The Danger of Self-Deception

Matthew 7:21-23

Introduction

• Romans 6:1-2

• 2 Timothy 3:5

Who are the two groups of people?

1. Seemingly Righteous.

• Matthew 7:21-23

• Genesis 4:1

• Jeremiah 1:5

• John 10:14

Quote: “I never saw you come as a beggar to my door. I never saw you sit as a disciple at my feet. I never saw you as a humble follower treading in my footsteps. I never saw you as a sheep that knew my voice, and followed me. ‘I never knew you.’ You were a stranger to me; you and I never exchanged a word with one another. We were not friends. You never leaned your head on my bosom. You had nothing to do with me, and now I have nothing to do with you.” - Charles Spurgeon

2. Truly Righteous.

• Matthew 7:21

Marks of a True Believer.

1. They will produce good fruit.

• Matthew 7:17-19

• Luke 6:45

• Galatians 5:22

2. Fruitfulness increases and demonstrates true salvation.

• 2 Peter 1:3-10

3. If your fruit is increasing, you are looking more and more like Jesus.

• Romans 8:29

4. Will confess his/her sin to God and quit habitual, unrepentant sin.

• 1 John 1:8-9

• Matthew 3:8

• 1 John 3:6-10

5. Obedient to God's Word.

• John 8:31

• Hebrews 5:9

• Titus 2:11-12

• Luke 6:46

• Ephesians 2:8-9

• Ephesians 2:10

Application

2 Corinthians 13:5 "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?"

Self-Examing Questions

What is the basis of my salvation? Is it on Christ alone, through grace and faith alone?

Do I regularly confess my sins when I commit them?

Do I plead with God, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to quit habitual sin? Or am I indifferent to my sin?

Am I obedient to God's Word?

Am I producing good works that is flowing from a sincere salvation of me knowing Jesus and Jesus knowing me?

CONNECTION GROUP RESOURCES

Connection Builder

Share a time when you thought you were doing something the right way, only to later realize you were mistaken. How did you react?

Why do you think self-deception is so dangerous, especially in our faith?

Sermon Questions

Read Matthew 7:21-23.

The Seemingly Righteous

What does it mean to "know" Jesus (Give scriptural support)?

In what way(s) did the "Seemingly Righteous" people "know" Jesus?

Read Romans 10:1-13. In these verses, what problem did most Jews have according to Paul? What was Paul's inspired counsel for their problem?

The Truly Righteous

Read John 6:29. The "Seemingly Righteous" people thought they were doing the works of God. What is the primary "work" God wants from us (see also Romans 10:9-11)?

In 1 John 1:3-2:11 the Apostle John talked about partnering (koinonia) or having fellowship with God. What does it look like for a true believer to daily walk or partner with God?

How can we encourage one another to faithfully partner with God?

How can religious acitivity become a substitute for a real relationship with Christ?

Application

Look back through the Application Questions above. Which of those questions challenges you the most? Explain.

Identify one area where you need to grow in your faith. Share with a group member and commit to praying for each other this week.