Deceivers: Satan’s Counterfeits

Temple Baptist Church - 2-28-2018

2 Peter 2:1-3

Introduction:

A.  No one likes where we are, but we are here!  The enemies of God are in the churches because God’s people have allowed them in.  God said that they are identifiable.  Two thousand years ago, our Lord said that they were active but identifiable. 

Matthew 7:15-20  Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.  (16)  Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?  (17)  Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.  (18)  A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.  (19)  Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.  (20)  Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

B.  They are identifiable because of what they produce.  I will deal with that subject next time.  But, God’s people have been given a spiritual “yardstick” with which to measure them: The Bible!  Let us look at a few verses tonight.

C.  The False Prophets of old have become the False Teachers of the present.

2 Timothy 4:1-4  I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;  (2)  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.  (3)  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;  (4)  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

1.  These Are Ungodly Men - Jude 3-4  Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4  For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.  (Because they deceive the people and destroy the “faith once delivered!”  Do not feel sorry for them.  Do not protect them.  They are enemies of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Gospel!)

2.  These Are Satanic Men - 2 Corinthians 11:14-15  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Acts 13:8-10  But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. 9  Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, 10  And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?  (They work for the wrong “god!”  They are not only lost but also belong to Satan!  Once again, they are enemies of both God and the Truth!)

3.  These Are Ordained Men - Jude 4  For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.  (Ordained – designated!  This has nothing to do with Calvinism.  As God chose Pharaoh because he was reprobate, He also has chosen these men who made their choices.)

4.  These Are Deceived Men - 2 Timothy 3:13  But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

5.  These Are Charismatic Men - Romans 16:17-18  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18  For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.  (They are articulate!  They have charisma!  They are good dressers!)

6.  These Are Powerful Men - Matthew 24:24  For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.  (Satan has great power and has given his power to these deceivers.)

7.  These Are Deceiving Men - 2 Peter 2:1-2  But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2  And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

8.  These Are Damned Men – “swift destruction” - 2 Peter 2:1  But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

2 Peter 2:3  And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

The Attack Upon God’s Word

Temple Baptist Church - 2-21-2018

2 Peter 2:1-3

Introduction: 

A.  Satan hates the Word of God above all things because it is the basis for both salvation and spiritual growth. 

1.  God called the Word of God that is in hand a “more sure word.”  There has been a concerted effort over the past 120 years to destroy the faith of God’s children in His Word. 

2.  The Bible is the foundation for all that we believe about God, Jesus Christ, salvation, heaven, and doctrine—therefore, Satan has concentrated his attack upon it.

B.  Cunningly Devised is one word in the Greek and means:

            1) to make wise, teach

2) to become wise, to have understanding

2a) to invent, play the sophist

2b) to devise cleverly or cunningly

C.  A man is only as good as his word and the same can be said about the Lord.  To destroy one’s confidence in the Bible is to destroy one’s confidence in God.

D.  The attack upon the Bible is blatantly wicked!

1.  The Attack Is Devilish In Nature - Genesis 3:1  Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

2.  The Attack Is Diverse In Nature – there are many way in which Satan attacks the Bible:

3.  The Attack Is Deceptive In Nature – It preys upon biblical ignorance.

4.  The Attack Is Divisive In Nature – It divides the body of Christ.

5.  The Attack Is Destructive In Nature – It thwarts the work of the church and damns sinners.

E.  Let us look, at some of the tools used in attacking the Bible.

           

1.  The Tool Of Intellectualism - 2 Peter 1:16-17  For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.  For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5  And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.  For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.  And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.  And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:  That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

2.  The Tool Of Dishonesty - 2 Corinthians 4:2  But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 

3.  The Tool Of Textual Criticism - 2 Corinthians 2:17  For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. 

Jeremiah 36:22-24  Now the king (Jehoiakim) sat in the winterhouse in the ninth month: and there was a fire on the hearth burning before him.  And it came to pass, that when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, he cut it with the penknife, and cast it into the fire that was on the hearth, until all the roll was consumed in the fire that was on the hearth.  Yet they were not afraid, nor rent their garments, neither the king, nor any of his servants that heard all these words.

4.  The Tool Of Deception - Ephesians 4:14  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.

5.  The Tool Of Confusion - 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2  Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, andby our gathering together unto him,  That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

1 Timothy 1:4  Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

1 Timothy 4:7  But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

Titus 1:14  Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.

A More Sure Word!

