Why ‘Be Not Deceived’
The purpose of this work is to empower people to obey Jesus’ command to “See to it that no one deceives you.”
There are two methods by which deception comes …
- self-deception
- deception by others
Self-Deception
Deception Due to a Lack of Knowledge of Scripture, or the Power of God
Jesus told us why / how self-deception comes …
28 In the resurrection, then, whose wife will she be of the seven? For all of them were married to her.
29 Jesus answered, “You are mistaken because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God”
- The BLB and KJV use the word “err” instead of “mistaken”.
He clearly says that only those who KNOW the Scriptures or the POWER OF GOD will be able to discern between Truth and deception.
Jesus was speaking to the Saducees, a Jewish sect or denomination. One of the key beliefs of this sect was to deny the resurrection of the dead.
We need to ask ourselves …
- Does my denomination’s “Statement of Faith” line up with the written Word of God?
- Do the leaders preach anything contrary to the written Word of God?
- Do the leaders practice, or allow others to practice, anything which is contrary to the written Word of God?
Other Ways We Can Deceive Ourselves
Keeping Bad Company, and Not Knowing God
33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
34 Sober up as you ought, and stop sinning; for some of you are ignorant of God. I say this to your shame.
The Greek word for “corrupts” is phtheiró and means …
properly, to waste away, corrupt (deteriorate); (figuratively) to cause or experience moral deterioration – i.e. decomposition (break-down), due to the corrupting influence of sin. Source
This root (pht-) literally means “waste away” (degenerate), “moving down from a higher level (quality, status) to a lower form”.
The Greek word for “sober up”, eknéphó, is only used in this Scripture and means …
properly, delivered out of drunkenness and to sobriety (seriousness), i.e. with the awareness outcome of being responsibly aware;
(figuratively) aroused (awakened) out of the stupor of spiritual delusion (apathy); “to come to one’s senses”;
sober-minded because “snapped out of” the intoxicating influence of sin (darkness) and brought into keen alertness of spiritual truth (conviction, faith, etc.). Source.
The Greek word for “ignorance” is agnósia and specifically means Source
ignorance; specifically: willful ignorance
Reaping What We Sow
Scripture reveals that we will reap the consequences of whatever activity we engage in.
7 Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.
8 The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Deception by Others
Deception by False Christs and False Prophets
Being Not Deceived is so important, that Jesus repeated it three times just in Matthew 24 alone.
His command is for us to “see to it that no one deceives” us. This means it is our responsibility to ensure we are not deceived by anyone.
3 While Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?”
4 Jesus answered, “See to it that no one deceives you.
5 For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.
10 At that time many will fall away and will betray and hate one another,
11 and many false prophets will arise and mislead many.
23 At that time, if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There He is!’ do not believe it.
24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible.
25 See, I have told you in advance.
Notice Jesus is saying that the deception will be so great that if it were possible even the elect would be deceived.
How is it possible to deceive even the elect?
Answer: Because we do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.
29 Jesus answered, “You are mistaken because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.
How to ‘Not Be Deceived’
Take personal responsibility
:::{.callout-scripture} # Colossians 2:8
8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.
This Scripture makes it clear we are to ensure we are not deceived, or taken captive by …
- philosophy
- empty deception
both of which are based on …
- human tradition
- spiritual forces of the world