Living On Purpose In Christ | Boundaries, Devotions, Positive Affirmations, Bible Study, Christian, Faith, Scripture

60 | Guarding Your Faith: What Every Christian Should Know About Deception In Today's World

• Paula Behrens | Christian Coach, Pastor, Certified Aroma Freedom Practitioner • Season 2

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Feeling bombarded by conflicting spiritual messages? Wondering how to separate truth from subtle deception? Your spiritual discernment has never been more vital than in today's complex world.

Satan's tactics haven't changed since Eden – questioning God's words, contradicting truth, appealing to desires, and misrepresenting God's character. What has changed is how these deceptions appear, often wrapped in language that sounds enlightened, progressive, or even spiritually enriching.

My personal wake-up call came when a friend shared her experience from what seemed like a Christian-aligned spiritual seminar. As we unpacked the teachings, those subtle discrepancies with Scripture became alarmingly clear. This experience reinforced what Scripture has always taught: deception thrives wherever vigilance wanes.

This episode dives deep into biblical understanding of deception, exploring its origins and manifestations while providing practical strategies for protection. We'll examine Satan's encounter with Eve as a case study in manipulative tactics that continue today, and unpack the powerful protection found in each piece of the armor of God described in Ephesians 6.

You'll discover how consistent engagement with Scripture, cultivating spiritual discernment, walking in the Spirit, practicing integrity, and maintaining accountability create multiple layers of defense against deceptive influences. As Jesus promised, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Ready to strengthen your spiritual discernment? Download your free Bible study resources at faithbuildingclub.com and join our growing community of believers committed to standing firm in God's truth. Share this episode with someone who might be struggling to navigate today's spiritual landscape – because in a world full of deception, we need each other more than ever.

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Paula Behrens:

Are you prepared to defend your beliefs against the constant challenges of modern society? Do you know how to identify the subtle deceptions that can shake your faith? Ready to uncover the truth and strengthen your spiritual armor? Join us in this episode as we explore, Guarding your Faith: What Every Christian Should Know About Deception in Today's World. Are you feeling a bit swamped with your weekly Bible study prep, wondering how to make your lessons both engaging and impactful, searching for fresh insights to inspire and spiritually nourish your group? Well, you are in the right place, our Sound Wisdom Bible study lessons are here to make your preparation easier, revive your teaching and profoundly enrich your group's faith journey.

Paula Behrens:

Before we get started, I'd like to give a shout out to Kloee O4. She writes, "Excellent, t here is so much to be learned by the consistency alone, but especially consistency in your alone time with God. Paula is such a blessing to those who are hoping to deepen their spiritual walk with the Lord and create a consistent habit of time with the Lord." Thank you so much, Kloee. I appreciate your words of wisdom. Your review means the world to me. If you'd like to leave a review, we'd truly appreciate it. On Apple Podcasts, simply scroll down to the five-star rating section and click on leave a review. If you're using a PC, open the iTunes app and you'll find the link near the top. Share your thoughts with us today and your review could be showcased on one of our upcoming episodes. What a joy it is for me to hear from our listeners.

Paula Behrens:

Let's embark on this adventure together, but first let me tell you about my Faith Building Club. You'll find over eight months of printable resources crafted just for Christians. These include everything from prayer and devotional journals to detailed Bible study lessons and reading plans, all designed to deepen your connection with the Word and bring fresh perspectives on your weekly studies. You can find these valuable resources at faithbuildingclub. com (no spaces). Hi. I'm Paula, a follower of Jesus, a grandma of six and a retired pastor with a heart for empowering believers. Ready to get started? Grab your Bible, your printable resources and prepare your heart for insights from God.

Paula Behrens:

Let me begin with a personal story that reinforced my commitment to protecting my faith from deception. A few years ago, a close friend shared her experience from a seminar that was advertised as a path to spiritual enlightenment. Initially, the seminar appeared to align perfectly with Christian values, which piqued my interest. However, as we delved deeper into what she learned and the teachings she recalled, I began to notice subtle discrepancies that did not resonate with biblical teachings. This experience served as a stark reminder of how deception can subtly infiltrate our lives, often cloaked in appealing language and the allure of new revelations. It taught me the critical importance of remaining anchored in Scripture and seeking God's truth diligently through prayer and discernment. By consistently engaging with God's Word, we can equip ourselves with Holy Spirit wisdom and the courage necessary to navigate and resist deceptive influences in an increasingly complex world of spiritual distractions and misleading teachings.

