Don’t Bite
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 (NLT) 13These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. 14But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve.
Genesis 3:1 (NLT) 1The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the LORD God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”
Examples of Temptation that is Packaged as Good
1. Sex is good, but twist that truth to say that you don’t have to be in a MARRIAGE to enjoy it.
2. Belief in God is good, but twist that truth to say that you don’t have to FOLLOW Jesus to make that happen.
3. The value of a human life is good, but twist that truth to say that I DESERVE to get what I want all the time.
4. The world was created to be good, but twist that truth to say that THINGS will give our lives meaning.
5. Owning things is good, but twist that truth to say you should have whatever you want even if you cannot AFFORD it. Go in DEBT and have a good time.
6. Having meaningful relationships is good, but twist that truth to say that GOSSIP is a good way to cement your insider STATUS.
7. Food is good, but twist that truth to say that you should eat whatever you want whenever you want no matter the HEALTH consequences.
8. Relaxation is good, but twist that truth to say that spending HOURS mindlessly scrolling social media is a good use of time.
9. Being good citizens is good, but twist that truth to say that your allegiance to a POLITICAL party is more important than your allegiance to the KINGDOM.
10. Having food to eat and a home to live in is good, but twist that truth to say that you should only be concerned about yourself in how you LIVE your life rather than being a good NEIGHBOR.
John 10:10 (NLT) 10The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
Galatians 5:19-25 (NLT) 19When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 22But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.
How Do We Avoid These Temptations?
1. We need to ask ourselves whether what we are pursuing just looks good or feels good or whether it is GENUINELY good.
2. Look for the HOOK.
3. If We Do Not Know God’s TRUTH, we’re Dumb as a CARP.
