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Week 3: Empty Me of deception

Sermon Recap

In this week’s sermon, the backdrop was the story of Eve’s interaction with Satan in the Garden of Eden. Within this story we discovered the progression of deception.

First, our gaze is drawn away from God’s truth and a seed of doubt is planted in our minds. “Did God really tell you not to engage in that?” “It’s not really that bad if I do that...watch that...drink that...listen to that...accept that”...and the list goes on and on. Once seeds of doubt are planted, we begin to believe that God is holding us back. As if the boundaries of God’s will hinder us rather than bring us life. From there, we begin to distort God’s character and nature to fit a narrative that fits whatever we believe or engage in. Then, disobedience actually begins to look good and inviting, so we partake. Just like Eve did in the garden, we are completely and fully deceived. 


However, the Apostle Paul tells us in his letter to the Romans “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”


This week, we must take a long hard inventory of our thoughts and actions and invite God into the conversation. It is the Holy Spirit’s desire to reveal any deception to us so that we might walk in the greater that God has for us.


Key Scripture

Read through these passages together:

I John 4:1 

I Peter 1:16

Hebrews 12:14

Galatians 6:7-8


Discussion Questions

Discuss together, pushing yourself toward transparency. The more we are authentic and humble with one another, the more we can grow in Christ. 

  • What are some ways I can prevent falling to deception in my life?

  • What are some areas in my life that I need to test the Spirits?  Or, in other words, areas where I need to ask the Lord to give me greater discernment?

  • Where is my focus?  Is my focus on more of what God has offered me?  Or is my focus on what I can get away with and still be ok?  There is a huge gaping difference in the heart when it comes to these two questions.  

Prayer 

Forgive me Jesus, for allowing deception into my mind and entertaining the lies of the enemy.  I submit my mind and my life to you!   I plead the blood of Jesus over my mind, and I command any and all chains of deception be broken off of my life and destroyed in the name of Jesus.  I break all unions and ties to the lies of the enemy off of my life right now.   I release the truth of God’s Word, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the anointing that destroys every yoke of bondage right now in the name of Jesus.  With the help and leading of the Holy Spirit from this point on may I always be able to distinguish the difference between God’s Truth and the enemies lies.  

Life Application

  • Instead of just making decisions (big or small) this week based on what you think is the best, step back for a minute and ask God what He wants you to do.  Deception can be found even when we think what we are doing is the best choice.

  • Our daily choices need to line up with scripture.  Be intentional this week to make all your decisions prayerfully and based them on the truth found in God’s Word.  

  • In your prayer times, ask the Holy Spirit to bring revelation to any areas of your life where you have been deceived, and again make sure scripture is your foundation.

Don’t Forget!

Additional Resources

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