Temple Baptist Church - 2-14-2018

2 Peter 1:16-21

Introduction:

A.  While writing to these displaced but saved Jews, Peter directs their hearts toward the Word of God.  If we are to trust in the Lord with all our hearts when we do not understand, we must learn to trust in His Word.

B.  Peter will go back to the past to establish a present truth as he establishes the importance of faith in the Word of God.

1.  First, in verses 16-17, Peter established their faith in God’s Word that was spoken in an audible voice.  Everyone here tonight, if you heard the voice of God and knew that it was He that spoke, would believe EVERY WORD spoken.  Not one of you would have thought that God was too wordy or did not speak as many words as He need to speak.  Not one of you would have said, “God could have said it better this way,” and then re-phrase what He said.  You would take God at His Word and honor every single word spoken.

2.  Second, in verses 20-21, Peter established their faith in God’s inspiration of the Scriptures through holy men of old.  Everyone here tonight believes that the initial inspiration of the Word of God was verbal, plenary, inerrant, and infallible.  Every single word of God!

C.  In verse 16, Peter uses the phrase “cunningly devised fables.”  The word “fables” is used 5 times in the New Testament.

1.  Fable – a tale or fiction.  Also, to teach or instruct a tale or fiction.  Cunningly devised is a tale that has been crafted.  We get a lot of that in politics these days.  You craft a story that presents a deception to the hearer.

2.  The most quoted use of the word “fables” is in 2 Timothy.

2 Timothy 4:1-4  I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;  (2)  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.  (3)  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;  (4)  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

D.  The fables referred to in 2 Timothy had to do with turning those deceived away from the preaching of sound doctrine and the Word of God.  That is where we are today.

E.  For tonight, I want to break down verse 19 to get a good grasp upon what Peter is speaking about when he references a more sure Word.

1.  “we have” – to hold or to have in possession

2.  “a more sure” - A stable or firm base

3.  “word” – Logos, the same as John 1:1, in the beginning was the Word.  An utterance or something said.

4.  “prophecy” – to foretell whereas we “forthtell.”  It is a word that knows the future.

5.  “take heed” – not only to have in possession but to adhere to or to apply to oneself.

6.  “light” – a portable lamp, white in lamination.  Psalm 119:105.

7.  “that shineth” – luminous, to lighten or to show, to allow to see.

8.  “dark” – to blow dust or to be dirty.  The meaning is not just an absence of light but something dirty that obscures the light.  Dust storm.

9.  “place” – a condition, not a room.  As Israel sat in spiritual darkness when the First Advent took place, so we also sit in a time of spiritual darkness just prior to His Coming again.

10.  “until” – continuance of time and place.

11.  “day” - ffiguratively a period instead of a 24 hour day.  The Millennium or 1000 year reign; a thousand years is as a “day” with God.

12.  “dawn” – to beam or break through.  To appear.

13.  “The Day Star arise in your hearts” – to bear light.  

14.  Revelation 22:16  I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.  Many commentaries along with the Strong’s Concordance made a mistake in Isaiah 14:12 when they refer to Lucifer (brightness, often called the Light Bearer) as the morning star.  Jesus Christ is the Morning Star!

Conclusion:  If the emphasis of inerrancy and infallibility is place upon the original manuscripts, then why is the Bible called a “more sure” word of prophecy in the end time?

1.  Because we do have the original manuscripts, so they are no longer of value.

2.  because God no longer speaks from heaven or gives extra-biblical revelation.

3.  Because we must therefore rely upon the Bible that we hold in our hands.

Newness Of Life

Temple Baptist Church - 2-11-2018

Romans 6:1-14

Introduction.

A.  Last week, we saw the baptism of the Holy Ghost that places us into the body of Christ.  Baptized into Jesus.  I am His and He is mine.

B.  Tonight, I want to take a short look at the change of our relationship with sin.  The entire 6th chapter of Romans is about our relationship to sin after we are saved. 

1.  There is a great difference between possession and profession when it comes to salvation.  We need to be very careful at this point because God is the only one who can judge a man’s heart. 

2.  As we look across America, we find that God and Jesus Christ are mentioned but those speaking do not have a testimony of a changed life. 

Acts 8:39  And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11  Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,  (10)  Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.  (11)  And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

James 2:17-18  Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.  (18)  Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.  

