Living in Truth: Escaping Deception and Wrath

 

Summary

In Ephesians 5:6, Paul warns against being deceived by vain words, emphasizing the importance of living a life that aligns with Christian values. This passage serves as a reminder that our conduct affects our relationship with God, and there are only two possible states: being in the Kingdom of Christ or outside it, under God's wrath. This relationship is not only significant for our current lives but also determines our eternal destiny. The world, however, remains oblivious to these truths, leading to its current state of chaos and moral decline.

The Apostle Paul highlights that the world is deceived by empty words, which is the root of its problems. Modern society prides itself on knowledge and has dismissed religion as superstition, leading to a rejection of traditional moral standards. This has resulted in a culture that normalizes sin, viewing it as natural self-expression rather than a deviation from God's will. Consequently, the concepts of discipline and punishment have eroded, replaced by a psychological approach that excuses sin as a variation of normal behavior or a disease.

This deception has led to a world filled with suffering, confusion, and moral decay. The wrath of God is not just a future event but is manifested in the present through the consequences of sin, such as physical and mental suffering. The world fails to recognize this, continuing in its rebellion against God. The ultimate manifestation of God's wrath will be at the second coming of Christ, when He will judge the world in righteousness.

The call to action is clear: repent and believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ to escape the wrath to come. Christians are urged to pray for a revival, to open the eyes of the world to the truth, and to live lives that reflect the glory of God. This is a time for earnest prayer and dedication to spreading the gospel, so that others may be saved from the impending judgment and find their place in the Kingdom of Christ.

Key Takeaways:

- Our conduct is crucial because it affects our relationship with God, determining whether we are in His Kingdom or under His wrath. This relationship is not only significant for our current lives but also for our eternal destiny. [03:14]

- The world is deceived by vain words, leading to a rejection of traditional moral standards and a normalization of sin. This deception is the root of the world's problems and moral decline. [09:28]

- The wrath of God is not just a future event but is manifested in the present through the consequences of sin, such as physical and mental suffering. The world fails to recognize this, continuing in its rebellion against God. [34:27]

- The ultimate manifestation of God's wrath will be at the second coming of Christ, when He will judge the world in righteousness. This serves as a warning to repent and believe in the gospel to escape the wrath to come. [45:21]

- Christians are called to pray for a revival, to open the eyes of the world to the truth, and to live lives that reflect the glory of God. This is a time for earnest prayer and dedication to spreading the gospel. [51:13]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:08] - Introduction and Apology for Audio Quality
- [00:22] - Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5:6
- [01:12] - Context of the Passage
- [02:09] - Importance of Christian Conduct
- [03:14] - Eternal Implications of Our Conduct
- [04:06] - Two Possible States: In or Out of God's Kingdom
- [05:17] - Temporal and Eternal Consequences
- [06:10] - The World's Ignorance of These Truths
- [09:08] - Deception by Vain Words
- [11:27] - Modern Man's Rejection of Religion
- [16:19] - The Erosion of Discipline and Punishment
- [23:22] - The Psychological Approach to Sin
- [29:11] - Ignorance of God's Wrath
- [34:27] - Present Manifestation of God's Wrath
- [41:39] - The State of the Modern World
- [45:21] - The Second Coming of Christ
- [49:15] - Call to Repentance and Faith
- [51:13] - Prayer for Revival and Conclusion

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 5:6
- Romans 1:18-32
- 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Paul warn against in Ephesians 5:6, and why is this warning significant for believers? [00:22]

2. According to the sermon, how does the world view traditional moral standards, and what has led to this perspective? [12:20]

3. How does the sermon describe the present manifestation of God's wrath, and what are some examples given? [34:27]

4. What is the ultimate manifestation of God's wrath as described in the sermon, and what event does it relate to? [45:21]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon suggest that the world's rejection of traditional moral standards affects its understanding of sin and righteousness? [19:33]

2. In what ways does the sermon describe the consequences of being deceived by vain words, both individually and societally? [09:28]

3. How does the sermon explain the relationship between our conduct and our eternal destiny, and why is this important for believers to understand? [03:14]

4. What role does the sermon suggest prayer and revival play in addressing the moral decline of the world? [51:13]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be influenced by "vain words" or deceptive philosophies? How can you guard against this influence? [09:28]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of aligning our conduct with Christian values. Identify one area of your life where you can make a change to better reflect these values. What steps will you take this week? [03:14]

3. Consider the present consequences of sin mentioned in the sermon, such as physical and mental suffering. How have you seen these consequences in your own life or the lives of others? How can this awareness change your actions? [34:27]

4. The sermon calls for earnest prayer and dedication to spreading the gospel. What specific actions can you take to contribute to a revival in your community? [51:13]

5. How does the sermon’s description of the second coming of Christ impact your perspective on daily life and priorities? What changes might you make in light of this understanding? [45:21]

6. The sermon discusses the normalization of sin in modern society. How can you engage in conversations with others to challenge this normalization and share a biblical perspective? [12:20]

7. Reflect on the call to repentance and faith. Is there an area in your life where you need to seek repentance? How can you take steps toward reconciliation with God and others? [49:15]

Devotional

Day 1: The Impact of Our Conduct on Our Relationship with God
Our conduct is a reflection of our relationship with God, determining whether we are in His Kingdom or under His wrath. This relationship is not only significant for our current lives but also for our eternal destiny. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that our actions and choices have profound implications, not just in the temporal realm but also in the eternal. Living a life that aligns with Christian values is crucial, as it affects our standing with God. The world may be oblivious to these truths, but as believers, we are called to live in a way that honors God and reflects His Kingdom. [03:14]

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: In what specific ways can you align your daily conduct more closely with the values of God's Kingdom today?


