The cure for our delusions.

Practical Christianity:
The cure for our delusions

Christmas Week Schedule

● Christmas “eve” service - Thursday, Dec 22 @ 7 PM.

● Next service after that -

Sunday Jan 1, 2017 @ 10 AM.

James is very concerned that his congregation might be kidding themselves.

They are very vulnerable to being taken in by a very subtle and seductive lie.

JAM 1:16-27

Three times James tells his congregation not to deceive themselves. Verses 16, 22, and 26.

But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.

The seductive lie is that we only have to concern ourselves with hearing the word of God.

That somehow it’s optional to do what it says!

A delusion is a false belief that is based on an incorrect interpretation of reality.

A delusional person will firmly hold on to a false belief despite clear evidence to the contrary.

And with respect to the word of God that clear evidence is our deeds.

GAL 6:1-10

GAL 6:3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

GAL 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.

The sowing
and reaping occur in time.

The corruption in view here is not eternal damnation. It occurs during our earthly life.

phthora means "a bringing or being brought into an inferior or worse condition, a destruction or corruption."

It is used of the physical effects of merely gratifying the natural desires.

The antidote to being delusional is to examine our own work and to do good.

1CO 15:10
TIT 2:11-15
TIT 3:4-8
EPH 5:15-16