"Deception" by Costa Deir part # 4 (of 8)

Causes of Deception

• Discusses the concept of presumption as a cause of deception, referencing 1 Corinthians 10:12.

• Highlights how faith in God contrasts with presumption influenced by the devil; both are forms of belief.

• Emphasizes that presumption leads to various problems throughout life unless one is aware of its subtlety.

Following Blindly

• Introduces the idea of following others blindly and its dangers.

• Shares a personal experience about being deceived by someone who was initially a blessing.

• Warns against idolizing those who provide spiritual guidance, stressing individual responsibility.

Spiritual Nutrition

• Compares spiritual intake to physical nutrition, noting the importance of discernment in what we consume spiritually.

• Advises seeking God's guidance when reading books or consuming teachings to avoid deception.

Accountability and Responsibility

• References 1 Samuel 15:23, discussing privilege and accountability in serving God.

• Stresses that privilege comes with responsibility; one cannot enjoy privileges without fulfilling responsibilities.

Rebellion and Deception

• Describes King Saul's loss of the Holy Spirit due to rebellion and stubbornness, leading to his downfall.

Understanding Self-Deception and Its Consequences

Causes of Deception

• The rebellion lies deep within man's spirit; there are multiple causes of deception.

• Self-deception is highlighted as a primary cause, referencing James 1:22-25.

• Merely being a reader or heir is insufficient; theory must translate into practice.

The Importance of Action

• Knowing without doing leads to self-deception; heirs who do not act deceive themselves.

• Closing the gap between revelation and demonstration requires self-denial and discipline.

• Pursuing personal desires over God's will indicates living for one's own pleasure.

Pleasing God Through Obedience

• True obedience to God pleases Him, similar to how children please their parents through obedience.

• Being born again by God's will emphasizes the importance of fulfilling His purpose in life.

• Knowledge without action is sinful, reinforcing that knowing cannot replace doing.

The Nature of the Heart

• A person who merely hears but does not act is like someone forgetting their reflection in a mirror.

• Obedience to revealed truth allows us to experience God's character fully in our lives.

• The heart is described as deceitful and wicked, highlighting its dangerous nature.

Temptation and Response

• Temptation reveals what resides in our hearts; purity prevents outside temptations from affecting us.

• Our response to temptation matters more than its size or severity; a pure heart remains unaffected.

• Obeying God comes at a cost, emphasizing the seriousness of following His will.

Deceptions from Within and Without

• Self-deception can lead to demonic deception, making it crucial to recognize our own falsehoods.

• Satan's tactics involve offering something perceived as better than what one currently has.

• Emotional appeals are part of temptation strategies aimed at leading individuals astray.

Biblical Examples of Deception

• Eve's first temptation illustrates humanity's quest for independence from God.

• Many biblical figures succumbed to offers from Satan, resulting in widespread deception.

• People's deception is exemplified through the story of a young prophet in 1 Kings 13.

Testing Obedience

• God's commands often come with strict instructions that test our obedience.

• After performing his duty, the prophet faced further tests regarding his actions.

The Consequences of Disobedience

• The prophet dined with the old man, and during the meal, God's word came to him.

• Despite God's warning not to eat or drink, the prophet disobeyed and was killed by a lion.

• The old man discovered the carcass and recognized it as the disobedient prophet.

Character vs. Gifts in Ministry

• A weak character can lead to deception and destruction despite having strong gifts.

• Character is foundational for ministry; without it, even strong ministries can fail.

• God provides gifts, but individuals must build their character responsibly.

Obedience and Assurance

• Obeying God is essential; His word remains unchanged.

• True obedience may seem simple but comes at a high cost.