The Deception of Self-Worship and the Call to True Repentance By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves... having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." — 2 Timothy 3:1–2, 5
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Introduction: The Tragedy of Misused Religion
In this generation, we are witnessing the rise of counterfeit spirituality—where people use the name of God but do not walk in obedience to His will. It is common to hear people say, "Thank God," yet their lives are filled with pride, self-indulgence, and rebellion against the very God they profess. The tragedy of this age is not ignorance of God but a willful distortion of His truth. What we are dealing with is not a lack of religious expressions, but a lack of true submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
This article explores the spiritual consequences of self-worship, the danger of rejecting the Holy Spirit’s conviction, and the path to true repentance through Christ. It will also uncover the schemes of the carnal nature that wars against the Spirit and provide practical guidance on how to remain victorious in this present darkness.
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The Vanity of Self-Love and False Worship
"For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud..." — 2 Timothy 3:2
The world is filled with people who outwardly use religious language but inwardly live to gratify their flesh. This is a manifestation of self-worship—the elevation of one’s desires, preferences, and opinions above the authority of God. When people serve themselves rather than God, even their idols become disposable tools used to justify their cravings. They are loyal to nothing and no one but their appetites.
The danger is that such individuals deceive themselves into believing that they are righteous. They feel secure in their delusion because they are unwilling to submit to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit. This self-made religion resists any form of correction and often grows hostile to the truth.
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The Resistance Against the Holy Spirit
"Ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye." — Acts 7:51
One of the clearest signs of spiritual rebellion is the rejection of the Holy Spirit’s prompting. When the Spirit convicts a person of sin, He is offering mercy. But those who ignore this conviction are choosing judgment. They are essentially silencing the voice of God in their lives, preferring darkness over light because their deeds are evil.
Self-willed individuals reject repentance because they fear losing control. Yet the control they imagine they have is an illusion; they are slaves to the demonic motivations that drive them. While they believe they are living freely, they are bound in chains of deception and are unwittingly serving the purposes of hell.
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Jesus Christ: The Light Rejected by the Proud
"And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." — John 3:19
The ministry of Jesus exposed the hatred and rebellion of the religious establishment. While He came in love to call sinners to repentance, He was met with resistance, not only by the openly wicked, but by the religious leaders who loved their position and pride more than the truth.
This pattern continues today. The religious elite and those bound in ritualistic traditions often resist the move of the Holy Spirit. They cannot bear to see their image of righteousness challenged. Their pride makes them enemies of grace.
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The New Birth: A Call to Walk in the Spirit
"That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." — John 3:6
Repentance and faith in Christ bring a new birth—a transformation that dethrones the old carnal nature and establishes the rule of the Holy Spirit. But even after the new birth, the old nature tries to reclaim its authority. This is why believers must walk in the Spirit and refuse to entertain the voice of the flesh.
The carnal nature is an ally of Satan and continually attempts to kill the new life we have in Christ. It will use pressure, temptation, fear, and deceit to reassert itself. But as long as we remain sensitive to the Spirit and obedient to His leading, we will overcome.
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The War Within: Battling the Flesh and Its Deceits
"For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh..." — Galatians 5:17
Believers must understand that the battle for holiness is both external and internal. Not only are we at war with the world and demonic systems, but we must also contend with our own fallen tendencies. The flesh is not dormant; it is active, deceptive, and dangerous.
Those who become lax, presumptuous, or overconfident often fall prey to subtle temptations that start in the mind. Self-pity, pride, unforgiveness, and bitterness are tools that the flesh and the devil use to take the believer off course. Vigilance and discipline in prayer, the Word, and fasting are essential.
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The Narrow Path of Victory and Submission
"Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." — Matthew 7:14
True discipleship is not broad, convenient, or easy. It is narrow, costly, and sacrificial. But it leads to life. Every believer must make the choice to stay on this path and reject the lies of ease, self-will, and compromise.
To remain victorious, we must maintain a daily relationship with the Holy Spirit. Our victories are not won through emotions or religious routines but by surrendering to God’s voice in every situation. As we mature in Christ, our discernment sharpens, and our strength is renewed.
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Summary
This is an age of religious deception, self-love, and carnal rebellion. Many use the name of God in vain, living in self-indulgence while rejecting the Spirit of truth. True repentance is the only way out. Jesus Christ offers eternal life to those who believe in Him and walk in the Spirit. The battle is real, but victory is assured to those who stay in obedience.
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Conclusion
God is calling His people to rise above the deception of self-worship and false religiosity. He is calling for truth in the inward parts, for lives that are fully submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. There is no room for casual Christianity in these perilous times.
Reject the self-serving gospel of comfort and convenience. Embrace the cross and walk the narrow way, knowing that it leads to eternal glory.
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Call to Action
Let every believer examine their heart. Are you truly submitted to Christ, or are you still serving your own agenda? Have you allowed the Holy Spirit to fully govern your decisions, or are you resisting His voice?
Choose today to live in the light. Let your life be a testimony of the power of God’s grace and truth. Let repentance be more than a word—let it be your way of life.
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Final Encouragement
You are not alone in this journey. The Holy Spirit has been sent to guide, comfort, and empower you. Stay near to God, and He will stay near to you. Be encouraged, for the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you. Walk in victory, walk in light, walk in truth.
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Prayer of Salvation
Heavenly Father,
I come before You in repentance. I confess that I have gone my own way and served myself. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died for my sins, and that He rose again. I surrender my life to You. Cleanse me, forgive me, and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. Thank You for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
