Topical Bible: Deceit: Sport Themselves With

◄ Deceit: Sport Themselves With ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the context of biblical teachings, deceit is often portrayed as a grave sin that leads individuals away from the truth and righteousness of God. The phrase "sport themselves with" in relation to deceit is found in the New Testament, specifically in the book of 2 Peter. This expression highlights the frivolous and reckless manner in which certain individuals engage in deceitful behavior, treating it as a form of entertainment or indulgence.

Biblical Reference:

2 Peter 2:13 states, "They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions as they feast with you."

In this passage, the apostle Peter warns against false teachers and immoral individuals who infiltrate the Christian community. These individuals are described as "reveling in their deceptions," indicating that they take pleasure in their deceitful actions. The phrase "sport themselves with" captures the essence of their behavior, as they treat deceit as a form of amusement, without regard for the spiritual and moral consequences.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, deceit is fundamentally opposed to the nature of God, who is characterized by truth and holiness. The Bible consistently condemns deceit, emphasizing that it is a tool of the wicked and a characteristic of those who are estranged from God. In Proverbs 12:22 , it is written, "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight."

The act of sporting oneself with deceit is particularly egregious because it reflects a hardened heart and a seared conscience. It suggests a level of comfort and familiarity with sin that is dangerous to the soul. Such behavior not only harms the individual but also has the potential to lead others astray, as deceit can spread like a contagion within a community.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:

Engaging in deceit, especially as a form of sport, undermines the moral fabric of society and the integrity of the Christian witness. Believers are called to be people of truth, reflecting the character of Christ in their words and actions. Ephesians 4:25 exhorts, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body."

The ethical mandate for Christians is to reject deceit in all its forms and to pursue honesty and transparency. This commitment to truth is not only a personal virtue but also a communal responsibility, as the health and unity of the body of Christ depend on the integrity of its members.

Practical Application:

In practical terms, Christians are encouraged to examine their own lives for any traces of deceit and to repent of such behavior. This involves a conscious effort to align one's actions with the truth of Scripture and to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in cultivating a life of integrity. Additionally, believers are called to hold one another accountable, lovingly correcting those who may be tempted to "sport themselves with" deceit.

By fostering a culture of truth and accountability, the Christian community can stand as a beacon of light in a world often characterized by deception and moral ambiguity.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Peter 2:13
And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Of Lying Defamation.
... an Amulet against the guilt both of deceit and malice ... invent little stories that
they may find themselves exercise, and ... This, if it must pass for sport, is such ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section v of lying defamation.htm

All who Walk According to Truth are Children of God.
... their cunning in stratagems of deceit; but, speaking ... the true sense, they themselves
understand the ... a supramundane wisdom contemplating the mystery of sport. ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter v all who walk according.htm

Accession of Cyrus to the Throne.
... He determined to resort to deceit, or, as he called it ... been made king of the boys
in sport, there was ... of his aspiring to regal power, had proved themselves false ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter v accession of cyrus.htm

On all the Saints.
... of death, laughing at the sword, making sport of the ... let him look on the martyrs
disporting themselves [599] in ... as the ready weapon of his deceit, has become ...
/.../dubious or spurious writings of gregory thaumaturgus/on all the saints.htm

That Evil Comes of Sloth, and virtue from Diligence, and that ...
... her uncontrolled vision, not to the deceit alone which ... would have many things with
which to reproach themselves. ... me." [625] "And others" saith he "sport upon me ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily iii that evil comes.htm

Colossians i. 26-28
... Now that which is steadfast, neither deceit nor trial ... thing; when it allows not
reasonings to intrude themselves. ... Where are they that make sport of such things ...
/.../homily v colossians i 26-28.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 1.
... Is it not the sport and divertisement of many, to ... tongue to speak lies, and weary
themselves to commit ... righteousness: but a false witness deceit." Deceiving is ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part.htm

Treatise on the Priesthood. Book ii.
... such a case it ought not to be called deceit, but a ... of the truth, and that they may
recover themselves out of ... if I ever taunted you, I did it in sport and not ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/treatise on the priesthood book 2.htm

Herod
... Each is the sport of strong influences from without, and ... to prove that religion is
a deceit, but as ... words are dramatic enough to prove themselves; it would ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 6 14-29 herod.htm

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
... fenced cities, they sat down before Jerusalem, which put them all under a great
consternation; but the king and princes upon this humbled themselves; the Lord ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the acceptable sacrifice.htm