"Deception" by Costa Deir part # 7 (of 8)

Deception and Breakdown of Ethics in Leadership

The Current State of Ethics and Morality

• The world is experiencing a significant breakdown in ethics, integrity, and morality, particularly among leaders.

• Different tribes and nations have their own standards, leading to a lack of universal ethical guidelines.

Importance of Adhering to God's Standards

• Without adherence to God's standards, leaders may exploit their positions for personal gain, negatively impacting the people they serve.

• A decline in leadership ethics leads to disillusionment among followers who seek examples to emulate.

Perversion in Relationships

Impact on Marital Relationships

• Perversion within sexual relationships is prevalent even among churchgoers, often due to a lack of understanding about deception tactics.

• Many individuals struggle with reconciling their beliefs with the actions of their spouses, leading to crises within families.

Misguided Questions About Morality

• Individuals often ask how far they can go without sinning instead of seeking guidance on maintaining purity in relationships.

• This mindset reflects a broader issue where Christians face heartaches due to misunderstandings about biblical principles regarding relationships.

The Rise of Occult Practices

Increasing Influence of the Occult

• There is a notable rise in occult practices globally, indicating a revival that challenges traditional religious values.

• Statistics show that churches are outnumbered by various forms of occult worship across many cities.

Judicial System and Authority

Concerns Over Capital Punishment Reforms

• The movement against capital punishment is viewed as deceptive and undermines God’s law.

• A lack of fear for God or man results in increased crime rates due to diminished restraints on evil behavior.

Need for Righteous Leadership

• Calls for godly judges who uphold divine laws emphasize the importance of moral authority within governance.

Role of the Church in Society

Involvement in Politics

• The church's disengagement from politics allows ungodly influences to mistreat believers; thus, active participation is essential.

Educating Future Leaders

God's Will and Authority in Relationships

Understanding God's Will

• The speaker emphasizes that it is God's will for there to be godly kings, indicating a divine order in leadership.

Ignorance and Fanaticism

• There is a significant amount of ignorance and fanaticism present in discussions about authority, which leads to confusion.

Authority in Relationships

• A discussion arises regarding the dynamics of authority within relationships, particularly between spouses who work together.

• One wife expresses her agreement with scripture regarding having a head but clarifies that her knowledge surpasses her husband's in their shared business context.

• She states that while she does not accept authority over him, they experience no friction and enjoy working together.

Decision Making and Deception

• The speaker notes that much deception manifests during decision-making processes, highlighting the need for careful consideration.

• Satan instigates ideas without revealing his deceptive intentions, making it crucial to remain vigilant when making decisions.

Importance of Seeking Guidance

• Proverbs suggests that those who seek the Lord will understand all things; this underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance before making decisions.

• Historical examples illustrate that wisdom involves planning ahead rather than waiting until emergencies arise.

The Consequences of Rejecting Truth

Safety Through Truth

• A warning from 2 Thessalonians highlights that rejecting truth can lead to delusion; embracing truth is essential for safety against deception.

Biblical Examples of Rejection

• King Saul was rejected as king due to his rejection of God’s word, emphasizing the consequences of ignoring divine guidance.

Enlightenment as Children of Light

• The speaker stresses the necessity for children of light to be enlightened by truth to avoid deception.

Community Support and Humility

The Role of Community

• The importance of having brethren who provide support and correction is discussed; mutual accountability strengthens relationships.

Humility in Receiving Correction

• Humility is necessary for receptivity; proud individuals struggle to receive constructive feedback or guidance from others.

Responsibility Against Deception

Personal Responsibility

Responsibility and Deception in Relationships

The Nature of Responsibility

• King attempted to distance himself from the responsibility towards others, but it is emphasized that we are inherently responsible for one another.

• This interconnectedness highlights the importance of mutual accountability in relationships.

Understanding Sin and Temptation

• Reference to 1 John 3:7 illustrates that sin originates from deception by the devil, with Christ's purpose being to eradicate these sinful works.

• It is noted that before committing a sin, an individual must first be deceived; temptation precedes sin as a form of acceptance of this deception.

• Yielding to temptation signifies accepting this deception without awareness, leading to sin and subsequent trouble.

The Impact of Evil Communications

• A warning against being misled by negative influences is presented: "Evil communications corrupt good manners."

• An example is given regarding a staff party where believers refrain from certain activities, indicating a struggle between personal desires and communal beliefs.

Independence from God

• Committing a sin represents an act of independence from God, suggesting a desire to pursue one's own path without divine guidance.

The Role of Intelligence in Deception

• Intelligence does not safeguard individuals from deception; often, more intelligent people fall prey to deceit than those who are less informed.

Scriptural Warnings Against Deception

Repeated Scriptural Themes

• Ephesians 5:6 warns against vain words which lead to God's wrath upon disobedient children.

• Ephesians 2:2 discusses the spirit influencing disobedience among people, emphasizing the need for vigilance against such influences.

Personal Responsibility in Discernment

• Each individual bears the responsibility for their discernment and must also guide others as they gain enlightenment about spiritual truths.

The Consequences of Temptation

Response to Temptation

• It is highlighted that temptations themselves do not harm us; rather, it is our responses that can lead us into trouble.

Real-Life Examples of Downfall

• A narrative about someone succumbing to temptation after years of leadership illustrates how even strong figures can falter when faced with deceptive choices.

Long-Term Effects of Suppression

Suppression as Deception

• The suppression of evil desires can itself be seen as a form of self-deception, complicating personal integrity and honesty within relationships.

Building Healthy Relationships

Importance of Selflessness

• Healthy relationships are characterized by selflessness; engaging openly with one another fosters stronger connections devoid of selfish motives.

Trust and Discernment in Relationships

Navigating Trust Issues