Christian, Don't Deceive Yourself! — Santosh Poonen — May 5, 2024
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message is that true life is found only in the Kingdom of Heaven, not in earthly success, which is temporary. The speaker warns believers about various deceivers—including the world, false teachers, and false Christs—who seek to mislead people. He emphasizes that salvation comes through faith in Christ alone, and believers must remain vigilant to discern truth from deception, especially regarding the return of Christ.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Who is the biggest deceiver for Christians?While the devil deceives the spiritually blind world and false teachers try to mislead believers, the person most likely to lead a Christian into deception is oneself.Revelation 12:9
How can you avoid self-deception?The secret to avoiding self-deception is having a genuine love for the truth, receiving correction with humility even when it pierces our self-love.2 Thessalonians 2:10
1. Thinking God takes sin lightlyBelievers deceive themselves if they think they can continue living in sin and that God takes disobedience lightly, forgetting that unrighteousness forfeits the kingdom of God.1 Corinthians 6:9
2. Thinking sinful company will not corrupt youIt is a deception to believe that hanging around worldly people or consuming ungodly media will not gradually corrupt your morals.1 Corinthians 15:33
3. Blaming God or others for your sinWhen we fall into temptation and blame our spouses, circumstances, or God instead of recognizing our own inner lust, we are deceiving ourselves.
4. Not constantly cleansing yourself from sinIf a Christian is not daily bringing their thoughts and actions to the blood of Jesus for cleansing, they deceive themselves into thinking they have no sin.1 John 1:8–9
5. Hearing the word but not obeyingListening to many sermons without putting the word into practice is the primary way churchgoers deceive themselves.James 1:22
6. Failing to control the tongueAnyone who claims to be spiritual yet cannot control their tongue through gossip or harsh words is deceiving their own heart.
7. Not recognizing that you are a nobodyIf anyone thinks they are something important rather than humbling themselves to the status of a spiritual zero, they deceive themselves.
