Topic: Hebrews 3:12-13
"See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." (Hebrews 3:12-13)
Have you started to believe the lies of our sinful world?
Sin lies to us saying there is an easier way; we deserve better; it's not going to hurt anyone; it won't matter just this once.
Romans 7:11 says, "For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death."
We shouldn't be surprised by the deceitfulness of sin, because Jesus described Satan as the father of lies. "...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)
The Bible warns us repeatedly not to be deceived:
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. (Ephesians 5:6)
I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. (Colossians 2:4)
Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. (James 1: 16)
Attitudes that glorify self entice us; behaviors that bring instant gratification appeal to us, but they are deceitful. They promise things that they cannot deliver.
True joy, fulfillment, and acceptance can only be found in Christ. Thus we need to be grounded in the truth in order to withstand the lies of Satan.
~ Holy God, help me to be self-controlled and alert because I know the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8) Open my eyes to the lies that Satan tells, so that I will not be deceived.
What is an example of a lie that you have believed? What truth from God's Word do you need to replace it with?