"Deception" by Costa Deir part # 2 (of 8)

How Does the Exception Come?

Understanding God's Program

• Many take advantage of God's love, believing everything will be alright without pursuing Him.

• His Word reveals His identity, purposes, and our responsibilities in our relationship with Him.

The Danger of Ignorance

• Ignorance is a primary cause of deception; we must not be unaware of Satan's devices (2 Corinthians 2:11).

• Our ignorance of truth makes us vulnerable to deception by Satan.

Learning from Experience

• A goldsmith neighbor taught valuable lessons about discernment and knowledge.

• Truth exposes Satan's errors; we need to be enriched with truth to avoid deception.

The Role of Scripture in Knowledge

Importance of Truth

• We can be materially wealthy but spiritually ignorant, leading to fear of the devil.

• God’s principles are found in Scripture; understanding requires reconciling verses from Genesis to Revelation.

Equipping Leaders

• Paul gained knowledge through Scripture and attentiveness to the Spirit's voice.

The Importance of Bible Access

• Many people lack a complete Bible, but some have important scriptures translated into their language.

• In contrast, others possess a Bible and various resources available in countries with more access to Christian literature.

• There is a pressing need to encourage individuals to become knowledgeable about the Word.

Inspiring Spiritual Hunger

• It's crucial to inspire spiritual hunger for the Word among people who own Bibles.

• A personal story illustrates the significance of scripture in remote areas near Jerusalem.

• An encounter with an elderly man revealed his deep appreciation for the Gospel of John he received years ago.

The Value of Scripture

• The old man had been reading his worn-out Gospel of John for decades, highlighting its importance in his life.

• He expressed gratitude for receiving another copy, indicating how vital it was for him spiritually.

• The speaker emphasizes that giving the right scripture can lead to significant spiritual discussions.

Teaching and Studying the Bible

• It’s essential not just to read but to study the Bible diligently and teach others how to do so effectively.

• Reference is made to Deuteronomy 6:1–9, emphasizing God's desire for His people to know Him through His Word.

Educating Future Generations

• Parents are commanded to educate their children about God’s teachings consistently throughout daily life.

• This education should be integrated into everyday activities like sitting down or walking together.

Cultural Context and Challenges

• The emphasis on writing God's words on doorposts signifies their importance in daily living and culture.

Engaging with Educated Individuals

• A conversation with an educated pastor from Indonesia reveals challenges in understanding scriptural truths amidst conflicting teachings.

• The pastor's insightful questions indicate a strong desire for deeper knowledge despite being well-informed.

Addressing Misunderstandings

• The speaker addresses contradictions between biblical explanations and other theological writings encountered by believers.

Confronting Errors Publicly

• Discussing errors publicly is necessary when they affect many; this approach fosters accountability within teaching communities.

Invitation to Share Knowledge

Importance of Scripture Knowledge

General Knowledge of Scriptures

• Emphasizes knowing scriptures beyond mere reading for spiritual growth.

• Our understanding of truth provides safety in our relationship with God and service to others.

• Encourages familiarity with the Bible for a general knowledge base.

Methods of Studying Scriptures

• Responsibility to teach effective study methods to those who struggle with scripture comprehension.

• Suggests studying scriptures by subjects to grasp deeper truths and principles.

• Advocates searching scriptures for answers to life's problems, defining a problem as an unanswered need.

Application of Scriptural Knowledge

• The Bible offers solutions to human problems; believers should be prepared to provide answers.

• Being well-versed in scriptures equips us with God's responses during inquiries from others.

• Shares personal experience addressing questions at a United Nations lecture using scriptural insights.

Value of Comprehensive Understanding

• Highlights the necessity of knowing various scripture phases, not just one area.

• Warns against being limited in scriptural knowledge, which can lead to confusion outside familiar topics.

• Recounts an encounter where limited knowledge hindered discussions about faith.

Memorization and Internalization

• Stresses the importance of memorizing scripture as preparation for sharing the gospel effectively.

