DEFENCE AGAINST DECEPTION

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: – 2 Timothy 3:16

DECEPTION is the most pervading weapon of the devil. It was the first weapon he used against humanity (Genesis 3:1-4). 1Timothy 2:14 confirms that: “the woman being deceived was in transgression.” DECEPTION is a chief satanic weapon against individuals, groups and even nations. Deception is principal among the signs of the end-times prophesied by the Lord Jesus Christ: “And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For MANY shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive MANY” (Matthew 24:4-5). Note the seriousness of this prophesy: MANY deceivers…MANY deceived! But, the Lord enjoins us as individuals: “take heed that no man deceive you…” In the 24th verse, the Lord refers to the emergence of false messiahs and false prophets who “shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”

What is deception? What does it mean to deceive? To deceive is to make others believe falsehood as truth and accept wrong as right. Satan is the master deceiver. His chief strategy is to plant seed of deception in human hearts; and use those he had deceived to deceive others. Satan’s apples always look nice, but they are full of worms!

The apostle Paul consistently expatiated on the theme of deception. He refers to the latter times when “some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to SEDUCING SPIRITS, and DOCTRINES of DEVILS; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron” (1Timothy 4:1-2). Satan uses his devils or demons to pervert God’s ways (Acts 13:10); seduce people (1Timothy 5:15; 1John 2:26); and blind the minds of unbelievers (2Corinthians 4:4).

Later, Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:13, “But evil men and seducers shall was worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” John the beloved also wrote: “For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist” (2 John 1:7).

Deception starts in the heart as a seed (Proverbs 12:20; Acts 5:3), and germinates, bringing forth various kinds of evil fruits (Mark 7: 22). Gradually, it becomes a strong urge controlling the victim. The victim tries to convince himself that he is just doing fine. It gradually saps his spiritual vitality as he – like Samson - sinks into self-delusion.

2 Timothy 3:16 reveals that our chief defence against deception is: to know God’s Word, for “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” We are told to “believe not every spirit”, but it is on the basis of all Scripture – the Word – that we can “try the spirits whether they are of God” (1 John 4:1).

REPROOF makes known what is wrong. CORRECTION sets right what is wrong; while INSTRUCTION makes known what is right. The Word of God not only makes us aware of errors or wrongs; it also teaches, prompts and empowers us to do what is proper and right. Only then can we walk uprightly before God and others and be “thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2Timothy 3:17).