The problem of Deception and the Christian Life

From the heart of Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D. Scripture is peppered with talk of the damaging and dangerous effects of being deceived. In the letter to the Ephesian believers, Paul details the amazing ability that we have to be “carried about by every wind of doctrine.” He goes on to describe the disaster that results when we’re deceived. What is being deceived, exactly? And how do we get away with it? How can we manage to believe lies for the truth without catching ourselves in the act? And what can we do about it? These are questions of profound importance for any believer interested in addressing major hindrances and barriers to growth and maturity in the way of Jesus. Deception interferes with us growing in the faith, and in an ever-increasing knowledge of our Lord. Paul said it best with these words: “Until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of people, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is, Christ” (Ephesians 4:13-15). In a world full of false teaching and preaching, it is crucial that we ground ourselves in the truth of God’s Word. Paul wants every believer to grow spiritually! This includes increasing in the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) and our love for both God and others. The end goal is “a mature man.” Paul often wrote of the importance of maturity for believers (1 Corinthians 14:20; Philippians 3:15; Colossians 1:28; 4:12). Knowing the Word of God is about allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate the truth in our hearts and minds, guiding our decisions and interactions. It’s about discernment, which is the ability to make wise decisions and distinguish between right and wrong, truth and error, and good and evil. Discernment is not some passive attribute. It’s an active pursuit. It involves constantly seeking the wisdom of God, praying for understanding, and immersing ourselves in the Bible. As we do this, we develop a sensitivity to God’s voice and a resistance to the world’s deceptions. Be encouraged!