Deception

I. Introduction

Read Genesis 29

(Psalm 101:7) No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence.

That’s a very heavy penalty for something that is usually said without thinking!

Most deceit has its origin in thoughtlessness and carelessness. It can begin as an effort to make yourself look good in front of your friends, your co-workers, or your relatives, but it ends up growing and propagating itself throughout a person’s life. It’s a perpetual thing that prompts people to selfishly put themselves first. It’s a wicked taskmaster that harshly demands that people build themselves up, while dishonestly maintaining itself in front of just the right people. Deceit is prompted and driven by the ego. The ego is a very hungry and ravaging cancer-like emotion that demands, demands, and demands, until it (which is essentially you) has destroyed everything you have in front of everybody.

Most deceit has its origin in thoughtlessness and carelessness. It can begin as an effort to get something that you cannot get through any other way. King David saw Bathsheba, and, knowing that he would not be able to have her any other way, he deceived many people. He deceived his servants, his generals and captains, and even attempted to deceive Bathsheba’s husband, Uriah.

Deceit, in king David’s case, had its start in lusting after something he could not have. In the end, it caused the death of at least two people, and maybe more.

The stories of deceit in the Bible are numerous and not just limited to king David or Jacob. Deceit can be seen in practically every family and person of the Bible, except for one person, Jesus Christ.

The sin that is in man can be traced back to the serpent in the garden. There, it deceived Adam’s wife, Eve. And, with that, the foundation for various sins was established. Sin has spread its roots deep into the very soul of man and takes on varying shapes and sizes, but none are more hurtful and despised than deceit. Yes, most of man’s trouble can be traced back to one moment in time where one person chose to deceive another.

If we were to go back to what Abimelech said on two separate occasions, we can see where the tendency, or inclination, for deceit began in Jacob’s family.

After Abraham lied to Abimelech…

(Gen 20:9) Then Abimelech called Abraham in and said, "What have you done to us?

After Isaac lied to Abimelech…

(Gen 26:10) Then Abimelech said, "What is this you have done to us?

Jacob says to his father-in-law, Laban

(Gen 29:25) “…What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn’t I? Why have you deceived me?”

“What is this you have done to me?” “Why did you do that?” “What were you thinking?” What compelled you to act like that?”

Everything a human being does is done for a reason. Oh, they may question your evaluation of the ulterior motive, or reason they did something, but everything that takes place, takes place for a reason. Ask the question, “Hey, why did you do that?” And, they may tell you, “No reason.” You can ask the same question of any person, whether man, woman, or child, and they may not be able to give you a reason right away or even a direct reason for doing something, but rest assured, there is a reason! There may not appear to be a reason for why God may choose to do something, but, for His people on this earth, there is always a reason for everything!

An excellent passage of scripture to visit once a month or so to give you a check-up from the neck-up is Galatians 5:17-26

Galatians 5:17-26 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. 19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.