A Bowl of Deception

Genesis 27:1-14

Some years ago, a remarkable picture was exhibited in London. As you looked at it from a distance, you seemed to see a monk engaged in prayer, his hands clasped, his head bowed. As you came nearer, however, and examined the painting more closely, you saw that in reality he was squeezing a lemon into a punch bowl!

What a picture that is of the human heart! Superficially examined, it is thought to be the seat of all that is good and noble and pleasing in a man; whereas in reality, until regenerated by the Holy Spirit, it is the seat of all corruption. “This is the condemnation, that light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light.” -D.L. Moody

• The Bible has so much to say about deception;
• The snake deceived Eve, Samson-Delilah, Ananias and Sapphira
• Well, that was then because we have already read about the consequences
• But even more so – the Bible clearly says “In the last days (Today) deception will increase significantly
• Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many – Matthew 24:11 (Nkjv)
• For false Christs and false prophets will appear and they will provide great signs and wonders, so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect (God’s chosen ones) -Matthew 24:24 (AMP)
• Our reading today is about deception, and we will examine 3 types of deception that we have to watch out for:
• Deceived by the enemy
• Deceived by others
• Deceiving ourselves

Deceived by the enemy

• If we look back at Genesis 25 – Rebekah already has the word from God about the future of her sons
• Genesis 25:21-23 (NLT)- Isaac pleaded with the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was unable to have children. The Lord answered Isaac’s prayer, and Rebekah became pregnant with twins. 22 But the two children struggled with each other in her womb. So she went to ask the Lord about it. “Why is this happening to me?” she asked. 23 And the Lord told her, “The sons in your womb will become two nations. From the very beginning, the two nations will be rivals. One nation will be stronger than the other; and your older son will serve your younger son.”
• She has been entrusted with such a revelation that if she would trust/have faith in the Lord- this could literally strengthen her relationship with the Lord
• Rebekah knew the blessing belonged to Jacob but attempted to secure God’s promised outcome through deception. Her actions were wrong even though she was seeking an outcome God had already declared. (Matthew Henry)
• The Lord was NOT telling her so that she can safeguard the promise- it’s more like, I have plans above, beyond anything you can ever think or imagine and since I have called you to be a mom, here is how it’s going to play out – for my glory because this is MY plan
• Good men have gone very wrong when they have thought of aiding in the fulfillment of promises and prophecies. See how Rebecca erred in trying to get the promised blessing for Jacob. We had better leave the Lord’s decrees in the Lord’s hands.” (Spurgeon)
• The enemy is always watching and plotting. If you look at the history – this deception came when the boys were 77 years old – The enemy was there when Rebekah was being told about the future
• Same as when God said to Adam and Eve – you can eat everything else but this fruit – The enemy started to plot
• Daniel Fast: Daniel 10:12–13 (NKJV) Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. 13 But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia
• Beloved, your battles are not “I tripped” they are strategic board meetings and brainstorming meeting that are specific to robbing you of the gift or salvation and a relationship with God
• That is why I don’t understand people that do not put prayer as a priority in their lives
• How can you survive in this world without constant prayer?
• Ephesians 6:12 -For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.
• despotisms – systems of absolute, oppressive, or tyrannical power and authority.
• I will tell you how – someone has been praying for you
• Rebekah – spoken to by God – the redemption of mankind depends on this line yet, the enemy found a way – same as in a perfect place -Garden of Eden – You are not IMMUNE
• 1 Corinthians 10:12 (Nkjv) Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. – God help me
• David a man after God’s heart did not rely on himself to stand or even finish his race – he prayed to God for help:
• Psalm 17:5 (NKJV) – “Uphold my steps in Your paths, That my footsteps may not slip.” – David recognizes his need for God to sustain him in righteousness
• Psalm 19:13 (NKJV) -“Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me.”- David asks God to restrain him from sin. He recognizes that he needs God’s help to resist wrongdoing
• Psalm 25:4–5 (NKJV) “Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all day.” -David is asking God not simply to show him the right path, but to lead him along it.
• This should have been Rebekah’s prayer – Keep me from independently acting on what I think is right
• I get it, Rebekah- there is panic, hearing that the promise is about to be corrupted. We go – God, I am sure you are busy with other things, or you are not seeing this – Let me help the ark from falling – suspending everything that God has already commanded
• But we forget that He says in (Isaiah 66:1 Nkjv) I am God – The heaven and earth are my foot stool
• My brothers and sisters, the enemy has not rested and will not rest until he puts you down – you need to stay prayed up – because you can’t win this battle without praying without ceasing

Deceived by others

• If we are honest with ourselves – knowingly and unknowingly we have been on either side of deception- how do I know this – Jeremiah tells us
• The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly perverse and corrupt and severely, mortally sick! Who can know it [perceive, understand, be acquainted with his own heart and mind]? – Jeremiah 17:9 (AMPC)
• Be careful of people’s intentions –I blame the lack of awareness that leaves the crack open. We have a major part to play
• Jacob is brought to the mix by his mom – He is not innocent – His character has already dictated the presence of the enemy through rebelliousness
• Jacob does not just go along with a lie – right there – The enemy has been chipping on his life – As P. Crystal preached- he has made his parent sad because of his choices
• Milk doesn’t go bad overnight – there is a process fueled by the right conditions that we allow
• James 1:14–15 -Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.
• In Vs 6: when Rebekah says “I heard you father “– She could have let it be, but deception was the first things that came into her mind
• There is always a willingness – the enemy never invents anything new in our lives – he works on what is already there – Search my heart oh Lord
• The story of Samson, strongest and most potential Judge of all times – deception by others may cause death
• There is a participation aspect – vs 9- Go and get
• And God always provides an opportunity to escape – Vs 12- But what if – I am caught
• What “if” has to be louder than the desire of that thing- that relationship, benefit,
• Many of us are deceived not because we don’t know it, it’s just that we have chosen inheritance, power, money, friendship, influence – fill in the gap

Deceiving ourselves

• One of the most damaging lies is that – we will never be caught
• Luke 8:17 (NKJV)- For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light
• Mark 4:22 (NKJV) For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light.
• Vs 14: So Jacob went and got the two young goats
• This story is far from being completed and if you have read ahead- Jacob is successful in deception
• But here is the thing – there are consequences and also, you may try to convince yourself that he kind of got away with it and that God’s will was accomplished
• Regardless- your story might be the story of the Samson – no power, blind and eventual death – do we want to chance that?
• Do you want your story to be like Samson’s – He woke up and said – I will – as I always do but his strength had already left him
• Deceiving ourselves looks like Samson playing with fire, thinking that he is in control, only to wake up and realize that God’s protection is gone
• Thinking that we have time, we have another opportunity – thinking like that retiring dude, let me keep that relationship one more night, let me double in that thing one more day, let me consume that one more time
• Beware that you don’t take grace for a spin
• Folks don’t miss this – this is a story of redemption- God has plan, tells man about the plan, man steps in and try to safeguard the plan, man messes up, and God provides a way to make it right, yet again
• That is the story of Jesus dying on the cross – that no one would perish but all would have a chance of life in heaven with Jesus
• Deception is not just coming after your life goals – 2 Peter 3:9 (Ampc) The Lord does not delay and is not tardy or slow about what He promises, according to some people’s conception of slowness, but He is long-suffering (extraordinarily patient) toward you, not desiring that any should perish, but that all should turn to repentance.
• Close!!!

For more sermons please visit our Sermons Page

Please subscribe to our YouTube Page