“Deception” Devour or be devoured…

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world." 1 Peter 5:8-9

"Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall." 1 Cor 10:12

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 1 Cor 16:13

Satan is out to kill, steal, and destroy (Jn 10:10). He is a liar and the father of all liars (Jn 8:44). The Apostle Peter makes it clear that our adversary can potentially devour those who are not resisting him “steadfast in the faith” . What is our defense against the subtle attacks of Satan? First, it may be good to establish what exactly is “the faith” which Peter was speaking of. For faith is the means in which we resist the enemy of our soul. Also, we must acknowledge that the attacks we endure as believers are not so different from those our brotherhood are enduring throughout the world. In the history of the Church and throughout the world today many Christians are being maligned, slandered, abused, and in some locations on earth they are physically assaulted as well.

So what is "the faith"?

"Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints." Jude 3

The faith has already been delivered to the saints. We have this faith --belief and trust-- in the Word of God which we also call Holy Scripture. Within these words and work of the Holy Spirit known as the Helper, we can find “the faith” needed not only for our initial and necessary Salvation but also all that is needed for this life and the godliness our Lord calls us to.

"Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." 2Pet 1:2-4

It is through the knowledge of Him that we have “the faith” which overcomes the world, the flesh, and the Devil. If we fail to be as the Berian’s and ignore prayerful thorough study of God’s Word we are making ourselves vulnerable for attacks from those spoken of in this very important passage of Scripture recording the very words of the Son of God:

And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. “For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. (Mt 24:4-5)

This Scripture needs to be understood in its broader context to realize its extent. This is not just speaking of individuals who claim they are “the Christ”. It is also referring to those who are of "another Jesus" or "another gospel". Look here as Paul reveal this:

"But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!" 2 Cor 11:3-4

"I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ." Gal 1:6-7

This is what was spoken of in the first Scripture reference of this post. Satan is using false teachings and false practices to deceive the minds of the naïve. The naïve are those who would come to trust a man’s words as they pervert the use of God’s words. Yes, these false teachers/apostles do speak the Scriptures. No less than Satan did when he attempted to tempt our Lord but failed to suduce Him. Of course, as Satan does, they will appeal to your mind for attention by use of Scripture to bring you into their bondage. And if you don’t know God’s Word very well for yourself you may fall for their trap which contains the bait of one who comes in the appearance of a minister of righteousness.

"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works." 2Cor 11:13-15

They will sound like they are making an appeal to Christians to know righteousness by works --or your behavior in their eyes-- rather than through faith which is by Grace alone. Denying the power of God’s ability through Christ Jesus to cleanse and keep a soul from sin, they will set up a structure legalistic bondage using scripture and claiming to have the righteousness of God but possessing only filthy rags worth disposal in God‘s sight. Most of the time these false teachers/apostles will work to draw away Christians rather than the lost by subtle lies in hypocrisy because with Christians Satan can attack God --whom he is jealous of and hates-- directly. These agents of the Devil will point the finger at other believers for they follow the nature of Satan who is “the accuser of the brethren” . Yet they live lives of pride, arrogance, and a very unholy self-righteousness. You will know them by their fruit. But if you do know God’s Word enough and if you do not continue in these words of our faith then you may fall from your own steadfastness for their lies which they offer for your idleness in knowing Scripture. You must know God's Words which reveals His Power of Grace enough to protect you from their error.

"Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you." 1Tim 4:16

"And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." 2Pet 1:19-21

If you find that you are one who needs to be spoon fed, be careful, for your adversary the Devil has many agents out there willing to feed you “right sounding” poison which has no rightness or soundness to it at all. Don’t be lazy, for your soul is at stake and so are those who may be influenced by your example of following another gospel or another Jesus without your realizing it.

Devour God’s Word for yourself before Satan finds a way to devour you!