How not to be deceived – 4 keys to avoid the web of deception
DON’T BE DECEIVED
I am going share with you 4 ways of how not to be deceived. The Bible warns us several times “do not be deceived”. Deception is to believe something that is false to be true. In Greek it is defined as “roaming” or “wandering.” The word suggests that a deceived person has been seduced or taken off course. The strange thing about deception is no one who is deceived knows it or will ever admit it, because if they do, they are no longer deceived.
When someone wants to pass counterfeit money they don’t use pink and blue monopoly money. They use something that looks like the real thing. Deception does the same thing. It takes a truth and adds or takes away some small thing and presents it in a way that makes it sound reasonable, intelligent, enticing, and logical. If you go for it there’s hook inside that will snare you. Be aware of the devices of the enemy.
Consequences of Deception
Deception destroys life, marriages, and families. It robs people of their dreams, finances, and testimony. It steals their joy, peace, and health. Deception is an undercover strategy of the devil. Victims never realize they are a target. It’s like a fisherman who casts his bait into the water to try and deceive the fish into taking the bait. The fish is unaware that he is a target of deception, but if the fish is tricked into going for that shiny lure he will be hooked!
Deception is always painted and devised to look like something shiny, attractive, enticing, and alluring. However, it is a trap, that if you are not alert will snare you. There is always a “hook’ behind the bait that is trying to deceive you into believing what is false to be true.
Where is deception leading -for the world?
The power of deception is escalating throughout the world. There is a cloud of confusion that blankets our world. People are being enticed and suckered into believing some of the most incredible falsehoods, ideas, and philosophies that sound good and seem reasonable, but they are just hook a masquerading as something good.
Deception has infiltrated every part of our culture; all of the media, the economy, the government, the religious world, and every other segment of society. Even within the church faulty theology is leading to dangerous positions on the wrong side of God’s boundaries. It is clear to me that the world is rapidly being prepared through deception for the appearance of the supreme deception of this age, the dreaded Antichrist.
Is there hope?
There is great hope! This is not the end… yet. We are living in the most incredible time in all of history and we have the greatest opportunity to impact more lives than ever with the gospel of Jesus Christ – the real truth and to build the Kingdom of God. Now is the time for us to shine – we are blessed in so many ways.
We are entering into the Churches finest hour. Jesus is coming back for an overcoming victorious church not a defeated church. We are seated with Christ, with power and authority to defeat every work of darkness. We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Jesus). Romans 8:37
We have a mission.
While the world is headed toward the apocalypse, the complete final destruction of the world, as described in the book of Revelation, (we are not there yet but, we are moving closer and closer). The important thing for you to realize is the church will prosper and see the greatest revival it’s ever experienced. We have a mission to complete. Jesus said, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” (Mt. 16:18) He always causes us to triumph. (2 Corinthians 2:14)
Jesus will give you peace in the midst of the storm. He said we would have trouble in this world, but we would overcome them, and He will deliver us from them all. (John 16:33 & Ps. 34:19) You are alive and here for a divine purpose. This can be the greatest season of your life.
How to Avoid Deception
However, no one is exempt from being tempted and deceived. Christians who are not prepared are being swept into the streams of deception that are being spewed out by many different voices. Many believers are filled with fear and worry. They are following deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. (1Timothy 4:1) Here are 4 keys you can use to avoid falling into the trap of the enemy;
1. Be Alert and Watchful.
1 Peter 5:8 tells us, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour”. 1 Corinthians 16:13 says, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong”. Romans 13:11, “And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now, our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.” And Jesus encouraged us to, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41)
In other words, as followers of Christ we need to wake up and be on guard. Too many of us have become apathetic and complacent. We are asleep. It’s time to wake up and be aware of what is going on around us and sensitive to what spirit is at work. We need to be aware of the tactics and devices of the enemy, so we are not out witted and become a victim of deception. (2Corithians 2:11)
2. Know the Word of God and Do the Word of God.
You must know God’s word. You will be susceptible to being deceived if you do not know what God has said. The Word is the plum line. It establishes true north in our life. Jesus said, “Man is not to live on bread only. Man is to live by every word that God speaks” (Mt 4:4). We must feed upon God’s word every day – read it, meditate upon it, speak it, hear it.
Then, we must do what God’s word says to do not be just hearers only. James makes this very clear, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22) So, stay immersed in the word and walk in all the light God gives you, and you won’t have to worry about being deceived.”
3. Guard your heart.
Deception usually begins in the heart as a result of honoring one’s personal will above the will of God. The will of man by nature does not love the truth. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Even those who are religiously minded can have their hearts deceived (Jas. 1:26). The heart can be polluted by pride, greed, apathy, unforgiveness, and offence. These are all breeding grounds of deception. Not only can the devil deceive us, but others can deceive us, and we can be self-deceived – if, we don’t guard our hearts.
4. Stay in right relationship.
God created us for relationship. Relationship with Him and relationship with others. It starts with our relationship with the Lord. You will not be deceived if you commune with the Lord, pray, and worship Him. You will remain sensitive to His voice and the leading of the spirit.
Then, we need to be in right relationship with other believers. We need each other. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17) Fellowship provides encouragement and strength. We need people in our life to hold us accountable and to help us grow.
One of the biggest traps and dangers for deception is going it alone. When a believer becomes isolated, separated from God and others they become and easy target for deception.
Stay Humble – Deception will mark the end of this age
Increasing deception will mark the end of this age. These deceptions are even going to be enhanced by signs and wonders—miracles of certain kinds. I hope you’ll always remember the words of Jesus, “Take heed that no man deceives you.” Deception is happening today – a lot of people in the world are being deceived – Christians too. The problem we face is most, probably you too, think we’re too smart or savvy to fall into a trap? You probably aren’t, and it’s that very belief that makes you vulnerable.
To avoid deception, we have to always be on guard, stay immersed in the Word and walk in all the light God gives us, guard our hearts, and stay in fellowship with Jesus and others at all times. If you do that, you won’t easily be drawn away—enticed away—from what is really true. Jesus told us, “You must be wise as serpents, but harmless as doves.” Do not be deceive!