Paula Behrens:

Exploring Deception Through a Biblical Lens, that's our Bible study today. It's about understanding its origins and finding solutions. As followers of God's Word, we are called to discern truth from deceit, to walk in the light of his wisdom and to guard our hearts against the snares of falsehood. In this lesson, we will learn what deception is, how it manifests and the path to overcome it. Deception strikes at the core of our faith and integrity. It corrupts relationships, distorts reality and veils the path to righteousness. The Bible warns us in Proverbs, chapter 12, verse 22, saying, "The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy." Deception undermines trust, both in our relationships with others and in our relationship with God. It impedes spiritual growth and it leads us away from the truth that liberates us.

Paula Behrens:

Deception is the act of misleading or causing someone to believe something that is not true. It encompasses a spectrum of forms, from outright lies to subtle manipulation, leaving out information and half-truths. The Apostle Paul admonishes us in Ephesians, chapter 4, verse 25, saying, "Therefore, each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body." Deception operates in darkness, but as children of light, we are called to walk in truth and integrity. Deception often preys on our vulnerabilities and desires. It tempts us with a promise of gain, power or pleasure, while also concealing the consequences of our actions. The book of James cautions us saying, "but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and sin when it is full grown, gives birth to death." That's James, chapter 1, verses 14 through 15. Deception capitalizes on our weaknesses, blurring the lines between right and wrong and leading us astray.

Paula Behrens:

Satan, identified by Jesus as the father of lies, has been orchestrating deception since the dawn of creation. His cunning and craftiness were first unveiled in the Garden of Eden, when he assumed the form of a serpent and deceived Eve with subtle words, distorting God's commandment and leading humanity into sin. From that moment onward, Satan has continued his relentless campaign of deception, seeking to ensnare humanity in his web of lies. Let's take a closer look at Satan's deceptive encounter with Eve in the garden. In Genesis, chapter 3, verses 1 through 6, we witness Satan's cunning deception as he engages Eve in the Garden of Eden. We hear, "Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman. Did God really say you must not eat from any tree in the garden? The woman said to the serpent, we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say you must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden and you must not touch it or you will die. You will not certainly die, the serpent said to the women. For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." Let's break down Satan's deception.

Paula Behrens:

Satan begins by subtly questioning God's commandment to Eve, casting doubt on its validity and implying that God might be withholding something from her. B y asking, "did God really say?," he plants the seed of doubt in Eve's mind regarding the truth of God's instruction. After Eve confirms God's commandment, Satan directly contradicts it by declaring you will not certainly die. Here he distorts the truth, presenting a blatant lie in opposition to God's clear directive. Satan then appeals to Eve's desires by suggesting that by disobeying God and eating the forbidden fruit, she will gain knowledge and become like God. This appeal to pride entices Eve to consider the possibility of disobeying God's commandment. Finally, Satan implies that God is withholding something good from Eve, suggesting that God is not trustworthy or benevolent. This misrepresentation of God's character further undermines Eve's trust in God and leads her to doubt his intentions.

Paula Behrens:

Download your resource now to explore four key tactics that Satan uses to try to deceive the followers of Christ.

Paula Behrens:

Let's talk about a few other things, like overcoming deception. I mean this is an ongoing threat to walking with God in truth, but we know that nothing is impossible to overcome or too hard for our God to deliver us from. So here are a few things we need to put into practice. First, we need to really be consistent on reading, meditating and embracing God's Word daily. The Bible stands as the bedrock of truth and wisdom, illuminating the path to righteousness and guarding against the subtle deceptions of the enemy. Psalm, chapter 119, verse 105, affirms this truth, saying "your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path." By immersing ourselves in scripture, we gain clarity and insight into God's will, enabling us to discern truth from falsehood in all situations.

Paula Behrens:

Then think about cultivating discernment daily. This is very important as well. Discernment is a spiritual gift and discipline essential for navigating the treacherous waters of deception. Proverbs, chapter 2, verses 3 through 6, extols the value of seeking wisdom and understanding, saying, "Indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it, as for silver, and search for it, as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God." Through fervent prayer and a sincere desire for discernment, believers can sharpen their spiritual senses and recognize the subtle nuances of deception. And then always, of course, walk in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit, our helper and comforter, empowers believers to navigate deception with wisdom and discernment. John, chapter 16, verse 13, assures us of the spiritual role in leading us into this truth, it says, "but when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own, he will speak only what he hears and he will tell you what is yet to come." By surrendering to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and cultivating a sensitive ear to his promptings, believers can navigate the webs of deception and remain firmly rooted in God's truth.