• Cites John 5:39 on finding answers through diligent study and memorization practices.

• Encourages storing God's Word in our hearts as protection against sin (Psalm 119:11).

Overcoming Challenges in Memorization

• Acknowledges common excuses for not memorizing scripture across all ages.

• Calls out laziness as a barrier to effective learning and spiritual growth.

• Ignorance is destructive; diligence is necessary for success in our walk with God.

Teaching Children Scripture

• Discusses teaching children scripture from a young age as foundational training.

• Morning devotions include singing and memorizing verses, fostering early engagement with the Bible.

Understanding the Importance of Scripture

The Role of Discipline

• Familiarity with scriptures is essential for both parents and children.

• A disciplined individual fosters discipline in their children and community.

Enlightenment Through Truth

• Knowledge of scripture enriches individuals, enabling them to share truth effectively.

• Understanding God's word brings enlightenment, reducing susceptibility to deception.

Light and Spiritual Growth

• The presence of light symbolizes spiritual truth and understanding.

• Increased enlightenment leads to greater resistance against deception.

Meditation on Scriptures

Importance of Meditation

• Meditating on scriptures is crucial for mental enrichment and spiritual growth.

• Obsession with scripture transforms thoughts, aligning them with God's perspective.

Overcoming Challenges

• Continuous meditation helps overcome struggles and distractions in life.

• Engaging deeply with the Word enriches both personal faith and community impact.

The Will of God Revealed

Understanding God's Intentions

• The Word reveals God's will, mind, purpose, ways, and ultimate goals.

Application of Principles

• Ignorance does not exempt one from judgment; applying God’s principles is vital for success.

Strength Through Scripture

Empowerment via the Word

• Abiding by the Word strengthens believers against challenges posed by evil forces.

Equipping Young People

• Educating youth in scripture equips them spiritually; ignorance leads to vulnerability.

Memorization Techniques

Strategies for Memorizing Scripture

• Writing scriptures on one's heart through memorization enhances retention.

Practical Tips

Discipline in Scripture Study

• The speaker discusses the importance of discipline in studying scripture, emphasizing that it takes time and effort.

• A personal anecdote about forgetting a Bible but still managing to teach without it for three weeks.

• Reflecting on the challenge of memorizing scripture over forty years and the need to internalize it.

The Importance of Scripture

• Emphasizes that a strong church must be grounded in scripture first.

• Critiques the neglect of scriptural value by those focused solely on spiritual experiences.

• Advocates for a balance between understanding scriptures and experiencing God's power.

Safety Through Truth

• Stresses that safety comes from divine enlightenment through truth found in scripture.

• Encourages reading the Bible extensively before consuming other materials for true understanding.

• Highlights the importance of being well versed in scripture amidst various teachings available.

Divine Ammunition

• Compares knowledge of scripture to ammunition needed for spiritual battles.

• Asserts that those enriched with God’s word become more steadfast and liberated from darkness.

Daily Practices

• Shares insights into personal routines with his wife regarding daily scripture study at 4:30 AM.

• Describes their separate spaces during study time to maintain focus on God.

Memorization Benefits

• Introduces seven reasons for memorizing scriptures, starting with Deuteronomy 6:1–18 as foundational obedience to God.

Understanding Spiritual Nourishment

• Saints sacrifice for the glory of God; spiritual nourishment is essential (Luke 4:4).

• Scripture helps build immunity against sin (Psalm 119:11); enlightens others (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

• Fight sin with the sword of the Spirit; ignorance leads to captivity (Isaiah 5:13).

The Importance of Knowledge

• Ignorance makes us vulnerable to enemy attacks; knowledge is crucial (Hosea 4:6).

• Everyone can develop a teaching ministry, regardless of their role.

• Preaching targets sinners, while teaching is meant for saints.

Teaching vs. Preaching

• Teaching provides nourishment and enlightenment, unlike preaching.

• Knowing God requires a desire to pursue Him through His Word.

• God's Word reveals His nature and our responsibilities.

