1. Do Not Be Deceived 2 Timothy 3:10-17

2. 2 Deceive  “to cause to accept as true or valid what is false or invalid”... “synonyms beguile, mislead, delude.” (Merriam- Webster)  implies imposing a false idea or belief that causes ignorance, bewilderment, or helplessness  implies imposing a false idea or belief that causes ignorance, bewilderment, or helplessness

3. 3 Deceive  Beguile: mean to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness; it “stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving.”  Mislead: implies a leading astray that may or may not be intentional.

4. 4 Deceive  Delude: implies deceiving so thoroughly as to obscure the truth.  A clear contrast & choice is set before us, 2 Tim. 3:10-17  God repeatedly warns us: Do not be deceived... Do not be deceived...

5. 5 Deceived by Sin Heb. 3:13; Rom. 7:11; Jas. 1:12-16  That it satisfies our desires (lusts), Titus 3:3  That it gives lasting pleasure, Hebrews 11:25  There are no eternal consequences, 1 Cor. 6:9-10 (Rom. 6:23)  That it is not seen & punished by God, Gal. 6:7-8 (Num. 32:23)

6. 6 Deceived by the Error of False Teachers  Matt. 24:3-5, 11, 24-25, 2 Pet. 2:1-3; 1 Jno. 2:26  That their teaching conforms to the faith, 1 Tim. 4:1 (Jude 3-4)  That their teaching comes from Christ (his apostles), 2 Ths. 2:1-3

7. 7 Deceived by the Error of False Teachers  That nobody can be sure about all truth, 1 Jno. 3:7 (Jno. 16:13; 8:32)  That they (the false teachers) are not deceivers, but servants of Christ, 2 Jno. 7-10; 2 Cor. 11:3-4, 13-15

8. 8 Deceived by Man’s Wisdom, Colossians 2:8  Persuasive words, Col. 2:4 Yet not from God, Col. 2:2-3 Yet not from God, Col. 2:2-3  Empty words, Eph. 5:6 Vain, void, fruitless Vain, void, fruitless  Smooth words, Rom. 16:17-18 “Good” words & polished speech “Good” words & polished speech

9. 9 Deceived by Religious Fervor  Without God’s approval, Colossians 2:18-19 Testimonials, visions, experiences, emotionalism, Col. 2:2-3 Testimonials, visions, experiences, emotionalism, Col. 2:2-3 No authority, Col. 3:17 No authority, Col. 3:17

10. 10 Deceived by Evil Associations, 1 Cor. 15:33  Where we live (people we live around, cf. Lot, 2 Pet. 2:7-8)  Where we work, Titus 2:9-10 (Col. 3:22-23)  Where we play, 1 Peter 4:2-4

11. 11 Do Not Be Deceived!  “Take heed, that no one deceives you.” (Matt. 24:4)  “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1 Cor. 10:12)