ILAGAN BAPTIST CHURCH SERMON OUTLINES
Deceitful Pleasures
Text: Hebrews 11:25 IBCWPM April 26, 2006
Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar
Pleasures and pressures come on our way in different ways. People want to avoid pressures and obviously crave for enjoyment. Choosing the kind of pleasure that would delight us uncovers the level of intelligence we have. Not all pleasures are essential and helpful to humankind. There are deceitful pleasures to be avoided and there are higher levels of pleasures to be desired.
Deep understanding about different kinds of pleasures will surely reward us with the right and needed attitude toward the things that would give us delight. Physical, emotional and spiritual pleasures should be well-appropriated; dangerous pleasures must be avoided. The lowest kind of enjoyment is physical and the highest is spiritual.
In Hebrews 11:24-25, it is written, By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; (KJV) These verses from the Bible describe to us the spiritual intelligence and maturity of Moses. He had all the opportunities to enjoy the best of earthly life, but he refused to be identified with questionable people and he avoided them so he may attain his spiritual goal. What an inspiring courage of showing one’s spiritual identity with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
In this materialistic world, spiritual wisdom is a must-have of every Christian so he may not be deceived by the world’s deceitful riches and pleasures. A believer’s life should be shaped by the Lord and not by the world. Moses’ life was well-spent and well-focused on the Lord Jesus Christ. In Hebrews 11:26-27, it is written, Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. (KJV) Our unquestionable reverence to the Lord and His Word will surely keep us away from deceitful pleasures.
(I) Could Be Discerned By Man Of Faith
Hebrews 11:25
-Deceitful pleasures are associated with sin
Christians must be analytical and far-sighted when it comes to their investment. Spiritually speaking, Moses was a far-sighted man. He knew very well that the pleasures of sin were just for a season, and then the sorrowful consequences would come unexpectedly. He easily detected the danger of worldliness because he was a man of faith. Undoubtedly, uncompromising faith could stand the test of deception.
(II) Could Be Avoided By Faith
Hebrews 11:24-27
-Faith pleases God
-Faith conquers sin
-Faith sees the invisible
-Faith leads believers to do what is right
-Faith produces spectacular acts
Deceitful pleasures knock at our doors with many offers. We must not be deceived by their changing faces. Questionable pleasures are the devil’s tools and he uses them day and night in well-chosen places so he may deceive people and hinder them from the right path. The devil’s desire is to see people being destroyed in a crafty way. He wants them to remain unsaved so they may end up in hell. Through deceitful pleasures, he can also manipulate carnal believers to stop supporting the spreading of the Gospel. As a sad result, many believers overlook their vital role in displaying the banner of truth.
As long as we live in this world, we should not stop fighting for the Truth. We really need to pray and ask God to increase our faith because without faith we cannot please God; we cannot conquer worldliness; neither could we discern what is right and what is wrong. The presence of deceitful pleasures is undeniable, but the presence of the Lord gives us assurance that in Him we are more than conquerors. Like Moses, we should have pleasure in serving God and surely He will save us from the destroyer.
ILAGAN BAPTIST CHURCH
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