Aligning Truth: Overcoming Self-Deception and Doing Good

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we delved into the profound simplicity of Galatians 6, emphasizing the fundamental truth that sin is detrimental, while serving God is beneficial. This truth, though seemingly obvious, is often twisted in our minds due to self-deception. We explored how we can convince ourselves that sinful actions are acceptable or even good, despite knowing deep down that they are not. This self-deception is a dangerous game, as it leads us away from the truth and into a life that is not aligned with God's will.

We discussed the concept of self-deception, where we can lie to ourselves so convincingly that we start to believe our own lies. This is a mental game where we justify our desires, often finding others to agree with us, thus reinforcing our false beliefs. The Bible warns us against this, reminding us that God cannot be mocked and that we will reap what we sow. This is a divine law, an unchangeable truth that whatever we invest in, whether it be sinful desires or spiritual pursuits, will yield corresponding results.

The challenge is to examine our lives honestly and ask God to reveal any areas where we might be deceiving ourselves. This requires humility and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about our actions and motivations. It's about seeking God's perspective and aligning our lives with His truth, rather than the distorted truths we create for ourselves.

Furthermore, we are encouraged to persevere in doing good, even when it becomes tiring. The Bible assures us that at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. This is a call to remain steadfast in our faith and actions, trusting that our efforts to live according to God's will are not in vain.

Finally, we are reminded to do good to all people, especially fellow believers. This is a reflection of God's love and grace, which we are called to extend to others. It's about living in community, supporting one another, and being a reflection of Christ's love in the world.

Key Takeaways:

- Self-Deception and Sin: We often deceive ourselves into believing that sinful actions are acceptable. This self-deception is a mental game where we justify our desires, but the Bible warns us that God cannot be mocked, and we will reap what we sow. It's crucial to seek God's truth and align our lives with it. [06:03]

- The Law of Sowing and Reaping: Galatians 6:7 reminds us that whatever we sow, we will reap. This divine law emphasizes the importance of investing in spiritual pursuits rather than sinful desires, as the latter leads to destruction. [12:23]

- Perseverance in Doing Good: We are encouraged not to grow weary in doing good, as we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. This calls for steadfastness in our faith and actions, trusting that our efforts are not in vain. [31:27]

- Living in Community: We are called to do good to all people, especially fellow believers. This reflects God's love and grace, and it's about living in community, supporting one another, and being a reflection of Christ's love. [36:33]

- Eternal Perspective: Our actions have eternal consequences. Investing in spiritual pursuits leads to eternal rewards, while indulging in sinful desires leads to destruction. We must live with an eternal perspective, focusing on what truly matters. [20:21]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:16] - The Power of Repetition in Worship
- [01:06] - Community and Relationships
- [02:41] - The Simplicity of Galatians 6
- [03:17] - The Deception of Sin
- [04:22] - Self-Deception and Mind Games
- [06:03] - Justifying Sinful Desires
- [07:04] - Suppressing the Truth
- [11:35] - The Law of Sowing and Reaping
- [14:15] - Seeking God's Truth
- [16:38] - The Reality of Judgment
- [20:21] - Investing in Eternal Rewards
- [31:27] - Perseverance in Doing Good
- [36:33] - Doing Good to All People
- [38:52] - The Urgency of Opportunity

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Galatians 6:7-10
- Romans 1:18-21
- Psalm 139:23-24

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Galatians 6:7 mean when it says, "God cannot be mocked"? How does this relate to the concept of sowing and reaping? [11:35]

2. In the sermon, the pastor mentioned self-deception. How does Romans 1:18-21 describe the way people suppress the truth? [07:04]

3. According to the sermon, what are some ways people deceive themselves into thinking sinful actions are acceptable? [06:03]

4. How does Psalm 139:23-24 guide us in seeking God's truth and avoiding self-deception? [14:47]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the principle of sowing and reaping in Galatians 6:7-10 apply to both positive and negative actions in a believer's life? [12:23]

2. What role does community play in helping individuals avoid self-deception, as discussed in the sermon? [37:50]

3. How can the concept of perseverance in doing good, as mentioned in Galatians 6:9, be practically applied in the face of discouragement? [31:27]

