Man in the Mirror

A Look at: SELF DECEPTION

·      People who tell a lie so many times that we start to believe the lie is true

·      How many of you are self-deceived

·      How many of you know someone who is self-deceived

THOSE WHO DON’T KNOW, DON’T KNOW THEY DON’T KNOW.

TWO TRUTHS OF THE SELF DECEIVED

1) THE LONGER WE VIEW OURSELVES THROUGH A DISTORTED LENS THE MORE LIKELY WE ARE TO BELIEVE A DISTORTED TRUTH.

    ·      David speaking about this: For in his own eyes he flatters himself too much to detect or hate his sin. 3 The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and to do good. Psalm 36:2-3

  ·      If we cannot detect our sin then we live in ways that destroy us and those around us. (gossip, rude, pride

2) OFTEN THE MORE CONVINCED YOU ARE YOU’RE RIGHT THE MORE LIKELY YOU ARE WRONG.

    ·      Great example: the Pharisees

     o   Thought they were all right and everyone else was wrong.

    ·      Peter replied, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will." 34 "I tell you the truth," Jesus    answered," this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times." 35 But Peter declared, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you…" Matthew 26:33-35

     o   Addictions and people reactions to this

     o   Please listen for yourself

THREE STEPS TO LIVE IN TRUTH

1) PRAY

    Is there anything in me that is true that I don’t see as truth?

       Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24

  Challenge: Pray this for the next 7 days

2) LISTEN

   He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise. 32 He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. Proverbs 15:31-32

      If more than one person who loves you is telling you that you have a problem with something you need to listen.

  What is God or a loved one trying to tell you? 

3) CHANGE

    When God shows you!

       22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.  James 1:22

   Today is the day to take the mask off, no matter what you are dealing with (religious, cutting, addiction to cell phone, sexual sin, perfect marriage)  

      ·      A lot of times we are afraid to take the mask off because we are afraid of what the truth is.

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:3

      ·      Remove the lies and embrace the truth of Christ.