Self Deception By Dan Gatlin Over and over the New Testament warns us to watch out for false teachers. In Acts 20:29-30 Paul said to the Ephesian elders, "For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves." The inspired word describes the works and character of those who would lead us astray (2 Peter 2; Jude). But some of the most dangerous deceptions we encounter is not what others tell us, but what we tell ourselves. Oftentimes we have a tendency to over-estimate our wisdom, strength and goodness. Our pride keeps us from admitting our sins and won't allow us to engage in self-examination (2 Cor.13:5). As a result, we think more highly of ourselves than what we ought to (Rom.12:3). There are several passages in the New Testament that speak of this kind of self-deception. 1. 1 Corinthians 3:18-19 "Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, 'He catches the wise in their own craftiness'" There are a couple of things to note about this passage. First, the wisdom under discussion is "in this age" and "of this world." This is not the "wisdom from above" (James 3:17). Those that are highly educated often think of Christians as simple-minded, superstitious dolts that need to rely on some higher power because of some feeling of inadequacy. Let them think it! It is much better to be considered a fool in the eyes of man while accepting the true wisdom of God. Second, Paul recognized the possibility that this wisdom was "among you." Of course, this is not to say that a secular education is wrong. The danger lies in placing more value on human wisdom than on God's wisdom. Men have many theories and philosophies, but none of those can save. Perhaps it's human nature to be intimidated by those who have a greater secular education than we do, but God is not impressed by how many degrees we may have. The Creator has all knowledge and man's wisdom is foolishness to Him (1 Cor.1:18-25). 2. James 1:22-25 "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does." Those who hear the word but don't put it into action in their lives are deceived. They will find themselves in hell, not because they are wrong in their beliefs, but because they haven't done anything (Matt.25:41-46). We vigorously argue for the necessity of works as a condition of salvation. This is right and proper for we will be judged by our works (Rom.2:5-11; Jms.2:14-26). But after we've made the argument do we follow it up with action? Do we help the needy when the opportunity arises? Do we visit those who are sick and in prison? What about orphans and widows? Or teaching the lost (or perhaps a Bible class)? Will you correct a brother who has gone astray? Being sound in our beliefs is vital, but it's not enough. In Hebrews 11 the writer cites example after example of those whose faith we're to emulate. But it must also be observed that in every instance the faith of the righteous moved them to action. Their faith was expressed through their deeds. If all we do is go to worship and listen to the sermon, we might just be deceived about our relationship with God. 3. 1 Jn.1:8 "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." Sin has many deceptions and subtleties. One of the greatest deceptions is man's tendency to redefine sin in order to justify himself. In doing so we say, in essence, that sin is not sin. Those who redefine adultery to mean merely covenant breaking are guilty of this. No lexicon (to the best of my knowledge) defines adultery as covenant breaking. Adultery is unlawful sexual intercourse with another's spouse. But by subtly redefining a key word or two man has altered the doctrine of Christ. The same thing can be accomplished by taking a passage out of it's context. This is how some find authority for church supported orphans homes. We are told that context of James 1:27 "deals with the 'church assembly' (Jms.2:1ff.), in the verses following which, as James penned the statement, was without chapter and verse division" (Guy Woods, A Commentary on the Epistle of James, p.101). If one accepts the change in the context (from individual to church action), then church supported orphans homes can be justified. It should be noted that James 1:21-27 does indeed deal with individual action. This is demonstrated by the words "he, his, himself, oneself." Sin is a transgression of divine law (1 Jn. 3:4). Only God can define what is sin. "What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, 'You shall not covet'" (Rom. 7:7). To redefine sin is to change what God said.  4. Galatians 6:3 "For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself." In the context Paul writes of bearing one another's burdens (v. 2) while at the same time bearing our own load (v. 5). We all have responsibilities that only we can take care of, but there are times when we need the help of others. Verse 1 speaks of a man overtaken in trespass, which identifies the nature of the burden in verse 2. In struggling against sin we may try to overcome it alone. We do not turn to God nor our brethren for help. Perhaps our pride often prevents us from seeking help, or maybe we just don't want to be a burden to others. But we must understand that it is God's will that we turn to our brethren for help. But the admonition also applies to the one doing the restoring. Self examination and recognition of our own weaknesses will help us from becoming puffed up with pride. 5. James 1:26 "If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless." James has already shown that being hearers only can cause us to be deceived about our spiritual condition (vs.22-25). But if we are "doers of the word" and don't control our tongues, then all of our doing is useless. The tongue has ruined reputations, divided families and churches, caused strife among brethren, and even resulted in wars between nations. Is it any wonder why God wants us to weigh our words carefully before we speak? The tongue is indeed "a world of iniquity" (Jms. 3:6). One of the most frightening passages in the Bible is Matthew 12:36-37: "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." Those who fail in this important task will never be acceptable to Him. All of our faith and good works will be for naught. Satan can take our good qualities and use them against us if we allow pride to dominate. All of us should have a realistic view of our abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. We can avoid self-deception if we will engage in self-examination regularly, and if we will listen to those who would correct us when we err.