Can You Find The Lie?

In the passage below, a lie is implied.

Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.
1st Corinthians 6:9-10

So what’s the lie? There must be a lie there somewhere that threatens to deceive us, since we are warned not to be deceived. The lie is that those who embrace the sins mentioned above and others like them remain fully approved in the eyes of God.

This has always been a popular lie. Sexual promiscuity and perversion, disrespect for marriage, and a widespread disinclination to live life with character and integrity show us the true nature of the popular culture. Don’t be fooled. God does not approve, and makes it clear that those who practice such are no part of His kingdom.

Ok, let’s try it again. What is the lie implied in the passage below?

Do not be deceived; bad company corrupts good morals.
1st Corinthians 15:33

Did you find it this time? The lie behind this warning is that it is just fine to run around with people who are rebellious, hot-tempered, disrespectful, immoral, dishonest, etc., because there is no danger of us being influenced by them in a negative way. Right.

Pay attention. Nothing is in stasis. You and I are changing. Either our friends are becoming like us as we grow in Christ, or we are becoming more like them.

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That’s the way relationships work, so choose carefully, those with whom you hang out.

One more? Ok, one more:

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.   
Galatians 6:7-8

The lie? The lie is twofold in this case. Firstly, the lie says that we can do what we like and get away with it. The second lie says that there is no payoff for doing good. God says He will make sure to counter these lies. Sow/live according to the flesh and He’ll make sure you reap corruption. Sow/live according to the Spirit’s teachings and He’ll make sure you live forever with Him. No one will ever have the opportunity to say that He didn’t make it so.

Be careful. Buy the truth. Never sell it. Never compromise for a lie (Proverbs 23:23).