Paula Behrens:

We should also practice integrity. Integrity serves as a bulwark against the erosion of truth and righteousness in a world fraught with deception. Proverbs, chapter 11, verse 3, underscores the importance of integrity in our conduct, saying, "the integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity." By upholding honesty, transparency and moral uprightness in all aspects of life, believers reflect the character of Christ and demonstrate their commitment to walking blamelessly before God and others. And of course, we should always seek accountability. Accountability within the community of believers serves as a safeguard against deception and spiritual drift. Proverbs, chapter 27, verse 17, emphasizes the importance of mutual edification and correction, saying, "as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." By surrounding ourselves with trustworthy companions who are committed to truth and righteousness, we invite accountability into our lives, ensuring that we remain grounded in God's Word and accountable to one another.

Paula Behrens:

Overcoming deception requires a multifaceted approach, rooted in the truth of God's Word and empowered by His Holy Spirit. As we journey through life, let us remain vigilant against the schemes of deception that seek to entangle us. Let us heed the words of Jesus in John, chapter 8, verse 31 through 32, where Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Paula Behrens:

Next, let's talk about the armor of God found in Ephesians 6, and how effective this is in overcoming deception. First, the belt of truth represents a commitment to God's truth as revealed in scripture. By embracing and standing on the truth of God's Word, believers are equipped to discern between truth and deception. When faced with lies or deceitful ideologies, the truth acts as a foundational anchor, keeping believers grounded in reality and guarding against the subtle distortions of the enemy.

Paula Behrens:

Second, the breastplate of righteousness guards the believer's heart and emotions. Living a life of righteousness and obedience to God's commands helps cultivate spiritual discernment. When believers prioritize righteousness, they develop an inner sense of integrity and moral clarity that enables them to recognize and reject deceptive influences that seek to lead them astray.

Paula Behrens:

Third, the shield of faith serves as a defensive barrier against the attacks of the enemy. By placing their trust in God's promises and character, believers shield themselves from doubts, fears and falsehoods propagated by the enemy. Faith acts as a shield that deflects the fiery darts of deception, enabling believers to remain steadfast in their convictions and resistant to the schemes of the enemy.

Paula Behrens:

Fourth, the helmet of salvation protects the believer's mind and thoughts. By anchoring their identity in Christ and the assurance of salvation, believers fortify themselves against doubts and deceptive ideologies that seek to undermine their faith. The helmet of salvation provides clarity of mind and assurance of God's truth, enabling believers to discern between the lies of the enemy and the truth of God's Word.

Paula Behrens:

Fifth, the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, is both an offensive and defensive weapon against deception. By wielding the word of God, believers can counteract falsehoods and expose the lies of the enemy. When faced with deceptive teachings or ideologies, believers can use the word of God to discern truth, refute error and proclaim the gospel with boldness and clarity.

Paula Behrens:

And finally, the shoes of the gospel of peace equip believers to stand firm in their faith and share the message of salvation with others. By embodying the gospel and living lives of integrity and peace, believers become beacons of truth in a world shrouded in deception. The shoes of the gospel enable believers to walk confidently in their identity as ambassadors of Christ, spreading the truth and light of the gospel wherever they go.

Paula Behrens:

Okay, so I've included a few discussion questions for those using this study in a group setting. Plus, there's a journaling section filled with deeper reflection questions for individual use. You can download your resource now at faithbuildingclub. com. So grab your pen and paper or stylus and embark on your personal journey of discovery with God. I hope today's discussion brought you inspiration and insight. If you found it valuable, could you spare just 30 seconds to share my Faith Building Club with another study group who might benefit from these resources? That's faith building club . com, (no spaces). Your support means so much and it will help us spread God's Word. Also, if you have a moment, follow the show and leave us a review. It truly warms my heart to know our sessions are making a difference. See you on the next episode of Sound Wisdom. Until then, keep your Bibles open and your coffee mugs ready, adding a little fuel makes our scripture journey even more delightful.