DON’T BE DECEIVED!

 

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

 

DON’T BE DECEIVED!

 

Eph 5:5-8

5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

 

          Mesmerized by vain words, our culture has individually and collectively believed lies, often because the lies correspond to our desires. The packaging of sin is so slick and so alluring that the contents are consumed without much thought. Once consumed, it becomes part of us and no emetic can expel it. It is a poison that requires a serious antidote.

 

          The word “deceive” is found 27 times in our Bible and it is from the Greek apatao which means simply “to cheat; to delude.”  Like Eve looking at the forbidden tree, she momentarily forgot the warning from God and saw only that the fruit was beautiful to behold and that it was desirable to “make one wise.” She was the victim of a slick and slithering sales pitch. Once she bought the product it was too late.

 

          The only real defense is vigilance and caution. The only real action to be taken is to “be not therefore partakers with them.” If you are offered a little bit of sin – even to celebrate something good – refuse it. Then take a hard look at the one offering it. Avoid this and all such people.

 

          The word “sometimes,” in verse 8 does not mean occasionally and intermittently. It is from the Greek pote and it means “afore; or formerly.” As believers, we may have been something vile and dirty but that is not who we are anymore. We have come out of the darkness and are now children of light. We should walk on the Sonny side of the road.

 

Dear Lord, keep me spiritually awake and aware when temptations come. Give me courage and strength to resist. Keep me on the bright side. AMEN