Every believer needs to be aware of the deception of evil because it is a strategy the enemy uses effectively against us. The first mention of deception in the Bible is when Adam and Eve fell into sin. Genesis 3:13 Then the Lord God asked the woman, “What have you done?” “The serpent deceived me,” she replied. “That’s why I ate it.” [1]
Deceived means to persuade someone that something that is false is the truth or to keep the truth hidden from someone or for your advantage. [2] Throughout time our enemy works to convince people to follow him with lies and deception. How many people are separated from God in hell today who were deceived into following the lies of satan?
Even believers can be deceived as the enemy tries to lead them away from God’s destiny for them. Jesus tells us that satan has always been a liar. John 8:44Satan was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.[3]
The Early Church Encountered Deception
As the church moved outward from Jerusalem to spread the Gospel, they began to encounter enemies of the good news of Jesus, and one was Simon, the sorcerer. Acts 8:9 A man named Simon had been a sorcerer there for many years, amazing the people of Samaria and claiming to be someone great. 10 Everyone, from the least to the greatest, often spoke of him as “the Great One—the Power of God.” 11 They listened closely to him because, for a long time, he had astounded them with his magic. [4]
Why was Simon so dangerous? He deceived people into thinking he was great, and in doing so, he would lead them astray. Simon used magic from satan to fool people into thinking he was something he was not. Satan is always looking for people to use in his schemes to deceive people. In the end, Simon was the most deceived because he genuinely believed the lies of his master satan. In many ways, Simon was in bondage and blinded by the enemy.
The Lord Calls Us to Pray for Wisdom
The deception of evil is all around us, and the Lord calls us to be vigilant spiritually and pray for wisdom. James 1:5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.[5] Without the wisdom of the Lord, we are easily deceived. The enemy consistently places traps before us, but with insight from the Lord, we can avoid the pitfalls and snares the enemy sets for us. Take time today to pray and ask the Lord for wisdom and discernment so you can fulfill all the Lord has for you.
To learn more about the deception of evil, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/empowered-near
[1, 3-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ge 3:13). Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/deceive