Battling Self Deception

Introduction:
The words in our scripture reading are solemn and frightening. Jesus tells us there are some who will believe right things; do right things; and say right things- only to come up short in the end. Indeed judgment day will be a day full of surprises! It will be a day of astonishment! In our text, Jesus is dealing with the “unconscious hypocrite.” This is the person who not only misleads others but himself as well! We must make sure we do not fall into this category. This lesson is not intended to make one think salvation is impossible—but desire not to here Jesus turn us away on judgment, there are things we must keep in mind. What are they?

I. We need to steer clear of a false doctrine of _________________.
    A. Sometimes we base our assurance on certain passages: Jhn. 3:16; 18, 36; 5:24; Rom. 8:1
        1. Some: Christ has no concern w/how you _____ your _______. Only w/how you ________.
    B. Salvation will not be ours just because:
        1. We identify self as a __________________.
        2. We think we have found the right ____________.
        3. We believe/teach that which is _______________ right.

II. We must be willing to __________ ________.
    A. This is not popular today! Unpleasant. Can cause us to be unhappy w/self.
    B. Bible constantly urges self examination!
        1. Lam. 3:40; Mt. 7:5; 1 Cor. 11:28; 2 Cor. 13:5; Gal. 6:4
    C. Self examination is NOT __________________!
        1. We must be motivated to _____________ self into the person of Christ!
        2. See 1 Jhn. 1:6; 8-9; 2:3-4
    D. We must examine our ____________! See Psa. 139:23-24.

III. We must not be ___________ just to be __________.
    A. One can become so busy with activities as to neglect soul nourishment.
        1. We can become so busy w/church work that we neglect spiritual ________________.
        2. We can become so busy w/life that our spiritual __________ neglected!
    B. Many of us get so busy that we lose the Lord!

IV. We must not put up one thing against another.
    A. Some form a __________ ________ with their lives.
        1. Problems/deficiencies vs. good things in our life….never fix what wrong
    B. 1 Sam. 15—Saul—had not carefully ____________.
        1. Thought he would make up for wrong by making extra _____________.
        2. The end never justifies the means!
    C. We must fight against _______ ______________ & rationalization!
    D. Disobedience can never produce the submissive, trusting heart which the Lord longs after.

V. We must accept the _____________ for what it says.
    A. We are apt to explain it away if we’re not careful!
    B. We often fail to heed plain bible teaching about our ________________.
        1. Mt. 6:33; Lk. 14:26-27; 33—spiritual life must be our top priority!
    C. We must heed plain bible teaching concerning _______________.
        1. It is viewed as a convenient way to end a bad relationship! Nothing more.
        2. God says: Mt. 5:32; 19:9
    D. To often we argue w/Scripture; explain it away & deceive ourselves!

VI. We must work to build a ____________________ w/God!
A. Relationship: “taking a ____________ interest in; having a special relationship with.”
B. Ask: Do I really know Jesus? Does He really know me?

Conclusion:
A. God wants your heart; the inner man. Will you give yourself to Him?



Battling Self Deception Introduction: The words in our scripture reading are solemn and frightening. Jesus tells us there are some who will believe right things; do right things; and say right things- only to come up short in the end. Indeed judgment day will be a day full of surprises! It will be a day of astonishment! In our text, Jesus is dealing with the “unconscious hypocrite.” This is the person who not only misleads others but himself as well! We must make sure we do not fall into this category. This lesson is not intended to make one think salvation is impossible—but desire not to here Jesus turn us away on judgment, there are things we must keep in mind. What are they? I. We need to steer clear of a false doctrine of _________________. A. Sometimes we base our assurance on certain passages: Jhn. 3:16; 18, 36; 5:24; Rom. 8:1 1. Some: Christ has no concern w/how you _____ your _______. Only w/how you ________. B. Salvation will not be ours just because: 1. We identify self as a __________________. 2. We think we have found the right ____________. 3. We believe/teach that which is _______________ right. II. We must be willing to __________ ________. A. This is not popular today! Unpleasant. Can cause us to be unhappy w/self. B. Bible constantly urges self examination! 1. Lam. 3:40; Mt. 7:5; 1 Cor. 11:28; 2 Cor. 13:5; Gal. 6:4 C. Self examination is NOT __________________! 1. We must be motivated to _____________ self into the person of Christ! 2. See 1 Jhn. 1:6; 8-9; 2:3-4 D. We must examine our ____________! See Psa. 139:23-24. III. We must not be ___________ just to be __________. A. One can become so busy with activities as to neglect soul nourishment. 1. We can become so busy w/church work that we neglect spiritual ________________. 2. We can become so busy w/life that our spiritual __________ neglected! B. Many of us get so busy that we lose the Lord! IV. We must not put up one thing against another. A. Some form a __________ ________ with their lives. 1. Problems/deficiencies vs. good things in our life….never fix what wrong B. 1 Sam. 15—Saul—had not carefully ____________. 1. Thought he would make up for wrong by making extra _____________. 2. The end never justifies the means! C. We must fight against _______ ______________ & rationalization! D. Disobedience can never produce the submissive, trusting heart which the Lord longs after. V. We must accept the _____________ for what it says. A. We are apt to explain it away if we’re not careful! B. We often fail to heed plain bible teaching about our ________________. 1. Mt. 6:33; Lk. 14:26-27; 33—spiritual life must be our top priority! C. We must heed plain bible teaching concerning _______________. 1. It is viewed as a convenient way to end a bad relationship! Nothing more. 2. God says: Mt. 5:32; 19:9 D. To often we argue w/Scripture; explain it away & deceive ourselves! VI. We must work to build a ____________________ w/God! A. Relationship: “taking a ____________ interest in; having a special relationship with.” B. Ask: Do I really know* Jesus? Does He really know me?* Conclusion: A. God wants your heart; the inner man. Will you give yourself to Him?