day church
can be easily deceived
 (there was no praise for these last two churches)
showed them how to repent and get back on track
we can be easily deceived and drawn into worldliness and compromise

strong warning 
Hebrews 3:12-13 Take heed, 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 To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
be partakers of Christ…if we hold the steadfastness of our confidence  to the end

You can’t look back
FOCUS! don’t get distracted in the last lap! IN VIEW OF THE FINISH LINE!
if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end
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the church of Laodicea – like the times we live in now
deception sent to create fear, lust for other things

Galatians 5:7– Paul told them, “you did run well, who hath bewitched you?”
stand fast in the liberty, not entangled
Deception causes the fiery testimony, love intensity to begin to cool off
Rev. 3:14-20
14And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God
15I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: They were so deceived about who they were. Totally diferent from what Jesus saw.
18I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
man looks at the outward appearance
Parable of the sower:  sows the seed of the word
types of soil:
thorny soil, thorns- cares of this world, lusts of other things -choked out the word
 
drawn into the things of life, the world’s standards, rather than advancing the kingdom
Laodicea, “the people rule”
they looked more to material wealth, at the way of the city to judge their standards
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Jesus said they were lukewarm
standards of the world determine actions.  waters from the springs of the mountain
hot springs brought down rom the aqueduct into the city and become tepid, lukewarm by the time it reached the city  nauseating
major banking, major resources, industrious city, 2 rivers ran into the city, commerece, material wealth where people want to be
the church 
home of a renowned medical center with eye salve
The church at Laodicea was a wealthy, weak church with Jesus on the outside knocking
except the spirit draw him, you cannot b drawn to God
Jesus had no place in that worldly church, lost their relatioinship with the lord
He cried out to them, be zealous and repent
regardless of your identification with a particular church, make your calling and election sure
James 1  God cannot be tempted with evil neither tempteth He any man, every man tempted with his own lust
self esteem, self worth, the spirit of self exaltation , spirit of pride – what satisfies our desires, not God’s will
the heart of man is evil, desperately wicked
always be mindful of who gets the glory out of things
make sure that His name is being exalted
lead men to Christ and to have an intimate relationship with Him
Whatever we like may draw us away from God.
Lay aside every weight, know what our triggers are, what our weaknesses have been before salvation 
There are things that satisfy our flesh
Pastor gives the example of baiting a mouse/rat, bait on the hook when fishing
something that will satisfy a desire in him
Satan knows what it will take to lure you.  your weak points, things you love
know your weaknesses, triggers before you were saved. things you were used to being satisfied with
be not ignorant of his devises
pride, need for praise, fulfilment not of god
He knows how to bait you into going back again
So give no place to the devil, don’t be ignorant concerning his devices.
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Don’t  be drawn away of your own lust, pride, needing praise, etc.
the enemy uses whatever worked in the past!
Once you were born again, you reconned the old man to be dead and buried
2Cor, 5:17 “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature…” – a new man
the enemy will hand you a shovel with your name on it.  tries to get you to dig up your old desires and  satisfy yourself again, to justify the temptations of the past life.

Romans 6:1  Shall we sin knowingly?  God forbid!
the seductions and enticements of the flesh try to get you to relive and get involved in the old life

example of the shovel to dig up  what was buried
James 1:15  Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.
Galatians 5:1 1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and don't be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
We must not lose focus. Be on guard, Watch as well as pray. 
Peter, Paul and Jude all warn against deception, speaking against  the falling away, the apostacy. through all the epistles, warning against the falling away. Don’t be of those who are losing confidence!  departing from the faith
2Peter 3:1-3 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: 2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: 3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
There is confusion in the church concerning the word of God.
 
 
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We must not forget God’s judgment on angels, on Sodom and Gommorah
2Peter 2:4
4For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment
The LORD knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: 10But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
2Peter 2:16But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 17And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. 19Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 20But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. 22Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
If you continue in his word you will know the truth
John 8:31-32  31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
(2 Peter 2:20) “For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse than the beginning
better to not have known… that which was washed – the sow has returned to the mud (2PETER 2:22) Of them the proverbs are true: "A dog returns to its vomit," and, "A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud."
hold fast!  Satan wants you to go back into sin
be encouraged, understand  the warfare we are in.

have a disciplined, consistent prayer life! a time and place to be with the lord daily!  spend time in the presence of God or you will become weary!
healing, salvation, deliverance, peace will follow your obedience
"Men aught always to pray and not to faint"

This warfare is real!
deception is slowly drawing saints away from God
Remember the example of the boiling frog – the captor slowly turns up the heat to boiling before the frog realizes he is being cooked
 - it is a process, but faithfulness should be greater than that in you
Make sure you are advancing!  are you stronger now than it was last year, last week?
weapon of fervent prayer, declaring the word of the lord. righteousness, pleading the blood of the lamb
stand on the covenant we have, speak them out of our mouths often
MAKE TIME!

Rev 12  overcome Satan by the blood of the lamb, the word of your testimony and love not your life, speak out of your mouth 
have a disciplined prayer life – make time and place for prayer daily
Put on whole the armor of God
Ephesians 6:11-17 KJV Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Hear what the spirit is saying –
information and time are speeding up, confusion and fear with it
we have to stop!  Be steadfast, unmovable
1 Corinthians 15:58 58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the LORD
stand on the truth, have greater discernment, insight on sight
moment by moment, be doers of the word and not only hearers
HEAR AND BE LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD!  SPEAK LIFE, DECLARE BLESSING, FAVOR, HEALING AND HEALTH, VICTORY
Rev. 2:29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.