"Avoiding Deception" (Part 2)

 

“Avoiding Deception” (Part 2)

 

In our recent discussions of the Pastoral Epistles our Men’s Bible Study has talked about Satan’s deceptive tactics in the world today—and in the church as well. This is nothing new—in the late first century our Lord’s friend and apostle warned God’s people that “…many false prophets have gone out into the world…This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.” (1 John 4:1-3). Centuries before Job had told his “friends” (and us), “The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.” (Job 28:28, emphasis added). How can we use this truth to avoid satanic deception?

In the previous article (please read it before continuing with this one) I made some suggestions to avoid being taken in by present day financial and other scams, one of which was using the internet to investigate questionable communications. When it comes to our spiritual lives, however, how do we determine what’s right and best for us? By heeding what are arguably the five most important words we could ever read: “What does the Scripture say?” (Romans 4:3, emphasis added). The Greek word for deceive appears 39 times in the New Testament and always has the meaning of straying from God’s norm. Twice we’re told not to let others deceive us (Ephesians 5:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:3). And God also tells us not to be deceived in these ways:

*That no one can enter God’s presence without being cleansed from sin and made right before Him (1 Corinthians 6:9).

*That we must be careful in choosing our relationships (1 Corinthians 15:33).

*That we can’t pull the wool over God’s eyes and will bear the results if we try (Galatians 6:7).

*That all we have comes from God’s goodness to us (James 1:16-17).

A Sunday School quarterly I used years ago contained the statement, “Truth is the best antidote to error.” Truth isn’t determined by opinion polls or individual preferences—it has its source in God and His Word (“The word of the Lord is right and true….”—Psalm 33:4) and all that comes down the pike must be measured by His standard which will never change (“Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.”—Psalm 119:89). Jesus avoided the devil’s deception by citing Scripture (Matthew 4:1-11)—it worked for Him and it will for us. Use it well!

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan