Tag: self=deception

II Peter 2:19 ” They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity – for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.”

The selfish human nature is always striving for the liberty of self-determination.  “I want to do what I want, when I want to”, is our mindset.  But with that enticement comes deception and seduction as we wander farther and farther off the right path.  And sooner or later, we find ourselves in the middle of perversion, and wonder just how we got ourselves into such a mess.  In the search for freedom, we have instead become a piece of property…owned and controlled by depravity and lies.

I Timothy 4:1 “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”

Whether you agree we’re in the end times or not, this verse points out the subtle and indirect way we can be lead astray.  We don’t have to rebel outright…turning our backs on the Gospel,  to be caught up in deception.  In fact, in casual listening, what we hear may not sound wrong at all.  For twisted and corrupted “religious beliefs” are all around us…with new and even more Holy Spirit grieving ones popping up everyday.  As a Believer, you need to carefully discern what you hear…does it line up with the Bible, not just a little, but totally?

Luke 18:14 “…For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

This comes from the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector that Jesus taught to a group of self-righteous, haughty people.  It says in verse 10 that both men went up to the Temple to pray.  The Pharisee pushed his way up to the front of the crowd in order to be seen and heard by everyone, and once there, proceeded to pray loudly and arrogantly…basically telling God how lucky He was to have him.  On the other hand,  the Tax Collector stood way back in the courtyard, daring not to even look up to heaven, but rather beating his breast and whispering, “God have mercy on me.”  In Jeremiah 31:19 it says, “After I strayed, I repented; after I came to understanding, I beat my breast.  I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth.”  The road from self-deception  to self-awareness requires acknowledgement…admitting I’m just as sinful as those around me and not one bit more righteous.