Don't Be Deceived

Don't Be Deceived

Joshua 9

There is a theme in this story that applies to every human life: Deception

Ephesians 6:12 says, “we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places”

In order to understand how we can be deceived by the Evil one we need to take a note from Joshua and learn from his experience.

1. Be aware of Evil’s schemes

Although the Devil can’t steal your soul, or take your eternal life, he can ruin your God story so you have a more difficult time showing and sharing Jesus with others, which could mean someone else’s eternal salvation even if it’s not yours.

Here are some Scriptures that share how Satan works and in what areas of your life you should be aware of temptation.

Be aware of temptation in marriage:

1 Corinthians 7:5 - Do not deprive each other of intimacy, unless you both agree to refrain for a limited time so you can give yourselves more completely to prayer. Afterward, you should come together again so that Satan won’t be able to tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

Be aware of temptation in our conflicts: (why we shouldn’t hold grudges)

2 Corinthians 2:10-11 - And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ’s authority for your benefit, 11 so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.

Be aware of temptation in the Church:

2 Corinthians 11:4; 13-15 - You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed. These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness.

Be aware of temptation when we’re angry:

Ephesians 4:27 - for anger gives a foothold to the devil

Be aware of why Elders and Deacons must be Spiritually mature:

1 Timothy 3:6-9 - An elder must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall.[d] 7 Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap. In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money. 9 They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience.

Be aware of temptation from false teachers:

1 Timothy 4:1-5; 12-13 - Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 2 These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead.[a] They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. 4 Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. 5 For we know it is made acceptable[b]by the word of God and prayer. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 13 Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.

Be aware of the temptation to shut up about your relationship with Jesus:

2 Corinthians 4:4 - Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

Satan deceives us through our thoughts:

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

Matthew 5:28 - But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Satan deceives us through our relationships –

With God – Genesis 3:1-6 The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the LORD God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”“Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. 3 “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’” “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. 5 “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” And The woman was convinced.