THURSDAY, JULY 25TH 2024
GUARD AGAINST SUBTLE DECEPTIONS
And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many (Matthew 24:4-5).
PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME
Jesus issued a poignant warning against deception, forewarning us of the cunning strategies that Satan would employ, particularly in the last days. It’s the same deceptive tactics he utilised in the beginning at the garden of Eden.
In Genesis 3:1-5, the Bible tells us how the serpent cunningly questioned Eve about God's instruction not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Eve explained the command, but the serpent deceived her, suggesting that eating the fruit would make her wise like God to discern both good and evil.
The serpent insidiously twisted God's instruction, leading Eve to question its validity. Essentially, Satan accused God of deception, insinuating that He was withholding something beneficial from Adam and Eve: “For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5).
When confronted by God, Eve acknowledged that she had been deceived by the serpent. However, by then, the damage had been done. The repercussions of her deception led to their expulsion from the garden, marking the beginning of humanity's struggle with sin and deception.
This tactic of deception, casting doubt on God's truthfulness and goodness continues to be employed today and will be used at the end of the age. In Revelation 12, the serpent is identified as the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world.
But the time in which he’ll successfully deceive the world is after the rapture of the Church, particularly during the second half of the Tribulation period. Until then, his attempts to deceive and mislead will not be very successful, because of the work of the Church, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, the spirit of Truth.
Remain vigilant. Stay in the Word, as that’s the only way to discern truth from falsehood amidst the myriad of deceitful schemes orchestrated by the adversary. Stand firm on God’s truth and you’ll guard against the subtle deceptions that seek to ensnare, while preaching the truth of Christ to all the world. Amen.
PRAYER
Dear Father, I’m alert, full of discernment to recognise the deceitful schemes of the enemy. I stand firm on your truth, and guard my heart and mind against deception. Your Word is a lamp unto my feet, and I’m yielded to it, as it guides me continually in the path of life, never swayed, but steadfast and immoveable to produce works and fruits of righteousness, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
Revelation 12:9 - And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
1 John 4:1-4 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. [2] Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: [3] And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. [4] Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Matthew 7:15 - Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
1 - YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Romans 1:1-17 & Psalms 32-34
2 - YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Ephesians 2:11-22 & Isaiah 45
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