1. Cheating Applies to Many Things

2. Introduction
Cheating is a problem in America

3. Cheat = 1. to defraud; swindle 2. to deceive; influence by fraud 3
Cheat = 1. to defraud; swindle 2. to deceive; influence by fraud 3. to elude; deprive of something expected
Synonyms -- deceiving, deception, defrauding, dishonesty (dictionary.com)

4. “to act in a way that is not honest in order to get something from someone.” www.wordsmyth.net

5. If we are involved in cheating others we really are cheating and hurting ourselves
We will hurt our reputation and also hurt our spiritual lives as well

6. Gal. 6:7
[7] Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

7. I. Cheating in the marriage relationship results in the loss of purity and may destroy a marriage/home

8. Proverbs 18:22
[22] Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
A good wife or husband is of great value!

9. Heb. 13:4
[4] Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

10. Mt. 19:4-6
[4] And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
[5] And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?

11. [6] Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh
[6] Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

12. II. Cheating in the classroom results in loss of knowledge and skills which will be needed later in life

13. Education and training is valuable – it helps one to avoid the hardships of poverty

14. Proverbs 1:7
[7] The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

15. Proverbs 18:15
[15] The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

16. III. Cheating in sports and recreation may help you win the game --- BUT, you may lose your friends and your reputation!

17. Is it really worth it – to cheat and “win”, but also lose your friends and even make enemies?

18. Proverbs 22:1
[1] A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

19. Loving favor = one who has a good name is loved and receives favor from those who know him

20. Let us be able to repeat the words of our Lord,
Let us be able to repeat the words of our Lord,. “…Friend, I do thee no wrong” (Mt. 20:13).

21. IV. Cheating in business is common today – but one who cheats only proves that he is a CHEATER and his religion is vain

22. Num. 32:23
[23] But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.

23. Rom. 12:17
[17] Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

24. 2 Cor. 8:21
[21] Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

25. Phil. 4:8 – We must think honest things
[8] Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

26. V. Cheating as it relates to religion

27. Cheating in the things mentioned above is wrong – it is sinful in God’s sight
Cheating in religion is very dangerous – it tends to lead us to trust in a false way – it leads to deception

28. Mt. 15:9
[9] But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

29. Js. 1:26-27
[26] If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
[27] Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

30. How many cheat themselves by being involved in the religions of men– false religions– and fail to follow God’s way?

31. Mt. 7:21-23
[21] Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
[22] Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

32. [23] And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

33. Conclusion
"We cannot, and some of us would not, want to bribe nor defy our last judge (Mt. 25:31-46).”

34. Jn. 12:48
[48] He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.