4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that living with an eternal perspective can influence daily decisions and actions? [20:21]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you might have justified a sinful action. What steps can you take to align your actions with God's truth moving forward? [06:03]

2. Identify an area in your life where you might be sowing into sinful desires. What practical changes can you make to sow into spiritual pursuits instead? [20:21]

3. Consider a situation where you have grown weary in doing good. What encouragement from Galatians 6:9 can you apply to persevere in that situation? [31:27]

4. How can you actively seek God's perspective in your daily life to avoid self-deception? What role can prayer, as suggested in Psalm 139:23-24, play in this process? [14:47]

5. Think of a fellow believer who might need support or encouragement. What specific action can you take this week to do good to them, as encouraged in Galatians 6:10? [36:33]

6. Reflect on your current community involvement. How can you contribute to creating a supportive environment that helps others avoid self-deception? [37:50]

7. What is one specific way you can live with an eternal perspective this week, focusing on what truly matters in light of eternity? [20:21]

Devotional

Day 1: The Danger of Self-Deception
In our journey of faith, one of the most insidious obstacles we face is self-deception. This occurs when we convince ourselves that our sinful actions are acceptable, even when we know deep down they are not. This mental game of justifying our desires can lead us away from God's truth and into a life misaligned with His will. The Bible warns us that God cannot be mocked, and we will reap what we sow. It is crucial to seek God's truth and align our lives with it, rather than the distorted truths we create for ourselves. [06:03]

Jeremiah 17:9-10 (ESV): "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds."

Reflection: Identify a belief or habit in your life that you might be justifying. Ask God to reveal the truth about it and guide you towards His will.


Day 2: The Unchangeable Law of Sowing and Reaping
Galatians 6:7 reminds us of the divine law that whatever we sow, we will reap. This principle emphasizes the importance of investing in spiritual pursuits rather than sinful desires, as the latter leads to destruction. Our actions have consequences, and the seeds we plant today will determine the harvest we reap tomorrow. It is a call to be mindful of our choices and to invest in what aligns with God's will, knowing that our efforts will yield corresponding results. [12:23]

Hosea 10:12 (ESV): "Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you."

Reflection: Consider the seeds you are currently sowing in your life. Are they leading you towards spiritual growth or away from it? What changes can you make today to ensure a harvest of righteousness?


Day 3: Perseverance in Doing Good
The journey of faith calls for perseverance, especially when doing good becomes tiring. The Bible assures us that at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. This is a call to remain steadfast in our faith and actions, trusting that our efforts to live according to God's will are not in vain. Even when the path is challenging, we are encouraged to continue doing good, knowing that God sees our efforts and will reward them in due time. [31:27]

James 1:12 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."

Reflection: Think of a situation where you feel weary in doing good. How can you find strength in God's promises to persevere and continue your efforts?


Day 4: Living in Community with Love and Grace
We are called to do good to all people, especially fellow believers. This reflects God's love and grace, and it's about living in community, supporting one another, and being a reflection of Christ's love. By extending kindness and support to those around us, we embody the love of God and create a community that mirrors His kingdom. This call to action is not just about individual growth but about building a collective that thrives on mutual support and love. [36:33]

1 Peter 4:8-10 (ESV): "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."

Reflection: Identify a fellow believer or community member who could use your support or kindness today. How can you extend God's love and grace to them in a tangible way?


Day 5: Living with an Eternal Perspective
Our actions have eternal consequences. Investing in spiritual pursuits leads to eternal rewards, while indulging in sinful desires leads to destruction. We must live with an eternal perspective, focusing on what truly matters. This means prioritizing our relationship with God and aligning our lives with His eternal truths. By doing so, we ensure that our lives are not only meaningful in the present but also in the eternal scope of God's kingdom. [20:21]

Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."

Reflection: Reflect on your daily priorities. Are they aligned with an eternal perspective? What changes can you make to focus more on what truly matters in God's kingdom?

