"Deception" by Costa Deir part # 8 (of 8)

Consequences of Deception

Introduction to Deception

• The discussion focuses on the "consequences of deception," aiming to explore its implications and effects.

• The speaker intends to outline approximately 25 consequences, emphasizing that this list is not exhaustive but serves as enlightenment on understanding deception.

Understanding the Effects of Deception

• Every cause has an effect; obedience to God leads to blessings, while deception results in confusion and loss of life's meaning.

• One major consequence is being misled due to a lack of guidance from the Holy Spirit, which can lead many astray.

• Discernment is crucial; without it, individuals are likely to be deceived repeatedly.

Consequences of Poor Decision-Making

• A single wrong decision can drastically alter a person's life and destiny, highlighting the importance of careful decision-making.

• There are no small decisions; every choice either aligns with God's will or deviates from it. Ignoring this can lead to spiritual burnout.

Missing God’s Guidance

• Missing God's direction creates significant messes in life, often leading to painful experiences akin to a skunk's stench.

• Many stories illustrate heartache resulting from missing God's guidance due to deception.

Disappointments and Frustrations

• Disappointment arises from unfulfilled expectations; if one expects nothing from others, they avoid disappointment.

• A series of disappointments characterizes some lives due to ongoing deception, leading everything they do against their well-being.

Emotional States Resulting from Deception

• Frustration manifests when one's internal mechanisms cease functioning properly, making them unresponsive even during counseling efforts.

• Discouragement feels like having one's energy drained; it leads individuals away from faith in God and diminishes their spirit.

The Importance of Encouragement

• Encouragement is highlighted as one of the greatest ministries in the Bible—restoring hope and faith in others amidst discouragement.

• Simple acts like smiling can significantly uplift someone's spirit and serve as powerful encouragement tools.

Personal Experiences with Encouragement

• The speaker shares personal anecdotes about how encouragement through simple gestures can profoundly impact those who are struggling emotionally.

Understanding Deception and Its Consequences

The Nature of Deception

• A conversation reveals the impact of deception on an individual, highlighting a lack of authenticity: "she is dead inside."

• Attending religious education does not guarantee spiritual depth; true connection with God is essential.

• Daily maintenance of one's relationship with God is crucial for vibrancy and grace in life.

Guilt and Its Effects

• Guilt arises from deception, leading to actions outside God's will, which is defined as sin.

• Individuals burdened by guilt often exhibit nervousness and suspicion towards others.

• A guilty conscience can lead to paranoia, where individuals feel exposed or judged by others.

Mental Health Implications

• Guilt contributes to mental oppression; traditional treatments may not address the root cause.

• Addressing underlying issues rather than symptoms is necessary for effective healing.

Fear vs. Faith

• Satan aims to instill fear in people; the Bible offers 365 instances of "fear not" as reassurance.

• Faith counters fear; believers are encouraged to embrace love and sound judgment instead.

The Mind's Role in Spirituality

• Understanding one's position in Christ helps resist lies from the enemy, which often manifest as fear.

• Seeking God leads to deliverance from fears, emphasizing reliance on divine support.

Thought Patterns and Regression

• Many individuals struggle with oppressive thoughts that disrupt their peace of mind.

• Maintaining focus on God's will fosters perfect peace amidst life's challenges.

The Impact of Deception on Behavior

• Deception leads individuals away from God's will, causing emotional turmoil such as anger fits.

• Those deceived may feel like misfits due to their inability to align with divine intentions.

Immorality and Worship Dynamics

• Deception distorts moral standards set by God, leading individuals into fleshly desires rather than spiritual fulfillment.

• Human drives—worship, sexuality, sustenance—are intended for divine purposes but can be misdirected through deception.

The Essence of True Worship

Warning Against Deception

The Consequences of Deception

• The book of Revelation warns about the dangers of deception, leading to a wasteful existence.

• Time is described as a borrowed trust from eternity; those deceived lack appreciation for its value.

• Emphasizes the importance of not wasting others' time and ensuring that interactions contribute to personal progress.

