Costly Counterfeits

lesson

As J. S. Smith contemplated his next move, he developed a sure strategy for conquest. He obtained top - secret information regarding the enemy’s position from a reliable source. He plotted his army’s course and deployed his troops.

His plan was to circle around the enemy’s camp and attack from the backside. Tragically, when his troops began their trek around the enemy, they found themselves inside the camp! The enemy had cunningly provided one of their own as the “reliable source” and the waiting camp defeated their would - be attackers.

This modern parable reflects the plight of millions today. As millions in the world are being tricked by an enemy’s crafty deceptions, we are confronted with a life - and - death question:

What is our “reliable source?”

1. Does the Bible warn us about being deceived? 2 Timothy 4:3,4 (Proverbs 28:9)

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine,

but after their own lusts, shall they will heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

and they shall turn away their _ears ___, from the ___truth ___, and

shall be turned unto _______fables ______.”

2. Where can we find truth? John 17:17

____________God’s word __________________________

3. Is it possible to wrongly interpret the scriptures? 2 Timothy 2:15 (2 Peter 3:15,16)

__________________yes______________

If it is possible to rightly divide God’s word, there also must be a wrong way.

4. What is needed to rightly interpret the scriptures? John 7:17; 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:12to14

___________Holy Spirit____________________

Luke 24:45 tells us that Jesus “opened “ the disciples’ “understanding, that they might comprehend the scriptures.” We must be willing to do God’s will, but this is not enough. Jesus meets with us through the Holy Spirit to give us a right understanding of the scriptures.

5. What tests does scripture give to discern between error and truth?

a. Isaiah 8:20 __to the law and the testimony _(1 John 2:4)

b. Isaiah 28:10 __line upon line, here a little, there a little_______________(2 Tim.3:15,16)

c. 1 John 4:3 __Jesus came in the flesh, human ____________________(Heb. 2:14,16)

d. Deuteronomy 13:1to4 ____commandments_ (Exodus 20:3to17)(Mat.7:20to23)

6. Who do we follow when we believe a lie? John 8:44 (Proverbs 28:4)

_____________the devil _________________

7. Will the majority follow the truth in the last days? Matthew 7:13

___________no________________________

8. Who do we deny when we follow error? 2 Peter 2:1

_____Jesus_______________

9. Of whom does Jesus say the scriptures testify? John 5:39

_______of Jesus Himself_____________________

Error attacks the scriptures. The scriptures reveal Jesus. Therefore, by attacking the scriptures, error distorts our understanding of Jesus.

10. Who does the Bible say truth is? John 14:6

__________Jesus is the truth_____________

Truth will always have Christ at its center.

God’s word is our only “reliable source”. Will you take time to meet with Jesus every day . and avoid satan’s costly counterfeits?

_________________________________________________

“It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4; Deuteronomy 8:3

Ps 119:1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.

:2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.

:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

:125 I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.

:126 It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void thy law.

:142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.

:160 Thy word is true from the beginning: ...

:161 ... but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.

:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: ...