Three lies we might believe
Ray Ortlund Blog | June 28, 2012
It is very much in the devil's interests that we despair. If he can get us to believe these three demoralizing lies that he loves to whisper into our thoughts, our powers for Jesus are greatly diminished.
Lie #1: "You're a hypocrite. Sure, you're serving Jesus. But you don't really mean it, you phoney. You might as well give up."
Answer: "Whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything" (1 John 3:19-20). "I do not even judge myself. . . . It is the Lord who judges me" (1 Corinthians 4:3-4).
Lie #2: "You're a loser. You've ruined your life. You'll never amount to anything for the Lord. You might as well give up."
Answer: ". . . the poor, . . . the brokenhearted, . . . the captives, . . . that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations" (Isaiah 61:1-4).
Lie #3: "You're small. You're so buried under the debris of our complex and crowded culture, you'll never make an impact. You might as well give up."
Answer: "God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God" (1 Corinthians 1:28-29).
Comments:
June 28, 2012 at 07:34 PM
I have been in danger of believing in all three of these lies at different times in my life. Thank you for the reminder.
June 28, 2012 at 06:07 PM
I think you might be experiencing the poverty of spirit that is a good indication of redemption or being on the way to redemption.
Hebrews 6 warns those who don't care about the issue of salvation (in my view) despite the gospel being close-at-hand in the church. However, for those who are concerned for their souls, Hebrews 7:25 provides the refuge and comfort that is needed.
The blasphemy against the Spirit is to refuse his testimony to Christ – the very thing you are not doing if you embrace Hebrews 7:25.
No one is saved by their own righteousness. Only the righteousness of Christ has saving power.
June 28, 2012 at 03:51 PM
What great encouragement from the Scriptures. Thanks, Ray, I need to remind myself of these truths every day.
June 28, 2012 at 01:03 PM
i do despair of salvation, but not because of the devil...it is because of god's words in hebrws 6:4, and about jesus words about the unforgivable sin. thanks a lot, lord.
July 22, 2012 at 09:42 PM
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July 2, 2012 at 05:29 AM
[...] Three Lies We Might Believe – Ray Ortlund lays out three lies we might be tempted to believe that can lead us to despair and how to combat them. [...]
David Rails
June 28, 2012 at 12:57 PM
"Slap"...WoW, Thanks, I needed that! Was just the right message for me at just the right time. Thank you friend.