Self-Deception
Self-Deception14
Who Are We Trying to Fool?
By Charles Finney0JAS 1:22Charles Finney emphasizes the danger of self-deception among Christians who hear the Word but fail to act on it, distinguishing between two types of hypocrites: those who deceive others and those who deceive themselves. He argues that true saving faith requires not just intellectual agreement with the truth but a corresponding change in conduct, as faith must be active and produce good works. Finney warns that many professing Christians may enjoy sound doctrine without allowing it to influence their lives, leading to a false sense of piety. He calls for a Christianity that is rooted in obedience and practical application of the Word, urging believers to examine their lives for genuine faith. Ultimately, he stresses that true faith is evidenced by a transformed life that reflects obedience to God's commands.
Self-Deception and How to Avoid It
By A.W. Tozer0PSA 139:23PRO 12:22JER 17:9MAT 6:5LUK 8:17ROM 12:22CO 13:5GAL 6:3JAS 1:261JN 1:8A.W. Tozer emphasizes the peril of self-deception, asserting that it is the most insidious form of deception because the self-deceived willingly collaborate with their own fraud. He warns that those deeply religious are often more vulnerable to this deception, as they may try to maintain a facade of independence while hiding their idols. Tozer stresses the necessity of honesty before God, stating that true salvation requires a renunciation of duplicity and a commitment to sincerity in prayer and action. He concludes that to avoid self-deception, one must mean what they say and act with integrity, even at the cost of personal comfort. The call to a guileless mind is presented as a treasure worth pursuing.
Accountability to Christ Gal 6-7
By Phil Beach Jr.4944:39GAL 6:7Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the critical nature of accountability to Christ, warning against self-deception that leads to rebellion and immaturity in faith. He explains that Christians must recognize their accountability to God and the consequences of their actions, as they are not their own but belong to Him. Beach illustrates how self-deception can manifest in a false sense of freedom, leading to disobedience and a lack of awareness of God's expectations. He encourages believers to stay at the cross, where they can find strength and identity in Christ, ultimately leading to a life that pleases God. The sermon calls for a return to humility and dependence on Jesus to overcome the allure of the world and the flesh.
The Dangers of Self Deception Part 2 - Hearers but Not Doers
By Phil Beach Jr.211:09:34JAS 1:22Phil Beach Jr. addresses the critical issue of self-deception in the church, emphasizing the danger of being hearers of the Word without being doers. He calls for a collective awakening to the apathy and complacency that can arise from prosperity, urging parents to confess their sins and guide their children towards a genuine relationship with God. Beach highlights the necessity of recognizing and killing idols in our lives, as well as the importance of responding to God's Word with action rather than mere acknowledgment. He encourages believers to seek transformation through humility and a deep commitment to living out God's commands, rather than falling into the trap of self-deception. The sermon concludes with a heartfelt plea for the Holy Spirit to empower the congregation to become true followers of Christ.
The Captivity of the Righteous Part 8 - Jobs Captivity Turned
By Phil Beach Jr.331:16:52JOB 42:10ROM 12:31CO 3:181CO 6:91CO 15:33GAL 6:3GAL 6:7JAS 1:22JAS 1:261JN 1:8Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the dangers of self-deception, particularly for fathers, urging them to guard their hearts and lives against it. He explains that self-deception can manifest in various ways, such as failing to act on God's word, denying one's sin, and overestimating oneself. Through the story of Job, he illustrates how suffering can lead to spiritual clarity and a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty. Ultimately, Beach encourages listeners to seek God's truth and transformation, recognizing that true freedom comes from acknowledging our weaknesses and relying on Christ.
The Dangers of Self Deception Part 1 - an Unbridled Tongue
By Phil Beach Jr.341:29:49PSA 141:3PRO 18:21ISA 53:5MAT 7:1JHN 8:31GAL 5:15EPH 4:25EPH 4:29JAS 1:26REV 3:14Phil Beach Jr. addresses the critical issue of self-deception in the church, emphasizing that one of the most significant dangers believers face is the unbridled tongue, which reflects a lack of restraint and truth. He highlights the importance of recognizing our vulnerability to deception and the necessity of continuing in God's Word to avoid falling into self-deception, as exemplified by the Corinthians and the Laodiceans. The sermon calls for believers to examine their words, actions, attitudes, and associations, urging them to seek deliverance through the application of truth. Beach stresses that truth is the only means to freedom from self-deception, and he encourages a deep, honest engagement with God's Word to expose and address these issues. Ultimately, he invites the congregation to cry out for God's help in overcoming self-deception and to embrace the transformative power of truth.
The Dangers of Self Deception Part 3 - Will We Go on With God
By Phil Beach Jr.201:07:112KI 2:1Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the dangers of self-deception in the Christian walk, urging believers to respond to God's persistent call and to examine their hearts for true devotion to Christ. He warns against the complacency that comes from making excuses and highlights the need for a passionate, inward commitment to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, rather than settling for a superficial faith. Beach draws parallels between the biblical figures of Elijah and Elisha, illustrating the importance of perseverance in following God's leading, even when it seems comfortable to stay put. He calls for a deep, genuine relationship with God that transcends mere religious activity, urging listeners to forsake distractions and idols that cloud their vision of Christ. Ultimately, he challenges the congregation to awaken their hearts and respond to God's call to deeper discipleship.
Wallowed in Sin Like Swine in the Mire
By Thomas Brooks0PRO 30:12MAT 23:27Thomas Brooks emphasizes the danger of self-deception in his sermon 'Wallowed in Sin Like Swine in the Mire,' warning that many people consider themselves pure while being deeply entrenched in sin. He cites Proverbs 30:12 to illustrate that those who are filthy in heart and actions often maintain a facade of holiness, believing in their own goodness despite their moral decay. Brooks argues that true holiness is essential for a genuine relationship with God, and that those who live in contradiction to their claims of righteousness will ultimately face shame. The sermon serves as a call to self-examination and repentance, urging believers to seek true purity rather than a false sense of righteousness.
Matthew 7:21
By Chuck Smith0MAT 7:21MAT 15:8LUK 6:46ROM 2:131CO 10:122CO 13:5GAL 6:7HEB 4:13JAS 1:221JN 1:6Chuck Smith addresses the theme of self-deception in the Christian faith, emphasizing that many who profess to know Christ may be misled by their own assumptions of safety. He warns against unconscious hypocrisy, where individuals may believe they are justified based on outward appearances and actions, while neglecting true self-examination and relationship with Christ. Smith highlights the dangers of false doctrines and the importance of genuine faith over mere verbal profession, reminding listeners that ultimately, it is our relationship with Christ that matters most.
1 John 1:8
By John Gill0PSA 32:5PSA 51:5ROM 3:23ROM 7:18GAL 5:17HEB 10:14JAS 3:21JN 1:81JN 2:1John Gill emphasizes that while believers are cleansed from their sins through Christ's sacrifice, they are not free from sin in this life. He explains that all humans, including the regenerated, still struggle with sin, which is evident in their confessions and the ongoing battle between flesh and spirit. Gill warns against self-deception, asserting that claiming to be without sin is a denial of the truth and a misunderstanding of one's own heart. He highlights that although believers are justified and free from the guilt of sin, the presence of sin remains, and they must acknowledge this reality. Ultimately, true grace leads to an awareness of one's own sinfulness and the need for continual reliance on Christ's cleansing power.
The Dangers of Self Deception Part 4 - Denying Your Sin
By Phil Beach Jr.221:22:12REV 3:15Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the critical nature of recognizing self-deception in our lives, particularly in denying our sins. He explains that self-deception blinds us to our true condition, affecting how we see ourselves, others, and God. Through the examination of our words, actions, self-opinion, and associations, we can identify areas where we may be deceived. Beach urges the congregation to seek humility and honesty before God, allowing His Word to reveal the truth and set them free from the bondage of self-deception. He concludes with a call to embrace the truth of God's Word as the only means of genuine transformation.
The Dangers of Self Deception Part 5 - Evil Association
By Phil Beach Jr.191:16:26PSA 1:1PRO 13:20MAT 7:131CO 5:61CO 15:332CO 6:14GAL 5:9EPH 5:6JAS 4:41JN 2:15Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the dangers of self-deception, particularly through evil associations, urging believers to recognize how their company and lifestyle can corrupt their moral character. He highlights the importance of being vigilant against influences that lead to spiritual decline, reminding the congregation that even a small amount of evil can have devastating effects. Beach calls for a return to God's Word and a commitment to living according to its truths, rather than succumbing to societal pressures. He encourages the church to mourn over sin and to seek a deeper relationship with God, emphasizing that true followers of Christ must prioritize His teachings above all else.
Pride of Heart Deceives
By Charles Finney0Charles Finney addresses the deceptive nature of pride in the heart, emphasizing that it leads individuals to overestimate themselves, ignore their faults, and create delusions about their spiritual state. He outlines how pride blinds people to their true character, causes them to evade self-knowledge, and leads to a false sense of righteousness. Finney warns that many believe they are Christians while living in sin or lacking true love for God, ultimately calling for a deep self-examination to uncover the truth of one's spiritual condition.
The Ungodly Flatter Themselves
By Thomas Brooks0PRO 6:15MAT 7:21LUK 13:3Thomas Brooks warns against the self-deception of the ungodly who believe that God's mercy alone guarantees their salvation, neglecting the reality of divine judgment. He illustrates this with the example of Sodom and Gomorrah, emphasizing that God's sudden wrath can catch sinners off guard, leading to their eternal destruction. Brooks stresses the urgency of recognizing the seriousness of sin and the reality of hell, urging listeners to avoid complacency in their faith.