October 21 | Overcoming Deception

Series | The Overcoming Life

Scripture | 2 Corinthians 11:3, “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”

Lesson 21 | Deceived, “I Believe Something Else Now”

Do you think people who are deceived know that they are deceived?  Mostly likely they don’t see they are deceived because of the fact they are deceived.  Do most Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, Scientologists, and Muslims act like they are deceived?  No.  Why not?  Because they believe they are right and those who don’t believe what they believe are the ones who are really deceived.

Consequently, how can anyone really know if what they believe is actually true or false?  The only way someone can truly discover whether or not they are deceived is by examining the truth with an open mind.  Therefore, if the world is truly round than all open-minded people searching for truth should come to that conclusion.  If someone examines the evidence for the shape of the earth and still believes the earth is flat, the problem is not with the truth, but with the person. 

Maybe they have been taught by their parents to believe the earth is flat.  Thus, they may refuse to change their belief because they feel it will dishonor their family heritage.  Or they may think scientists are not trustworthy because of a past negative experience they had with one.  So they would rather trust their own eyes and feet and say, “As far as I can see and feel the earth is flat.”

Whatever the reason may be, the truth still remains that the earth is flat.  Now consider the Bible and the Christian faith.  I believe that it is as true as the fact the “earth is flat.”  I do not believe this because my parents taught this to me or because pastors are great people.  I believe it because it is true.

Therefore, I believe if someone rejects the clear and plain teachings of the Bible it is because they are refusing to see the truth.  Often times people will leave the church and stop believing in Jesus because of what a person in the church did or because their family and friends believe something else.  Even still, they might have watched something on the Internet that seems to disprove the Bible.

However, they haven’t really disproved anything, they simply have let their minds be deceived by the Devil’s “cunning work.”  As a result, if you ever find yourself being led astray from the “sincere and pure devotion to Christ” you once had please consider examining the truth again with an open mind.

I believe if you do you will not only see and understand the truth of the Bible but you’ll spiritual and inwardly experience the great power of God.  When it comes to “religions” there are many to choose from, but only way- Christianity offers you salvation through the death, burial, and resurrection by the Son of God.  In other words, because of what Jesus did you can have a meaningful and personal relationship with God the Father. 

So before you walk away from Jesus, seriously consider what He said and did according to the Bible.  And if you’re doubting the validity of the Bible test it according to modern history and its prophetic claims.  Because I know you will discover once again that Jesus is truly the Way, the Truth, and the Life… and no one can come to the Father but by Him, John 14:6.

Do you struggle with believing in Jesus and discerning truth from error?  Then pray this out loud, “Jesus, please forgive me for allowing my doubts to cover your truth.  I come to you with an open heart and mind.  Please reveal yourself to me through the Holy Bible. Amen.”  

Reflection | Are you battling religious deception?

Action | (1) Repent if you have allowed Satan to trick you, like he did Eve, with His cunning lies. (2) Read and study the Bible with a trusted leader to help answer your questions.  (3) Lastly, ask God to fill you with His love and power by the Holy Spirit.  One moment with God can last a lifetime!

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Jeremiah 37:1-38:28, 1 Timothy 6:1-21, Psalm 89:38-52, & Proverbs 25:28. Click here to read online.