Sin's Deceitfulness

See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart

that turns away from the living God.  But encourage one another daily,

as long as it is called Today, so that none of you

may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

Hebrews 3:12-13

Our faith in Christ Jesus must persevere through the temptations of this life.  We must endure the struggle between the desires of our sinful nature and the leading of the Spirit.  The inspired writers repeatedly warn us to be cautious of Satan’s efforts to entrap us.

The “Evil One” is shrewd, crafty and skilled in his ability to mislead us.  He often works his harmful plans in a subtle, stealthy manner.  He desires to deceive our minds and cloud our judgment.  The devil is a liar and he is dangerous.

Sin’s deceitfulness can harden our hearts, causing us to turn away from God.  A deceived heart will have changed priorities.  A deceived heart trusts in the wrong things, hopes in the temporary, and only loves what feels good for the moment.  Unfortunately, the hardened heart needs more and more to achieve the desired gratification (see Ephesians 4:17-19). 

Wealth deceives.  Sensuality deceives.  Pride deceives.  Power deceives.

Paul pleads, “Put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24).

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, please help us live up to your calling and be like you in true righteousness and holiness.  Help us to put away our old self, thus avoiding being hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.  Please strengthen our spiritual discipline to recognize and refute Satan’s temptations.  We give praise and glory to your name for being trustworthy.  You give us peace and hope and love eternal.  In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

Carl Smith

Stephenville, Texas