Overcoming Lies | Overcoming the Lies Christian Families Believe [Intro]

What we laugh at, we tend to accept. And what we accept, we eventually believe and practice. Dave and Bethlie launch a new part of the Overcoming series: Overcoming the Lies We Believe.

This introductory episode looks at three sources of deception: the enemy, who has lied since the Garden; a cultureamplified by social media, AI, and viral humor; and, most surprisingly, ourselves. The Youngs explain why lies don't only affect "the culture out there." They quietly shape good Christian homes, marriages, and how we go about raising children.

The only way to overcome them is the Word of truth, read personally, taught at home, and given priority over every other activity.

Overcoming the Lies We Believe: Series Introduction

Dave and Bethlie begin the final stretch of their year-long Overcoming series with one of their most important topics yet: the lies we believe, and the lies we practice. When our beliefs are wrong, they shape our habits and behavior. That affects our personal lives, our marriages, our churches, and how we raise our children.

Source 1: The Enemy Is a Liar

The Father of Lies

Dave points to John 8:44, where Jesus calls the devil a liar and the father of lies, and to John 10:10, where the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Often the enemy does that destroying through the lies we believe, from political lies that have cost lives to personal lies that damage marriages, children, and grandchildren.

"Yea, Hath God Said?"

Bethlie notes that Satan's very first lie in the Garden questioned God's word. She shares how the enemy lies on both sides of sin, using abortion as an example. First he says, "It's your body, it's not really a baby." Afterward he says, "No one will ever forgive you, and God can't love you now." He tempts us into sin, then piles on shame to keep us in bondage.

Source 2: The Culture Is Deceiving Us

Some cultural lies are simply accepted norms. Others are deliberate, patient, and designed. Dave explains how harmful systems advance step by step, with each step made to look desirable so we ignore where the path leads.

Scripture's Warnings About Deception

• Romans 16:18
• Ephesians 4:14
• Ephesians 5:6
• Thessalonians 2:3
• 1 John 3:7

Source 3: We Can Deceive Ourselves

One of the strangest truths in Scripture is that we can convince ourselves something is true when it isn't, and then defend it and live it.

• 1 John 1:8
• 1 Corinthians 3:18

The Only Way to Overcome: The Word of Truth

Follow the Word, Not the Influencer

Bethlie cautions against trusting an Instagram influencer, a favorite author, or a conference speaker more than Scripture. Come to the Bible with an open heart and a mind ready to reason, not with the attitude that it's too archaic to apply.

Devotionals Can't Replace the Bible

Good devotional books and commentaries have value, but they can't replace reading line upon line and precept upon precept: whole chapters, whole books, and the whole counsel of God. Listening while exercising or driving is fine, but life change requires sitting down to focus, learn, and apply.

Church and Family Devotions Are Under Attack

Many families let sports, events, and activities take priority over church. Our forefathers made church the foundation of life, not an add-on. Dave points to Deuteronomy's pattern of teaching children God's Word when sitting at home, walking along the way, lying down, and rising up. Without personal Bible reading, family devotions, and faithful church attendance, we can't overcome the lies.

4. Key Takeaways

• Cultural lies follow a pattern: what we laugh at, we accept, believe, and eventually practice. Be careful what entertains your Christian family.
• Spiritual deception comes from three sources: the enemy, the culture, and our own hearts.
• Satan lies on both sides of sin. He tempts you in, then shames you to keep you in bondage. God's truth offers freedom.
• Reading the Bible for yourself matters. Devotionals and influencers can't replace studying God's Word line upon line.

Raising children in the truth requires family devotions and making church a priority, not an add-on to a busy schedule