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Author
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Topic: Deceit
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Michael Harrison
Advanced Member
Member # 6801
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posted
![[Bible]](graemlins/bible.gif) Heb 4:13 "Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened [revealed] unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do." Neither is there any place to hide. So all we need to do (to repent), is to thank Him and to glide!
Posts: 3273 | From: Charlotte N.C. | Registered: Sep 2007
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Carol Swenson
Admin
Member # 6929
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posted
Luke 8:16 - 17 (NLT)
No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house. For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all.
Posts: 6787 | From: Colorado | Registered: Dec 2007
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Carol Swenson
Admin
Member # 6929
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posted
DECEIT (Dishonesty, Lying, Tricking)
THE DECEIVER
Who does the Bible call the deceiver?
BIBLE READING: Revelation 12:1-9
KEY BIBLE VERSE: This great Dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down onto the earth with all his army. (Revelation 12:9, TLB)
The Bible describes Satan as the deceiver. The devil is not a symbol or legend; he is very real. Originally Satan was an angel of God, but through his pride, he became corrupt. The devil is God’s enemy and he constantly tries to hinder God’s work, but he is limited by God’s power and can do only what he is permitted to do (Job 1:6-2:8). The name Satan means “adversary” or “accuser” (12:10). He actively looks for people to attack (1 Peter 5:8-9). Satan likes to seek out believers who are vulnerable in their faith, who are spiritually weak, or who are isolated from other believers.
Even though God permits the devil to do his work in this world, God is still in control. Jesus has complete power over Satan—he defeated Satan when he died and rose again for the sins of mankind. One day Satan will be bound forever, never again to do his evil work (see 20:10).
BIBLE READING: John 8:42-47
KEY BIBLE VERSE: You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (John 8:44, NIV)
Jesus called Satan the father of lies. The attitudes and actions of these leaders clearly identified them as followers of Satan. They may not have been conscious of this, but their hatred of truth, their lies, and their murderous intentions indicated how much control the devil had over them. They were his tools in carrying out his plans; they spoke the very same language of lies. Satan still uses people to obstruct God’s work (Genesis 4:8; Romans 5:12; 1 John 3:12).
DECEPTIONS
What happens when we deceive others?
BIBLE READING: Luke 8:16-18
KEY BIBLE VERSE: This illustrates the fact that someday everything [in men’s hearts] shall be brought to light and made plain to all. (Luke 8:17, TLB)
We cannot hide our sins from God. In God’s eyes, people’s hearts—their thoughts and motives—are as visible as a lamp mounted in the open. No matter how hard we try to cover up bad attitudes, deeds, or words, we cannot deceive God. Instead of hiding our faults, we should ask God to change our life so we no longer have to be ashamed. If you are trying to hide anything from God, it won’t work. Only when you confess your hidden sins and seek God’s forgiveness will you have the help you need to do right.
BIBLE READING: Exodus 20:1-21
KEY BIBLE VERSE: You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. (Exodus 20:16, NIV)
Deception weakens the foundations of our life. Giving false testimony means lying in court. God knew that Israel could not survive unless its system of justice was incorruptible. We should be honest in our private dealings as well as in our public statements. In either situation, we “give false testimony” by leaving something out of a story, telling a half-truth, twisting the facts, or inventing a falsehood. God warns us against deception. Even though deception is a way of life for many people, God’s people must not give in to it!
BIBLE READING: Judges 16:1-30
KEY BIBLE VERSE: “How can you say you love me when you don’t confide in me?” she whined. “You’ve made fun of me three times now, and you still haven’t told me what makes you so strong!” (Judges 16:15, TLB)
The ugliness and danger of deceit are easier to see in others than in ourselves. Delilah was a deceitful woman with honey on her lips and poison in her heart. Cold and calculating, she toyed with Samson, pretending to love him while looking for personal gain. How could Samson be so foolish? Four times Delilah took advantage of him. If he didn’t realize what was happening after the first or second experience, surely he should have understood the situation by the fourth time! We think Samson was foolish; but how many times do we allow ourselves to be deceived by flattery and give in to temptation and wrong beliefs? Avoid falling prey to deceit by asking God to help you distinguish between deception and truth.
BIBLE READING: Joshua 7:1-26
KEY BIBLE VERSE: But the Lord said to Joshua, “Get up off your face! Israel has sinned and disobeyed my commandment and has taken loot when I said it was not to be taken; and they have not only taken it, they have lied about it and have hidden it among their belongings.” (Joshua 7:10-11, TLB)
One person’s deception can cause many to suffer. Why did Achan’s sin bring judgment on the entire nation? Although it was one man’s failure, God saw it as national disobedience to a national law. God needed the entire nation to be committed to the job it had agreed to do—conquer the land. Thus, when one person failed, everyone failed. If Achan’s sin went unpunished, unlimited looting could break out. The nation as a whole had to take responsibility for preventing this undisciplined disobedience.
Achan’s sin was not merely his keeping some of the plunder (God allowed it in some cases), but his disobeying God’s explicit command to destroy everything connected with Jericho. His sin was indifference to the evil and idolatry of the city, not just a desire for money and clothes. God would not protect Israel’s army again until the sin was removed and the army returned to obeying him without reservation. God is not content with our doing what is right some of the time. He wants us to do what is right all the time. We are under his orders to eliminate any thoughts, practices, or possessions that hinder our devotion to him.
(The Handbook of Bible Application)
Posts: 6787 | From: Colorado | Registered: Dec 2007
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