Day 2: The Deception of Vain Words and Moral Decline
The world is deceived by vain words, leading to a rejection of traditional moral standards and a normalization of sin. This deception is the root of the world's problems and moral decline. Modern society often dismisses religious truths as superstition, embracing a culture that views sin as natural self-expression. This has led to a significant erosion of discipline and moral standards, replacing them with a psychological approach that excuses sin. As Christians, we must be vigilant against such deception and hold fast to the truth of God's Word. [09:28]

Colossians 2:8 (ESV): "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ."

Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you might be influenced by the world's deceptive philosophies. How can you counteract this influence with God's truth today?


Day 3: The Present Manifestation of God's Wrath
The wrath of God is not just a future event but is manifested in the present through the consequences of sin, such as physical and mental suffering. The world fails to recognize this, continuing in its rebellion against God. The suffering and confusion we see around us are often the result of living in ways that are contrary to God's will. Recognizing the present reality of God's wrath should lead us to repentance and a deeper commitment to living according to His ways. [34:27]

Romans 1:18-20 (ESV): "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent experience of suffering or confusion in your life. How might this be an opportunity to turn back to God and seek His guidance?


Day 4: The Second Coming of Christ and the Call to Repentance
The ultimate manifestation of God's wrath will be at the second coming of Christ, when He will judge the world in righteousness. This serves as a warning to repent and believe in the gospel to escape the wrath to come. The certainty of Christ's return should motivate us to live lives of holiness and urgency in sharing the gospel with others. It is a call to examine our hearts and ensure that we are living in a way that is pleasing to God. [45:21]

2 Peter 3:10-11 (ESV): "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness."

Reflection: What changes can you make in your life today to prepare for the second coming of Christ and to help others do the same?


Day 5: Praying for Revival and Living for God's Glory
Christians are called to pray for a revival, to open the eyes of the world to the truth, and to live lives that reflect the glory of God. This is a time for earnest prayer and dedication to spreading the gospel. As believers, we have a responsibility to intercede for the world and to be active participants in God's mission. Our lives should be a testament to His glory, drawing others to the truth of the gospel. [51:13]

Habakkuk 3:2 (ESV): "O Lord, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O Lord, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy."

Reflection: How can you actively participate in praying for revival and living in a way that reflects God's glory in your community today?

Quotes

Our conduct is important because it affects our relationship to God, not simply our relationship as it were to ourselves, not simply our relationship to other people. That comes in, that is involved, but the whole emphasis of the Bible is that our conduct and behavior is important because it affects our relationship to the Eternal and the Everlasting God himself. [00:03:30]

There are only two possibilities with regard to that relationship to God, and he's already been mentioning here are the only two possible positions. We are all of us either in the Kingdom of Christ and of God, we either have this inheritance and a place and a portion in the Kingdom of Christ and of God, or else we are outside that Kingdom. [00:04:01]

The world is as it is at this present moment, and the world goes on living as it is living at this present moment simply because it doesn't realize those three fundamental truths. We are meeting together on Remembrance Sunday, that makes us think of the fact that we've already had two world wars in this present Century. [00:06:04]

The Apostle says that the first answer is this: because it is being deceived by vain words. Let no man deceive you with vain words. Now then, this is the thing which we need to understand, and it seems to me at this present hour, man is as he is in sin, and the world is as it is and undergoes all these agonies for one reason only, and that is because it is being deceived. [00:09:13]

Modern man glories above everything else in what he calls his knowledge, his learning, his understanding. He believes that he rarely has understood life and that he has a true view of life. And in that connection, there is nothing perhaps on which the modern man, the typical modern man, so prides himself and congratulates himself as on the way in which he has emancipated himself from religion. [00:11:41]

The result of this is that he derides and dismisses the old standards, especially the old moral standards, and laughs at them and ridicules them. Things which were regarded by everybody a hundred years ago and even more recently than that as sin beyond any question, modern man not only does them, but he defends them. [00:13:16]

There is this new tendency in life to explain what used to be called sin in terms of variations of the normal or in terms of disease. Now the whole idea today is that there is no such thing really as sin and that we mustn't say that people who do certain things are sinners and are sinful. [00:16:29]

The whole notion of sin has disappeared entirely, or as I say, sometimes they put it not so much in variations in terms of variations in the normal as in terms of disease. And you must have noticed this creeping even into the arguments in the law courts now. A man commits a crime, yes, but the defense is this: he really couldn't help it. [00:18:40]

The world is as it is today because it's sin, and because God is punishing its sin. You see, for a hundred years and more now, man has been boasting about his cleverness. It all started back there about 1860, 1859 if you like, Charles Darwin and his Origin of Species, the scientific view, man no longer a special creation of God but evolving up out of the animal. [00:41:42]

The world doesn't know about the wrath of God, and as long as it doesn't, things will continue from bad to worse. How idle it is to try and be optimistic and to say that what we want is a spirit of love and of brotherhood and of friendship. Go back and think of the sacrifices of the Great War. [00:44:51]

The second coming of Christ, the end of the world, the Judgment of the whole universe. Jesus Christ, the son of God, the neglected, the derided savior will come back into this world. He'll be riding on the clouds of heaven, and he will come back, I say, to judge the whole world in righteousness. [00:45:14]

Repent and believe the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will not only be forgiven, you will be given an inheritance in his glorious and everlasting kingdom. Oh, may God open all our eyes to the truth, and may we dedicate ourselves this morning to incessant prayer on behalf of the world that is being deceived by vain words. [00:49:48]

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