Unmasking Deception

But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11:12-14)

Are you familiar with the phrase "wolf in sheep's clothing”? It’s an excellent description of what the enemy does. Satan doesn't come at us with pitchforks and horns, scaring us into submission. He is subtle and sneaky. The devil comes as an angel of light, pretending to be something good. He'll whisper lies disguised as truth that stroke our ego. He’ll tell you, “It’s okay to sin a little; God understands.”

Don’t listen to the enemy’s lies. Eve got in trouble because she entertained the serpent in discussion, and he deceived her. I’ve never talked to a serpent; the devil often speaks through people today, and they can sound very convincing. How can you keep yourself from being deceived by the devil?

Here are three simple ways to guard against being deceived:

1)   Memorize Scripture. This takes more effort than simply reading the Bible or hearing it during a church service. Memorize the Scripture so that it’s down in your heart where the enemy can’t take it away.

2)   Test the Spirits. Not everything that sounds spiritual is from God. If the person speaking isn’t operating in the fruit of the Spirit, or if they are saying things that don’t line up with God’s Word, don’t listen to them.

3)   Be Connected. You need a community of believers to talk to, to ask questions of, and get wisdom and direction from when deception comes.

Practical Application

Don’t allow yourself to fall for the enemy’s deception. Which of the three points above do you need to work on the most? Pray about it and follow through, doing what it takes to improve your ability to recognize and resist deception.

Genesis 3:1; 2 Corinthians 2:11

The Devil’s Persistent Lies

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (Revelation 12:10)

Have you ever felt like you were combating a voice in your head reminding you of past mistakes and failures? Although it sounds like your voice, that mind-numbing, pain-inducing, depression-giving voice is none other than Satan himself trying to manipulate and dominate your mind. Revelation 12:10 says that the devil accuses believers day and night. It’s a 24/7 game for him. My spiritual father used to say, “The only good thing I can say about the devil is he is very persistent.” He will never stop trying to convince you that you’re unworthy, that you have no authority or power, and that you don't deserve God's love and forgiveness. Satan loves to bring up past failures, shortcomings, and sins.

The good news is that if you accept Christ, your past is gone and done away with. When Satan tries to remind you of your past, remind him of your identity in Christ. You are a new creature. Old things have passed away and all things are new. You are forgiven, redeemed, and dearly loved by God. Your past doesn’t define you–what Jesus died to provide is what defines you.

Satan is not only the accuser; the Bible also calls him the deceiver. He is constantly trying to deceive believers to walk away from the truth. He highlights their feelings and their flesh and tries to get them to cloud what they know God says with what they feel. When you hide God’s Word in your heart and speak it with your mouth, you will not be deceived. God’s Word is truth, so when you know it, you’ll be able to discern the lies of the enemy.

Practical Application

What is the biggest lie the enemy attacks you with? Maybe he says you will never have enough, that you’re not good enough, that you’ll always be this way, or something else. What is that one thing that bothers you the most? Got it? Good. Now, take some time to search God’s Word and find Scriptures that counteract the lies of the enemy. Get them deep in your heart by memorizing them and live free of deception.

Revelation 11:15; 1 Chronicles 29:11

Life Abundantly

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)

John 10:10 is a verse every Christian should memorize. Here, Jesus revealed why He became flesh and dwelt among us. At the same time, He exposed the enemy’s hidden agenda. The enemy’s only purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy. The devil is not a comical character with a red cape and horns. He is a fallen angel who led one third of the angels in rebellion against God. He is not a mere troublemaker: he hates God and God’s people. So, it’s vital to understand how he operates. He uses his minions (demons of various ranks) to entice believers to accept his lies that lead only to sin and death.

The good news is that Jesus has given us authority over all the works of the enemy.

The enemy wants to bring us death, destruction, and chaos, but Jesus gives us a life full of His power and abundance. If believers listen to the Holy Ghost and do what He says, they won’t be the victim of the devil’s schemes to steal, kill, and destroy. We are more than conquerors through Christ, but we must enforce Jesus’ victory through our words of faith.

Just as Jesus overcame every temptation the devil threw at Him in the wilderness, we too can resist the enemy and walk in God’s abundant life.

The devil has no new tricks. Just before He died, Jesus told Peter that Satan wanted to take him out, but Jesus prayed for him. Jesus is interceding on your behalf in heaven right now. The thief may come to steal, kill, and destroy, but when you stand against him in the name of Jesus, he will flee! You will not be destroyed if you don’t give up. You are more than a conqueror in Christ. Walk and talk like it is so.

Practical Application

Never attribute sickness, death, or pain to God. Jesus came to give us abundant life, not trouble, pain, and death.

Job 2:2; Luke 22:31