Deception: The Enemy’s Trick

Jesus said in Matthew 24:4, “Take heed that no one deceives you.” We are living in a day and age where deception is at an all-time high. False teachers and false prophets are running rampant and deceiving millions of “so called” Christians. Jesus knew this and that is why He warned us four times in the same sermon to be on guard. Jesus said in Matthew 24:5, “For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.” Then down in verse 11 he said, “Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many.”
And one more time down in verses 23-24,

23 If anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

The Greek word Jesus uses in all four instances is “planao” and it has the sense, in this context, to lead astray from the truth. It conveys the thought of someone causing someone else to wander away from what is right. To mislead from the truth that is found in the true Christ and be deceived into embracing a false Christ. While no true Christian can be deceived about the person and work of Christ, there are plenty of false believers who will be deceived. However, lesser deceptions can creep into the lives of Christians who are not firmly rooted in the Word of God. It’s a slippery slope leading to spiritual confusion and misguided zeal.

Deception in the Early Church and in the Church Today

You might think that after 2,000 years of hearing these warnings of Jesus that professing believers would have conquered this area, but the opposite is true. Those in and around Christianity are easily fooled by false teachers offering false promises. They are enticed by the power of suggestion, the power of crowds and fancy talk. Jesus was not the only One concerned about this, the Apostle Paul was as well. Paul used different Greek words to describe the same idea. In 2 Thessalonians 2:3 he says to the Thessalonians and to us, “Let no one deceive you by any means.” He said in Ephesians 5:6, “Let no one deceive you with empty words.” He said something similar in Colossians 2:4, “Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words.” The Apostle John also gives the same warning in 1 John 2:26, “These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you.” Over in 1 John 3:7 he said, “Little children, let no one deceive you.” Clearly, this is not some obscure subject shrouded in prophetic mystery, this is the repetitious warning of Scripture (Romans 16:18; Titus 1:10; 2 John 7). Those who think every religious leader is the paragon of virtue must listen to the words of Scripture. The fact of the matter is, that not every pastor, missionary, elder, deacon, church leader, or seminary professor are telling the truth. I wish they were but they are not. There are deceivers in every denomination and in churches in every city. There are a myriad of deceivers in university religious departments, in mission agencies, in publishing companies, on the internet, on TV and on the radio.

How Can We Protect Ourselves and Those around Us?

It is only when you know the sacred Scriptures that you will be able to fend off the winds of doctrine that come your way. By knowing the Bible you will be able to test the spirits to see if they are from God (1 John 4:1). It is only then that you will not fall victim to the deceptions out there. In turn, you will be able to lovingly warn those around you of the dangers of false teaching, helping them to live free from the lures of the enemy.