C.  When we are saved, our relationship with sin is forever changed.  This is an important doctrine.

1.  In Salvation, we have been saved from the Penalty of Sin.  Verse 2 – “dead to sin.”  1 John 3:9  Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

2.  In Salvation, we have been saved from the Practice of Sin.  Verse 4 – “newness of life.”  Ephesians 2:2-3  Whereinin time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:  (3)  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

3.  In Salvation, we have been saved from the Power of Sin.  Verse 9 – “no more dominion.”  Romans 6:14  For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

4.  In Salvation, we will one day be removed from the Presence of Sin.  Verse 6 – “that the body of sin might be destroyed.”  Revelation 21:27  And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

D.  The “New Life” in Christ.

1.  It should be a life that is different.  2 Corinthians 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

2.  It should be a life that glorifies God and not self.  1 Corinthians 1:31  That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

3.  It should be a life that is both vibrant and godly.  2 Peter 3:11  Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

4.  It should be a life that portrays an inward fullness of Joy.  Philippians 4:4  Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

5.  It should be a life that is victorious life of temperance.  Philippians 4:5  Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

6.  It should be a life that is faithful to the things of God.  Acts 2:41-42, 46-47  Then they that gladly received his wordwere baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.  (42)  And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers  ...  (46)  And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,  (47)  Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Let Us Not Be Weary In Well Doing - Part 1

Temple Baptist Church - 2-11-2018

Galatians 6:1-10

Introduction:

A.  I want to get our text from verse 9 but, as the first word of the verse is “and,” we will interpret our text within its context.

1.  Verse 1 shows the possibility of a child of God being “overtaken” in a fault.  When we see the word “fault,” we naturally thing of something going wrong that is our fault.  Something that we knew better than to do but, thinking that we would not have to pay a price, that we intentionally did. 

2.  The admonition is that a)  it could be one of us that is overtaken   b)  we have a responsibility to restore the fallen.

B.  We live in the days of departing.  The laborers get fewer and the harvest greater.  Not all that depart are unsaved so I want to look at some of the reasons for this falling into sin and out of church.

C.  Preceding the phrase “let us not be weary in well doing,” we find the principle of sowing and reaping.  Either sowing to the flesh and reaping corruption or sowing to the Spirit and reaping everlasting life.

1.  The text portrays three types of believers:  carnal, spiritual and weary in well doing.

2.  The sinful, the spiritual, and the middle of the road or neutrality which is sinful.  There is no benign state of neutrality with God!  You are for Him or you are against Him.

D.  Sowing right is imperative to living right!

E.  First, sowing to the flesh.

1.  The Deception of Sin

a.  Deceived By Satan

2 Corinthians 4:4  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

1 Chronicles 21:1 And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.

b.  Deceived By Sin

Job 4:8  Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.

c.  Deceived By Self (the worst of all deceptions)

1 Corinthians 6:9-10  Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,  Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

2 Timothy 3:13  But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

2.  The Workings of Sin

James 1:14-16  But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.  Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.  Do not err, my beloved brethren.

a.  Sin’s Character – “own lust”

b.  Sin’s Conception – “lust hath conceived”

c.  Sin’s Culmination – “death”

3.  The Reaping of Sin – Galatians 6:7-8  “Be Not Deceived; God Is Not Mocked”

5 Laws of Sowing and Reaping or “Laws Of The Harvest”

a.  The Principle of Sowing - “lust hath conceived” - You always sow before you reap.

b.  The Product of Sowing - “bringeth forth sin” - You always reap what you sow.

c.  The Payoff of Sowing  - “tempted - lust - sin - death” - You always reap more than you sow.

d.  The Period of Sowing - “when it is finished” - You always reap later than you sow.

e.  The Perplexity of Sowing - “Do not err” - You are always shocked at the harvest

Galatians 6:7-10

A.  The Sorrow Of Sowing - 7-8

1.  The Deception Of Sowing To Corruption – 7  “Be not deceived”

Romans 7:11  For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.

James 1:22  But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 

1 John 3:7  Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 

2.  The Discovery Of Sowing To Corruption – 7  “God is not mocked”

Romans 2:6-10  Who will render to every man according to his deeds:  To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:  But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,  Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;  But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:

3.  The Deciding Of Sowing To Corruption - 7-8 “Whatsoever a man soweth ... soweth to his flesh” - our decision

Romans 6:13  Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

4.  The Destruction Of Sowing To Corruption – 8  “Shall of his flesh reap corruption”

Job 4:8  Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same. 

Proverbs 1:31  Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.