Quotes

"Sin is a bad thing okay and serving God is a good thing okay I mean that's that's so obvious it's so simple it's like sin is bad to no no you know it's a it's a bad thing you know bad things happen when you sin good things happen when you Ser it's so obvious but the crazy thing about that truth is that there are some of you in this room that are actually in sin in but somehow in your mind you've Justified it and you've convinced yourself that it's not that bad it's okay and possibly even a good thing." [00:02:38]

"We can lie to each other like I can lie to you I can get you to believe anything you know I I just I can lie to you you can lie to me you know how we've all done we've all lied to people right and you know how you think it through you kind of think it through in your mind how you can say it just right to make them think you're better than you are and and we can deceive them and and it's a thought through process and you can actually convince someone of something that's not true well the Bible says that you can actually do that to yourself." [00:04:47]

"Galatians 6:7 I'm just going to say it because it's true it's just so simple do not be deceived God cannot be mocked a man reaps what he SWS it's just so blatant so obvious but I think so needed in our culture our society just to be reminded okay don't be dumb don't be deceived don't be led astray don't let yourself wander that's what this word means to actually wander don't don't go down this path don't straight from this truth that God cannot be mocked." [00:11:35]

"The one who SWS to please his sinful nature from that nature will reap destruction the one who swws to please the spirit from the spirit will reap eternal life see he says there's two things you can invest in there's two different types of seeds you can throw out there you can throw out the seeds that that that will create a you know fulfill your sinful desires but then there's other seed that you throw out that that will actually please God so it's this fight between your own desires and God's desires." [00:20:21]

"Let us not become weary in doing good for at the proper time we will reap our Harvest if we do not give up we will reap a harvest if we do not give up let's not become weary the word weary you guys know what it means means tired weak fail you're ready to quit don't get to that point in doing good and it's interesting because uh let me just say this this is the simplest way I can think to to say this the opposite of sinning is not not sinning okay the opposite of sinning is doing good okay that's why he says let us not become weary in doing good." [00:31:27]

"Therefore as we have opportunity let us do good to all people especially to those who belong to the family of Believers okay therefore as we have opportunity let's do good let's just do good okay that's the opposite of not sinning is is doing good and pursuing the things that God wants just keep serving don't give up do good do good to all people okay all people that means your enemies okay that that's what distinguishes a Christian from the rest of the world." [00:36:33]

"God is Not mocked he's not someone that you can fool or trick you can trick me you can lie to me I've been lied to so many times and it's so funny how people are so fearful oh I don't want him to find out I don't want her to find out I'm like who cares what am I going to do you know who are these other what are what are these other people going to do but God is Not mocked you will never never lie to him and get away you can get other people to believe you're better than you are." [00:13:00]

"God cannot be mocked you may be deceived because you've been used to lying to everyone and they actually believe you and so in your head you almost feel like maybe I can do it to God maybe at the end I can talk him into believing that it was because of this reason or that because everyone else seems to believe me and God says no at the end just understand you're not going to make a fool of me I will not be mocked you will reap what you sow." [00:14:00]

"Some of you uh currently you're making decisions like that where you're serving God and you're doing things in the name of God and that's a great thing you're investing your life into eternity because you believe it but understand that there's an enemy out there and he's going to try to deceive you and he's going to try to discourage you and he's going to try to get you to quit doing those things that are so honoring to him that are building his kingdom." [00:30:38]

"God promises me it'll be worth it h hundredfold a thousandfold you're going to be blessed so much for whatever you do and give I'm going to have the worship team come up and uh during this time you know do business with God during this time be dealing with God even as you're singing think about God on his throne cuz that's the only time you can't lie see we we have a prayer room over here if you need some prayer but people come in the prayer room just to lie sometimes you know because it makes you feel better." [00:45:38]

"God says no no no no there will come a day there will come a day because I will not be mocked and I cannot be mocked I will not be mocked there will come a day a man will reap what he SWS CU I'm not deceived I'm not deceived do not think you're fooling me when he says a man reaps what he SWS it's interesting because the context of it remember if you remember from last week we stopped at vers verse six where it says that um that that we should share all good things with our instructor right remember that." [00:17:20]

"God is Not mocked and we just mock him right now like come on we're not cavemen here it's year 2008 come on you know this isn't as bad as what those guys are doing over there at least I'm not hurting anyone God says are you kidding me are you mocking me right now you mocking my laws CU I will not be mocked you will reap what you sow and the sins that I said were bad back then are bad today cuz I I never change." [00:26:00]

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Transcript
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