8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.
(1John 1:8-10)
We're getting closer to the end of October. This is the time when unbelievers flock out to get masks and decorations celebrating death and the wickedness and darkness of the Evil One. But let's take another look at what's going on within our own lives and communities every day. Today I want to expose one of the most useful tactics of the enemy that we all need to be aware of.
SELF DECEPTION
The devil uses self deception is ways that we may not even recognize until it's too late. Here are some examples:
Addictions: You fool yourself, or allow the devil to fool you, into thinking "It could never happen to me. I have a strong mind, I can't be overcome by drugs, sex, or alcohol." In a short time you find yourself occasionally using these "tactics" to satisfy or comfort you temporarily instead of praying for strength!. The next thing you know, you're doing it more often...until you're hiding it from everyone. 1 Peter 2:11 reminds us to avoid pleasures of the flesh: "Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul."
And Proverbs 20:1 says "Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise."
Don't allow yourself to become a victim. Stop destruction in its tracks!! Fall down on your knees and allow God to transform your mind.
False Praise: This is when you're in church, but your mind is somewhere else. The enemy has distracted you with thoughts about the ball game, dinner, or what happened last night. You want the preacher to think you're really worshipping, so you just go with the flow...doing what's expected and fitting in with the congregation. Do you not realize that you can't pretend to have the Spirit of God in your life? What will you do when the enemy attacks you? He's not "pretending" to attack, so you can't pretend to praise Almighty God!! Your praise is your power and you must repent and take God seriously. His word says in John 4:24 that God is a Spirit, and His worshippers must worship Him in Spirit and in truth! The key word here....TRUTH!! You can't fool God. He knows your heart and He will deal with you according to the result of your deeds. Jeremiah 17:9-10 says:
Self Sufficiency: This trick of the devil is very common. This is how he uses it. There may be a small problem that comes up in your life- slight illness, family argument, short paycheck, or the neighbor aggravating you. Instead of taking all the small issues to God, you try to handle them yourself. Before you know it, things have blown out of control...and you are surprised. Really? Do you know that God cares about every little detail of your life. Even the little stuff! Yes, it's in the word: "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken." (Psalms 55:22)
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings." (1 Peter 5:7-9)
Hidden Sin: This covers all those secret things you do that no one else ever sees.
Scripture tells us "God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (1 Sam. 16:7). No sin--not even a whispered curse or an evil thought--is hidden from the view of God. In fact, if we realized that God himself is the only audience for such secret sins, we might be less inclined to write them off so lightly.
The Bible tells us that God will one day judge the secrets of every heart (Rom. 2:16). He "will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil" (Eccl. 12:14).
Not only that, secret sins will not remain secret. "The Lord [will] bring to light the things hidden in the darkness" (1 Cor. 4:5).
Jesus said, "There is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Accordingly, whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms shall be proclaimed upon the housetops" (Luke 12:2-3).
Those who think they can avoid shame by sinning in secret will discover one day that open disclosure of their secrets before the very throne of God is the worst shame of all.
It is crazy to think we can conceal our sin by keeping it secret. It is double crazy to tell ourselves that we are better than others because we sin in private rather than in public. And it is the very height of craziness to convince ourselves that we can get away with sin by covering it up. "He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper" (Proverbs 28:13).
All sin is an assault against our Holy God, whether it is done in public or in secret. And God, who beholds even the innermost secrets of the heart, sees our sin clearly, no matter how well we think we have covered it.
Be aware that the enemy is out to destroy you, by any means necessary. These aren't the only tactics he uses, but they are some of the most common. No matter what is going on in your life, don't ever forget that God wants you to be close enough to Him to share every little detail and concern with Him. After all, He is your Father! He wants to have a real relationship with you. Give Him the true praise and worship that He deserves. Let the blood of Jesus cleanse your heart and Holy Spirit take over your life so that you'll have the discernment you need to see the tactics of the enemy and the power to fight against it.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you today asking for forgiveness of all my sins and iniquities. I know that Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice for my sins. He died on a rugged cross and was brutally crucified that I might be saved. He was raised from the dead that I might live, and He now sits at your right hand. I accept the gift of salvation with gratitude. From this day forth, I will live as Your child, and heir with Jesus! Thank you God for saving my soul and making me clean! I will forever praise and worship your Holy name!! Amen!!
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