Wasting Resources

• Lists five areas where individuals may waste resources: time, energy, talents, gifts, and money on trivial pursuits.

• Money can be a blessing when used for God's kingdom but becomes a curse in selfish hands.

• Health is highlighted as an invaluable gift from God that must be maintained through proper nutrition and care.

Importance of Health

• Individuals are reminded they are not their own; they should glorify God with their bodies first and spirits second.

• Good health is essential for serving God effectively; personal responsibility in maintaining health is emphasized.

The Impact of Misery and Bitterness

Living with Misery

• A miserable person lives in deception, often seeing the world negatively despite external positivity.

• Society is filled with miserable individuals; Jesus encourages believers to overcome worldly negativity by focusing on Him.

The Dangers of Bitterness

• Bitterness is likened to cancer, affecting both mental and physical health due to toxic gland secretions.

• Many who seek medical help have no physical ailments; psychological issues often stem from unresolved bitterness.

Hatred and Its Consequences

Understanding Hatred

• Hatred leads to conflict at all levels—family, business, national, or international—creating a volatile environment.

Two Types of People

• Contrasts two types: "butchers" who harm others versus "doctors" who heal wounds.

• Hatred results in violence unless divine intervention occurs; hatred equates to murder according to biblical teachings.

The Perils of Indifference

Lukewarmness in Relationships

• Lukewarmness signifies indifference towards convictions or relationships which can lead to emotional coldness over time.

Consequences of Coldness

• Long-term indifference can result in complete emotional detachment within relationships.

First Love and Spiritual Growth

The Importance of Daily Connection with God

• Reflecting on the initial experience of love, the speaker emphasizes maintaining a passionate daily relationship with the Lord.

Backsliding in Christian Life

• The concept of backsliding is introduced; if one does not progress spiritually, they regress. Satan plays a role in this deception, leading believers away from Christ-likeness.

Confusion and Emotional Turmoil

• Confusion arises when individuals are unsure of their spiritual state or direction, often exacerbated by emotional responses like anger.

Deception and Self-Worth

• Many live under the false belief that they are worthless or hopeless due to lies propagated by the enemy. Jesus offers promotion and hope instead.

Bondage and Spiritual Freedom

The Nature of Bondage

• Once freed through worship and connection with God, believers can actively share their faith. However, deception can lead to spiritual bondage.

Experiencing God's Power

• The speaker recounts personal experiences of being filled with the Holy Spirit but warns against falling into ignorance about spiritual truths.

The Role of Communication with God

Personal Responsibility in Edification

• Each believer must take responsibility for their own spiritual growth through prayer and communication with God to avoid deception.

Isolation as a Tool of Deception

• Spiritual paralysis occurs when individuals isolate themselves from God and community, hindering their growth and connection.

Condemnation vs. Deliverance

Understanding Condemnation

• Satan's primary tactic is condemnation, especially after failures. This leads to feelings of worthlessness among believers.

Hope for Deliverance

• Despite feelings of despair, there is always a path toward deliverance from deception discussed in subsequent sessions.

Suicide Trends Among Youth

Alarming Increase in Suicidal Thoughts

• There has been a significant rise in suicidal attempts among young people attributed to feelings instigated by Satan's lies about self-worth.

Celebrating Individual Beauty

Embracing Our Unique Beauty

• Everyone is made in God's image; thus, all possess inherent beauty regardless of societal comparisons or standards.

Cultural Insights on Worship

Joyful Expressions in Worship

God's Desire for Liberation

The Concept of Spiritual Freedom

• God aims to liberate His people, desiring them to reach a state of spiritual freedom where their entire being serves and honors the Lord.

• Emphasizing the importance of internal freedom, the speaker suggests that true liberation comes from within rather than external circumstances.

• The term "modern" is explored, with a preference for individuals who embody timeless fashion and are spiritually free, actively glorifying God.

• In contemporary times, those who are spiritually liberated are seen as more authentic and genuine compared to others in society.