Message: “Study of Luke Part 1” from Joe Summers

Deception- All That Glitters is Not Gold Lesson Objective To help us discern the truth in Scripture by identifying common misquoted or misused verses, understanding their correct context, and applying biblical wisdom to recognize and guard against deception. Primary Scriptures - 2 Timothy 2:15 - "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." - 2 Corinthians 11:14 - "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light." Deuteronomy11: 16 Take heed to yourselves, lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them Introduction Advertisement is designed to persuade one to do something that they may not normally do without stimulus from the advert. What are some keys to advertisement? Overstating Benefits or Claims • How It Works: Advertisements may exaggerate the benefits of a product, sometimes using vague language like "clinically proven," "miracle cure," or "results guaranteed" without sufficient evidence. For instance, weight loss products might promise drastic results in a short time without dietary changes or exercise. Misleading Visuals or Product Comparisons • How It Works: Ads often use images that show results far better than what the average user might experience. For instance, “before” and “after” photos might be edited or enhanced, or they may feature atypical results. Other times, products are presented alongside competitor products in ways that unfairly make one look superior. Hiding Important Information in Fine Print • How It Works: Key information, such as costs, limitations, or side effects, is often tucked away in fine print or presented in such a way that it’s easily overlooked. This could include hidden fees, subscription requirements, or limitations on a "money-back guarantee." Bait and Switch Tactics • How It Works: Companies may advertise a product at a great price or with attractive features, only for customers to find out that it’s not available, or that the advertised version is inferior. Salespeople then try to upsell a more expensive product. 1. The Nature of Deception in Scripture - Introduction to Deception: Deception is a theme throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. The Bible cautions against false teachings, twisting of God’s words, and manipulation of truth. - Biblical Warning: 2 Timothy 4:3-4, For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. Paul warns that "people will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." This highlights the danger of deception, especially when Scripture is manipulated. 2. Old Testament Examples of Misapplied Scripture 1. - Genesis 3:1-5 – The First Deception - Satan’s question to Eve, "Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?" shows how the enemy uses partial truth and twisted wording to create doubt and deceive. - Emphasize how Satan’s subtle twisting led to humanity’s fall. When Scriptures are misapplied, people can be led astray, just as Adam and Eve were. 2. Twisted in Temptation of Jesus - Psalm 91:11-12 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone In Matthew 4:6, Satan quotes Psalm 91 to Jesus: "He will command his angels concerning you…" This is a promise of God’s protection, but Satan isolates it from its context to try and deceive Jesus into testing God. - Discuss how selective quoting of Scripture is a deceptive tactic. Jesus rebukes Satan, showing the importance of context (Deuteronomy 6:16: "Do not put the Lord your God to the test"). 3. New Testament Misinterpretations and Examples - Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Often misquoted to imply that any personal desire will succeed through faith, this verse is actually about enduring hardships. Paul is discussing how he has learned to be content in every situation (Philippians 4:11-12). - It is important to read surrounding verses to avoid misinterpretation. This encourages humility and understanding of God’s provision in difficult times rather than self-empowerment. 4. - Matthew 7:1 - "Do not judge, or you too will be judged." - Commonly cited to avoid any form of discernment or correction. However, in the context of Matthew 7, Jesus is addressing hypocrisy and warning against judging others by a standard one does not hold oneself to. - This example demonstrates how misinterpreting verses can promote moral relativism. Proper understanding teaches humility and fair discernment, not a blanket rejection of accountability. 5. Recognizing False Teachers and Deceptive Teachings - 2 Peter 3:16 - Warnings about Twisting Scripture - Peter warns that some people twist Paul’s writings and other Scriptures to their destruction. This is a direct warning against taking verses out of context. False teachers today may distort Scripture for their agendas. Encourage vigilance and cross-referencing of Scriptures to grasp the true meaning. 6. - Galatians 1:6-9 - Another Gospel - Paul warns the Galatians against turning to a "different gospel" and pronounces a curse on anyone who preaches one. This underscores the severity of doctrinal deception. There may be diverse interpretations, certain foundational truths cannot be changed without distorting the Gospel itself. 5. Guarding Against Deception - Ephesians 6:10-17 – The Armor of God The "belt of truth" as part of the armor needed to stand against deception. Knowing Scripture well and discerning its meaning is central to Christian defense. - Acts 17:11 - The Bereans’ Example - The Bereans are commended for examining the Scriptures daily to verify Paul’s teachings. This is an example of a wise approach to avoid deception by verifying teachings against Scripture. - Practical Advice for Today - Encourage daily study, using multiple sources or commentaries, and prayer for discernment. Remember Proverbs 3:5-6, trusting in the Lord rather than their own understanding. Conclusion Summarize by reinforcing the importance of handling God’s Word responsibly. Emphasize that misinterpreting or twisting Scripture is a dangerous path that leads to deception, as warned in Revelation 22:18-19. Close with a call to seek truth diligently, encourage open dialogue about Scripture, and pray for wisdom to guard against deceit. Suggested Application Encourage the congregation to select a frequently misquoted verse this week, study its context, and pray for insight on how to apply it accurately. This will deepen their understanding and equip them to recognize deception in their own lives. 1. Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. - Common Misinterpretation: This verse is often cited as a blanket promise of prosperity and success for all individuals. - Context: Jeremiah 29:11 is part of a letter to Israelite exiles in Babylon, assuring them of future restoration after 70 years of captivity. It’s a specific promise for a nation in exile, rather than a guarantee of personal prosperity. - Lesson on Discernment: This verse is best understood as an assurance of God’s overall purpose and faithfulness, especially in difficult times, rather than an individual promise of financial success or an easy life. 2. Proverbs 22:6 - "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." - Common Misinterpretation: Many view this verse as a guaranteed outcome: if a child is raised well, they will not stray. - Context: Proverbs offers wisdom and general truths, but they are not guaranteed promises. This proverb reflects a principle about the influence of good upbringing, but it acknowledges the complexity of individual choices. - Lesson on Discernment: A balanced understanding of proverbs encourages wise actions but recognizes that outcomes can vary. This verse serves as guidance, not an absolute promise, which helps prevent blame or disillusionment. 3. 1 Timothy 6:10 - "For the love of money is the root of all evil." - Common Misinterpretation: Some people mistakenly believe this verse says money itself is evil. - Correct Understanding: The verse specifies that *love* of money is the root of various evils, indicating an issue of heart attitude. Misinterpreting it as a condemnation of money can lead to unhealthy views on wealth and neglect of biblical principles of stewardship. - Lesson on Discernment: Recognize that Scripture often addresses motives and intentions rather than objects (like money) themselves. It’s a warning against greed, not against financial resources. 4. Matthew 18:20 - "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." - Common Misinterpretation: Many apply this verse as a general promise of Jesus’ presence whenever a few people gather. - Context: In context, this verse addresses church discipline, offering encouragement that Jesus is present when decisions are made in alignment with God’s will for resolving conflict and maintaining accountability. - Lesson on Discernment: Context reveals that this promise is about unity in church matters rather than a general statement about God’s presence, which is promised to all believers individually (Matthew 28:20). 5. Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him." - Common Misinterpretation: This is sometimes seen as a promise that all circumstances will eventually turn out well in earthly terms. - Context: Romans 8:28 is about God’s eternal purposes for believers, not an earthly guarantee of favorable outcomes. It reassures that God will bring spiritual good, often aligned with eternal purposes, even in suffering. - Lesson on Discernment: This promise focuses on ultimate, often spiritual good, rather than immediate or material success, and underscores the importance of trusting God’s long-term plans. 6. Deception in the Old Testament: False Prophets - Example: In 1 Kings 22, false prophets assured King Ahab of victory, but Micaiah, a true prophet, warned otherwise. Ahab chose to believe the false prophets and faced disastrous consequences. - Lesson on Discernment: This story warns about listening to people who claim to speak for God but have self-serving or deceptive motives. True prophets often give messages aligned with God’s will rather than popular opinion. 7. New Testament Warnings against False Teachings - Example: In Galatians 2:4-5, Paul describes “false brothers” who infiltrated the early church to distort the Gospel, adding requirements like circumcision to salvation by faith alone. Paul opposes these deceptions to protect the integrity of the Gospel. - Lesson on Discernment: This example reveals how even well-meaning individuals can add to or distort doctrine. Staying rooted in Scripture guards against legalistic or false teachings that detract from the core message of grace. 8. 2 Corinthians 12:9 - “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” - Common Misinterpretation: Some see this as a promise that grace will remove all challenges or pain. - Context: Paul speaks of his own “thorn in the flesh” that God did not remove despite his requests. God’s response reveals that His grace sustains us *through* trials, not necessarily by removing them. - Lesson on Discernment: This verse teaches us that God’s grace can strengthen us in difficulties rather than promising escape from hardship. It is a reminder of dependency on God rather than self-reliance. --- Final Thought Each of these examples underscores the importance of context, humility, and discernment when approaching Scripture. These lessons demonstrate how the Bible, rightly understood, reveals truth and draws believers closer to God’s intent. By using these examples, your sermon can offer powerful insights into the role of interpretation and the dangers of deception, equipping listeners to recognize and overcome misrepresentations of Scripture.

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