Deception and Truth

• Ignorance is a primary cause of deception; we must be aware of the devil's devices (2 Corinthians 2:11).

• Personal anecdotes illustrate the importance of discernment in recognizing value.

Education and Awareness

• Learning from knowledgeable individuals enhances understanding.

• Truth exposes Satan's errors; ignorance leaves us susceptible to deception.

Enrichment Through Truth

• Safety from deception comes from being enriched with truth.

• Spiritual wisdom is as important as financial wealth; ignorance can lead to fear.

Addressing Church Issues

• The Corinthian church had many gifts but faced significant issues due to prevalent sins.

Understanding the Importance of Scripture

The Role of Scripture in Spiritual Awareness

• We are not ignorant of Satan's devices; understanding scripture is crucial to avoid deception.

• God's principles are embedded in the Bible, requiring reconciliation from Genesis to Revelation for true understanding.

• Knowledge of scripture helps discern enemy tactics and methods used to mislead.

Ignorance vs. Blindness

• Ignorance leads to spiritual blindness, making individuals easily misled; ignorance is more costly than physical blindness.

• Ill-prepared leaders can leave their followers uninformed about truth, emphasizing the need for proper training.

• Lazy leadership results in a congregation that lacks spiritual vitality and engagement with scripture.

Global Perspectives on Scriptural Access

• Many leaders worldwide lack access to Bibles or essential scriptures, leading to widespread ignorance.

• Some communities have limited translations available, affecting their ability to study scripture effectively.

• There is a desperate need for inspiration among believers to engage deeply with the Word.

Personal Testimony on Scriptural Impact

• Encouraging people to develop a hunger for the Word is vital for spiritual growth and understanding.

• A personal encounter illustrates how one man's prayer was answered through receiving a worn Gospel of John.

• The old man had been reading his copy diligently for years, highlighting the transformative power of scripture.

Teaching Methods and Emphasis on Education

• It’s important not just to read but also study the Bible thoroughly; teaching methods should focus on deep learning.

• Instruction should include practical ways to study subjects within scripture effectively for better comprehension.

• Parents are encouraged in Deuteronomy 6:1–9 to educate their children about God’s will through His Word.

The Significance of God's Commandments

• God emphasizes diligent teaching and discussion about His commandments throughout daily life activities.

Conversation with an Uncommon Individual

• The speaker recounts a conversation initiated by a man after service, noting his intriguing questions about the Holy Spirit.

• The man's alertness and desire for knowledge indicated he was not ignorant but genuinely curious.

• The speaker responded logically, feeling a connection as they discussed scripture.

Confronting Contradictions

• A strategic question arose regarding a scripture that contradicted a book the man had read.

• The speaker identified the book and author, explaining their prior confrontation with the author over erroneous teachings.

• Emphasized the importance of publicly addressing errors in teaching to protect others from misinformation.

Teaching on the Holy Spirit

• The man invited the speaker to his church to discuss the Holy Spirit, highlighting a lack of knowledge among his congregation.

• The speaker delivered a message emphasizing deeper understanding of scriptures beyond mere reading.

• Knowledge of truth is crucial for safety in one's walk with God and serving others.

Approaches to Scripture Study

• Suggested reading for general knowledge to gain foundational understanding of biblical texts.

• Encouraged teaching methods for studying scriptures effectively, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the Bible.

• Recommended studying scriptures by subjects to grasp deeper truths and principles.

Finding Answers in Scriptures

• Urged searching scriptures for answers to life's problems, defining problems as needs without clear solutions.

• Highlighted that the Bible provides answers to human issues; believers should be prepared with these answers.

• Stressed being well versed in scriptures enables effective responses to inquiries from others.

Experiences at United Nations Lecture

• Recalled addressing UN investors while integrating preaching into an academic lecture on psychology and education.

• Opened up for questions post-presentation, relying on scriptural knowledge guided by the Holy Spirit for responses.

