Universal Deception

“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” James 3:13-16 ESV

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 ESV

Our best efforts at reasoning and deciding are always off when we have the wrong reference point.

“Geometry is from the eternal mind of God. The share in it accorded to men is one of the reasons that Man is the image of God.” - Johannes Kepler

“The laws of nature are put within the grasp of the human mind because God wanted us to recognize them. He created us after his own image, that we could share his very thoughts.” - Johannes Kepler

The ultimate outcome of a right lived life is a life that’s lived in right relationship with God.

The math doesn’t work when we put ourselves at the center.

“And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?’” Luke 9:23 ESV

The “give-me” gospel is a self-centered, Godless gospel.

The dragon delivers all sorts of diabolical brokenness, but the doorway to deception is always self.

“Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees” Matthew 3:10 ESV

“But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged.” 1 Corinthians 11:31 ESV

Repentance isn’t just turning away from sin, but turning away from self and to God.

“Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease. He who comes from above is above all.” John 3:29-31 ESV

The root of sin is self-centeredness; conversely the root of holiness is Christ-centeredness.

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 KJV

“I wanted to become a theologian. For a long time I was restless. Now, however, behold how through my effort God is being celebrated in astronomy.” - Johannes Kepler

“I have consummated the work to which I pledged myself, using all the abilities that You (God) gave me; I have shown the glory of Your works to men, but if I have pursued my own glory among men while engaged in a work intended for Your glory, be merciful, be compassionate, and forgive.” - Johannes Kepler

“And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” Revelation 12:11 ESV

The Gravity of Grace is great enough to hold you close to God!