Solving the Problem of Self-Deception

I. By Considering Our Relationships with Others - Matthew 7:1-12

A. What judging reveals about ourselves - Matt. 7:1-5
1. A lack of Life-consciousness - Matt. 5:44-45
2. A lack of love - Luke 6:35-37
3. Self-righteousness based on superior knowledge - Rom. 14:1-13
4. Prejudiced and preferential - 1 Cor. 3:2-4:7; James 2:1-4
5. Dogmatic and narrow-minded - Col. 2:16
6. Proud and presumptuous - James 4:6-17
7. Blindness to one's own condition - Matt. 7:3-5; Luke 6:37-42
8. Lack of self-knowledge and dealing with the Lord - Matt. 7:3-5
B. The consequences of judging
1. Giving an account at the judgment seat - Rom. 14:10-13
2. Determining the way we will be judged - Matt. 7:1-2; Luke 6:37
3. Guaranteeing mercy at the judgment seat - James 2:12-13
C. How to be preserved from self-deception in relationships
1. Know yourself in God's light - 1 John 1:7-10
2. Deal with yourself in God's light - Matt. 7:5
D. What discernment reveals about ourselves - Matt. 7:6
1. Self-knowledge produces true discernment - Matt. 7:5-6
2. Love needs discernment - Phil. 1:9-10
3. Discernment in giving out the truth ("that which is holy") - Matt. 7:6a
4. Discernment in sharing our experiences ("your pearls") - Matt. 7:6b
5. Discerning the dogs and the hogs - Phil. 3:2; Rom. 16:17-18
E. What prayer reveals about ourselves - Matt. 7:7-12
1. It reveals our motives - Matt. 7:7-10; 6:33
2. It reveals the reality of our relationship with God - Matt. 7:11; 6:5-13
3. It reveals the reality of our love for others - Matt. 7:12; 2 Cor. 1:11

II. By Considering the Kind of Christian Life We Live - Matthew 7:13-29

A. A life that can enter into the kingdom - Matt. 7:13-14
1. Consecrated to live a supplied life (the gate) - Matt. 7:13a, 14a, 5:3
2. Confined to grace (the way) - Matt. 7:13-14; Heb. 4:14-16
3. Focused on the prize (the goal) - Matt. 7:13-14; Phil. 3:11-14
4. Willing to be an overcomer (few) - Matt. 7:14; Rev. 2-3
B. A life not influenced by false prophets - Matt. 7:15-20
1. Testing prophets by their life and teaching - 1 Tim. 1:3-7
2. The fruit of the Spirit - Gal. 5:22-25
3. The works of the flesh - Gal. 5:19-21
4. Testing the charismatic realm - Matt. 7:21-23
C. A life of obedience - Matt. 7:21-29
1. Obedience to the revealed will of God - Matt. 7:2;1 John 2:15-17
2. Obedience to the impulses of Life - Matt. 7:23; Eph. 4:17-20
3. Obedience based upon supply - Matt. 7:24-25; James 1:21-24
4. Disobedience builds up deception - Matt. 7:26-27; Gal. 6:7-8
5. The authority of His teaching - Matt. 7:28-29