"Be Not Deceived"

“Be not deceived:” - Galatians 6:7a

Deceived: Misled; led into error; beguiled; cheated; deluded. 

Last week we looked at what it means to “be not deceived” about the Savior. The Bible gives us the truth we need to know about our unchanging Savior, and we do not have to be deceived about who He is.  

Today I want to caution you to also “be not deceived” about Satan. 

We are first introduced to Satan in Genesis, Chapter 3. It is interesting and important to note that Satan’s first recorded words in the Bible reveal both his purpose and persona, “Yea, hath God said…” With this subtle question began the fall of mankind.  

Satan began by subtly sowing doubt about God's word in the heart of man. He twisted the words of God just enough to make the change seem insignificant, but significantly enough to cause God’s good and perfect creation to fall into sin, and his tactics are no different today. 

John 10:10 tells us, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” This passage records the words of Jesus as he shows a contrast between His desires and the desires of Satan. He makes a practical application here to the thief who is Satan. Satan has one desire, and that is to destroy your life! On the other hand, Christ also has one desire, and that is for you to have life more abundantly. 

Do not be deceived into thinking that Satan knows or wants what is best for you. Satan has been deceiving humans since the very beginning. Just as the Bible reveals the truth about our Savior, it also reveals the truth about Satan. The truth is that Satan cannot be trusted, but Jesus can!