Value of Comprehensive Scriptural Knowledge

• Recognized that thorough understanding across all scripture phases is essential; narrow focus can lead to confusion.

• Mentioned experiences where limited scriptural knowledge hindered discussions with individuals questioning faith.

Understanding the Importance of Scripture Memorization

The Need for Scripture

• There is no deception in scripture; it provides answers and guidance.

• Storing God's Word in our hearts helps build humility against sinning.

• Many people make excuses for not memorizing scriptures.

Overcoming Laziness

• Laziness affects everyone; diligence is necessary to combat it.

• Ignorance is destructive, and laziness can lead us away from God’s truth.

• Teaching children to memorize scriptures from a young age is essential.

Benefits of Early Learning

• Morning devotions help children memorize scriptures effectively.

• Children can learn complete chapters and books of the Bible.

• Familiarity with scripture gives students an advantage in Bible school.

Discipline and Knowledge

• A disciplined person raises disciplined children; knowledge of scripture enriches lives.

• Being well versed in scripture allows one to share truth effectively.

• Understanding God's word protects against deception.

Enlightenment Through Truth

• Spiritual enlightenment comes from receiving truth, reducing susceptibility to deception.

• More light (truth) leads to less deception in life decisions.

Meditating on Scriptures

• Meditation on scriptures enriches the mind and spirit significantly.

• Obsession with scripture leads to thinking, speaking, and living like God does.

Relationship with God's Word

• Continuous meditation prevents spiritual setbacks through repentance and prayer.

• Five key aspects of God's word include His will, mind, purpose, ways, and ultimate goal.

Real-Life Applications

• Students often struggle between spiritual commitments and worldly attractions.

Understanding God's Principles

• Emphasizes the importance of applying God's principles rather than relying solely on His sovereignty.

• Ignorance does not exempt individuals from judgment; failure often results from not applying God's principles.

The Power of Scripture

• Reference to 1 John 2:14, highlighting strength through overcoming challenges with scripture.

• Importance of having the Word of God dwell in our hearts for overcoming evil.

Equipping Young People

• Encourages equipping youth with knowledge of scriptures instead of keeping them ignorant.

• Suggestion to memorize scripture as a form of spiritual ammunition against challenges.

Memorization Techniques

• Recommends reading scripture aloud and repeatedly for better retention.

• Shares personal experience with family memorizing Romans chapters effectively.

Discipline in Learning

• Discusses the discipline required for mastering scripture memorization.

• Highlights the importance of consistent practice in becoming well versed in scripture.

Testing Knowledge

• Reflecting on a situation where teaching occurred without a Bible present, emphasizing internalized knowledge.

Strengthening the Church

• Advocates for churches to be strong in scripture as foundational to their strength.

Balancing Scripture and Spirituality

• Calls for balance between understanding scriptures and experiencing spiritual manifestations.

Safety Through Truth

• Stresses that safety comes from divine enlightenment through truth and understanding scriptures deeply.

Value of Reading Scripture

• Encourages thorough reading of the Bible before consuming other materials to discern truth effectively.

Ammunition Against Darkness

Daily Routine and Spiritual Practices

• The speaker discusses their wife's daily routine of spending time in scripture alone for at least an hour each morning.

• They maintain distance during their morning routines, with the wife in the kitchen and the speaker in the living room.

• Breakfast is at six o'clock, followed by family worship after which they have private time together.

Importance of Scripture Memorization

• The speaker introduces seven reasons for memorizing scriptures, starting with Deuteronomy 6:1-18 emphasizing obedience to God.

• Colossians 3:17 and 23 highlight doing everything for God's glory; Luke 4:4 emphasizes spiritual nourishment.

• Psalm 119:11 focuses on building immunity against sin; teaching others is supported by 1 Thessalonians 2:13.

Knowledge and Teaching

• Ignorance leads to vulnerability against enemy attacks as stated in Hosea 4:6 regarding lack of knowledge.

• The need for teaching within communities is emphasized, even if one does not hold a formal teaching position.