Deceitfulness of Sin 2 Corinthians 10:1-18

Introduction We are at war Seeks to overcome us (Job 1:6, 7) We are soldiers (Ephesians 6:10-18) Must be committed (Luke 9:23) Faithful unto death (Revelation 2:10)

Introduction Difficult to believe Not a carnal war (2 Corinthians 10:3, 4) Casualties mounting (1 Corinthians 5:9-13) All at risk (Hebrews 3:12) Sin is deceitful

Use The Wrong Standard Perception and perspective Size of the blackboard Right perspective crucial

Wrong perspectives Self (2 Corinthians 10:12) Desires of others (1 Corinthians 4:3, 4) Human religious organizations

Use The Wrong Standard Proper standard Complete guide (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) Sin defined (1 John 3:4) Cut off what is necessary (Mark 9:43)

Portray Sin As Righteousness Satan is the same A deceiver (2 Corinthians 11:13-15) From the beginning (Genesis 3:1-4) One of his devices (2 Corinthians 2:11)

Portray Sin As Righteousness Examples Annulment substituted for divorce Gambling- entertainment, recreation Drugs and alcohol- relaxing, being sociable (1 Peter 4:4) Illicit sex- good for marriage (Galatians 5:19-21; Hebrews 13:4)

In Its Growth Grows slowly Like gaining weight Apostasy slow (2 Timothy 4:1-4) Like leaven (1 Corinthians 5:6; Galatians 5:12)

In Its Growth Examples Apostasy of the first century (2 Thessalonians 2:7; 1 Timothy 4:1) Missionary societies, institutionalism, and the social gospel Desire to put things in a “gray” area

In Its Consequences Not portrayed as they really are Advertising “Truth in packaging” laws

In Its Consequences Consider some what if questions Eve- Babies would be sick and die David- Death and bloodshed Solomon- kingdom would be divided First century brethren- hierarchy, Popes, statues, kissing rings, etc.

In Its Consequences Consider some what if questions Eighteenth century- denial of Christ’s deity, denial of inspiration, etc. Woman with child born out of wedlock

Plight of James Grant George Adult adoptee- Kansas City, Missouri Judge Gene Martin said no to his request to open his court file in order to discover his parents’ identities. George had leukemia and needed a bone marrow transplant from a relative to save his life. (Newsweek, October 1981)

In Its Consequences Consider these things Sin catches up with us (Numbers 32:23) Its consequences are deadly, but deceiving (Romans 6:23) Sin can’t be covered up (Isaiah 59:1-6) Can only be forgiven (Psalm 32:1-5)

Conclusion Do not be deceived by sin Have you been forgiven?

Conclusion