Deception keeps you focused on a distraction so you won’t see what is really going on. The main problem with deception is you don’t know you are being deceived. Let’s look at the source of all deception.
Jeremiah 9:6 You dwell in the midst of deception; in their deceit they refuse to know Me, (Berean)
2 Corinthians 11:2-3 I (Paul) am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. 3 I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ. (Berean)
ANYTHING that changes your focus off of Christ is anti-Christ. Greek = antíxristos from antí, “opposite to, in place of” and Xristós, “Christ” the “Anointed One” — opposite to Christ; someone acting in place of Christ.
1 John 2;15-18 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever. 18 Children, it is the last hour; and just as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. This is how we know it is the last hour. (Berean)
1 Thessalonians 2:9-12 This man (the Antichrist)* will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles. 10 He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them. 11 So God will cause them to be greatly deceived, and they will believe these lies. 12 Then they will be condemned for enjoying evil rather than believing the truth. (NLT) * my note for clarity
Proverbs 26:24-26 He who hates, disguises it with his lips, but he stores up deceit in his heart. 25 When he speaks graciously and kindly [to conceal his malice], do not trust him, for seven abominations are in his heart.
26 Though his hatred covers itself with guile and deceit,
His malevolence will be revealed openly before the assembly. (Amp) malevolence = malice, spite, hatred, bitterness
Proverbs 6:16-19 There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are abomination to Him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, 19 a false witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up discord among brothers. (NKJ) Haughty = self-promoted; self-exalted
Proverbs 14:8 Why is a clever person wise? Because he knows what to do. Why is a stupid person foolish? Because he only thinks he knows. (GWT)
1 Peter 2:1-3 Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. (Berean)
2 Peter 3:17-18 As for you, divinely loved ones, since you are forewarned of these things, be careful that you are not led astray by the error of the lawless and lose your firm grip on the truth. 18 But continue to grow and increase in God’s grace and intimacy with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May He receive all the glory both now and until the day eternity begins. Amen! (The Passion)
John 17:15-19 I (Jesus) do not ask that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from evil. 16 They are not of the world, as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; Your Word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also sent them into the world; 19 and for them I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. (Berean)
Jeremiah 17:5,7 “This is what the LORD says: Cursed is the person who trusts humans, who makes flesh and blood his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD. 6 He will be like a bush in the wilderness. He will not see when something good comes. He will live in the dry places in the desert, in a salty land where no one can live. 7 Blessed is the person who trusts the LORD. The LORD will be his confidence.” (GWT)
Isaiah 53:1,4-5 Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 4 Surely, He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. (NKJ)
Psalm 91:9-10 Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place,
10 No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; (NKJ) Dwelling = covering, home, tabernacle, tent.
The Message Yes, because God’s your refuge, the High God your very own home, evil can’t get close to you, harm can’t get through the door.
Don’t let doubt and unbelief make you a prisoner. Dare to believe God’s Word and expand your faith!
