INTRODUCTION

The Devil is both very subtle and sly. He knows that being patient in his attacks against the truth can result in his ultimate victory as he wears down the saints. One of his primary objectives involves a close alliance between the self-help theology crowd and the use of flattery. Those caught up in this type of theology overemphasize the need to develop self-confidence rather than developing a God-confidence. These power of positive thinking proponents teach their followers to think positively of themselves even if those thoughts are unwarranted. Yet, the Bible offers a completely different perspective. According to scripture, the wicked “flattereth himself in his own eyes” (Psalm 36:2For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.
See All...) and this self-flattery is “transgression” (Psalm 36:1The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.
See All...). On the other hand, the faithful Christian realizes that “at his very best state he is altogether vanity” (Psalm 39:5Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.
See All...). Christians need their self-confidence replaced with a greater confidence and trust in the Lord.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Peter was very sure that he would stay true to the Lord even unto death. But Jesus knew Peter's heart (Matthew 26:33-35 [33] Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. [34] Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. [35] Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.
  See All...) and that he would miserably fail (Galatians 6:3For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
  See All...). We need to always depend upon the Lord for help even when we might think we can do something on our own.
• (For everyone):  What are some areas where the world encourages us to flatter ourselves? What godly benefit do we gain from following their instructions?
• How can self-flattery be used as “a cloke of covetousness” (1 Thessalonians 2:5For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:
  See All...)? How can flattery ultimately be connected back to the sin of pride?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to build your confidence in Him.
• Ask God to help you see the reality of who and what you are.

HYMN

OFT HAVE I TURNED MY EYES WITHIN

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