JUBILANT TO BE DECEIVED? By Major Frank Materu
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Key Scripture:
"For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." (2 Timothy 4:3-4, NIV)
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Introduction:
In the present age, we find ourselves amidst a perilous and rebellious generation. Many have chosen to reject the discipline, instruction, and correction that comes from God. Pride has blinded their hearts and hardened their spirits, leading them to follow their own paths, which ultimately lead to destruction. This sermon addresses the grievous state of those who are jubilant in their deception and the consequences of rejecting God’s truth. It calls for repentance, submission to God’s discipline, and a return to righteousness.
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The State of Deception
"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18, NIV)
The world today is filled with individuals who are drunk on pride and false confidence. They imagine themselves to be right with God, yet their hearts are far from Him. Their refusal to yield to God’s correction has led them to embrace deception, believing lies over the truth. This condition mirrors the days of old, where men rejected God’s commandments to follow their own understanding.
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Rebellion and Its Consequences
"There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death." (Proverbs 14:12, NIV)
When men choose to rebel against God, they inevitably suffer the consequences of their actions. Their rejection of righteousness leads to lives filled with sin, debauchery, and defilement. They cast off the ancient paths ordained by God and adopt the fleeting pleasures of sin, which only result in God’s wrath being revealed upon them.
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The False Teachers
"In this generation, multitudes of false teachers feed the people with lies, telling them what they want to hear. These deceivers promise blessings and rewards to the disobedient, encouraging rebellion against God’s principles. The people, in turn, rejoice in the lies, clapping and celebrating their deception without realizing they are heaping judgment upon themselves.
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God’s Discipline Is Life-Giving
"My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in." (Proverbs 3:11-12, NIV)
True children of God accept His correction and guidance. Those who humble themselves under God’s hand find life, renewal, and hope. God’s discipline is not meant to destroy but to save, guiding His people into the fullness of life and righteousness.
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Summary:
The rampant pride, rebellion, and deception in this generation are evidence of God’s wrath upon those who reject His truth. Yet, God in His mercy continues to call people to repentance. His discipline is a mark of His love, intended to bring transformation and renewal to those who submit to Him.
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Conclusion:
The path of rebellion and deception leads to destruction and eternal damnation. However, God offers the way of salvation to all who repent and walk in His truth. Let us heed His call and return to the path of righteousness, rejecting the lies of false teachers and embracing the discipline of our loving Father.
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Call to Action:
Examine your heart and life. Are you living in obedience to God, or are you jubilant in deception? Repent and turn to God. Seek His guidance and correction daily. Reject false teachings and cling to His Word, which is truth and life.
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Final Word of Encouragement:
"Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord, the one you teach from your law; you grant them relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked." (Psalm 94:12-13, NIV)
Take courage in knowing that God’s discipline is a sign of His love. Those who humble themselves under His mighty hand will be exalted in due time. Walk in His truth and experience the fullness of His blessings.
