Being Persuaded Of Something Doesn’t Make It True
I. Introduction:
A. Jesus warned His disciples not to be deceived (Matthew 24:4).
1. We will not be excused if someone deceives us (Ephesians 5:6-7).
2. Being led away from God doesn’t excuse the follower (Isaiah 9:16 and Luke 6:39).
B. Think about what is implied in the phrase “any means” (II Thessalonians 2:1-3).
1. There is not just one approach used by predators to mislead us (Mark 7:13, Mark 13:22, Titus 1:14, II Peter 3:15-17, etc.).
2. The means we are going to discuss in this lesson is someone's ability to be convincing and persuasive (II Corinthians 11:3-4 and Jude 1:16).
3. Not everything that sounds right is right.
II. Body: Colossians 2:4-8
A. The Greek word “πιθανολογία” translated “enticing words” (Strong’s # 4086) means: “persuasive language.”
1. Being persuaded of something does not make it true. Crowds can be convinced of error (Matthew 27:17-26).
2. Error is often packaged attractively so that it will be accepted (Jeremiah 14:13-16).
3. Those who bring error do not appear to be liars (II Corinthians 11:13-15).
4. Those who mislead are often successful in deceiving many (II Peter 2:1-3).
B. Think about why those who use good words and fair speeches are to be avoided (Romans 16:17-18).
1. False teachers look for vulnerable people (for example, those who are unstable, emotional, and/or flesh-driven) (II Peter 2:18).
2. Being simple makes you an easy target (Proverbs 14:15).
3. Don’t be targetable:
a. Know (I Thessalonians 4:1-2).
b. Test (Ephesians 5:10).
c. Watch and stand fast (I Corinthians 16:13).
4. These speakers often appeal to what people want to hear (II Timothy 4:3-4).
C. Being grounded in Christ prevents deception (Colossians 1:21-23).
1. “How” is simple (Luke 6:47-49).
2.Grounded people are not easily persuaded by error, but rather grow into the truth (Ephesians 4:14-15).
3. Persuasion loses its power when truth is firmly established (Galatians 2:1-5).
III. Conclusion: Something is not true because it is persuasive. It is persuasive because someone is trying to make it believable. Truth does not depend upon man's persuasive presentation (I Corinthians 2:4-5). God’s Word is truth (John 17:17). Be persuaded by that!