The Bible says that evil became a part of human existence in this world through deception. Satan told Eve, "You surely will not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil" (Genesis 3:4, 5). Jesus said of the devil, "He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44). Deception originated from the designs of evil, not the desires of God.
The Bible has nothing considerate to say about deception. The New Testament consistently declares deception to be a human enemy. It is a problem that originates in the individual and defiles him/her (Mark 7:22). It is associated with the ungodly use of wealth or riches to choke God's presence in a person's life ( Matthew 13:22; Mark 4:19). It is characteristic of a depraved mind (Roman 1:29); of people who functioned as false apostles (2 Corinthians 11:13); of people who led others away from God's influence (Ephesians 4:14); of the pre-Christian existence of a person when he/she did not live in relationship with God (Ephesians 4:22); and of those influenced by evil forces (1 Timothy 4:11).
Deception or guile is one of the moral forces a Christian is to abandon (1 Peter 2:1). The Christian is not to be deceived about the unacceptable impact of ungodly behavior (1 Corinthians 1:9), nor is he or she to be deceived about the ungodly influence of companions who are unconcerned about godly values (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Christians are reminded that the deceitfulness of sin hardens (Hebrews 3:13); that God cannot be deceived (Galatians 6:7); and that at one time all Paul wrote to were among the deceived (Titus 3:3). Obviously, deception is a serious, real problem for all of us!
One of the most fascinating concepts in the New Testament regarding deception is self-deception. It is essential that we be convinced that we are following God, and that we be convicted in our devotion to God. Genuine confidence in God is not self-deception.
Paul affirmed the genuineness of the Christian focus/commitment in this way: "If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied" (1 Corinthians 15:19). In context, Paul spoke of the validity of the message of the resurrection of Christ. Christians commit to the message of Jesus Christ and his resurrection for one reason: the message and the act is the revelation of the God Who created us. It is God's accomplishment for humanity in Jesus' death and resurrection that forms the Christian's perspective on this physical world, on human existence in this world, and on physical death.
We do not live as we live because "this is the best life to live in this world." We do not serve as we serve because "this is the wisest course of action in physical existence." We do not give as we give because "this is the proper thing to do." We live, serve, and give as we do because Jesus Christ was made our Lord through his death and resurrection. Our motives are formed by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus whom God made Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36).
Self-deception occurs when we substitute the lordship of self for the Lordship of Jesus. We call Jesus Lord with our mouths but live as if we are our own lord. We with our mouths say Jesus is Lord as we worship, but serve ourselves and our own interests. We with our mouths claim to honor Jesus as Lord, but serve with motives that are self-seeking.
Consider some statements from the New Testament on self-deception. "Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise" (1 Corinthians 3:18). In this society, we most easily deceive ourselves on the basis of what "I know," "what I understand," and "my wisdom" which is based on "my knowledge" and "my understanding." It is humbling, essential, and honest for a person to see and acknowledge (1) the limitations of his/her knowledge and understanding and (2) his/her own error, misunderstandings, and short comings. He or she who is intoxicated with his or her impression of self is ripe for self-deception!
Wisdom was highly valued in Grecian influences in the first century. However, the source of that wisdom was human knowledge and human concepts. To the Christian, the only enduring source of wisdom is the revelation of God concerning His will and His character. Often those two sources of wisdom clashed (read 1 Corinthians 1:22-31 and 2:6-16.)
"For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself" (Galatians 6:3). Paul wrote this statement in the context of the importance of Christian interaction in the Christian community even when a believer made a mistake. The problem he mentions is ageless! We all know a person who is deeply impressed with self! In most circumstances his/her attitude is loud and clear, "I know everything! I can help you, but I never need anyone's help! If you let me, I can show you everything you need to be shown!" While his or her problem is obvious to others, it is nonexistent in his or her own awareness.
To be impressed with one's self is to be self-deceived. The longer one lives the more aware he/she should become of his/her weakness and flaws. The beginning to true knowledge and insight is the awareness of how little we know and understand.
"If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless" (James 1:26) A significant source of self-deception is the inability to control our speech. How often do we speak confidently thinking, "If you knew what I know, you would change your view," or, "I surely do enjoy hearing my thoughts!" Yes, part of educating is sharing knowledge. However, when I do not know how to listen I do not know how to learn. "Worthless" is a strong word. The inability to control speech makes a person's religion worthless.
Please note that a person can behave in such a way as to deceive himself/herself. A growing sense of self-importance easily can become a painless form of deadly poison.
"If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8). This statement is found in John's incredible paragraph in 1 John 1:5-10. It affirms God's solution for sin is continuing forgiveness. Basically John said, "All of us need God's solution." Every Christian continues to sin, so every Christian needs God's forgiveness. That needed forgiveness begins when one comes to God through faith, repentance, and baptism [conversion] and continues throughout the Christian's life. As long as the willingness to repent exists when a sin is discovered, God forgives all sin--both those done in ignorance and those acknowledged. The only person excluded from God's incredible benefit is the self-deceived Christian who thinks he/she does not need continuing forgiveness.
Note: of all forms of deception, none is more powerful or has more horrible consequences than "me" deceiving "me." Deception is motive-based rather than act-based. One may do "the right things," yet do them for the wrong reason.
For Thought and Discussion: Discuss how the motives for acts determine the meaning of the acts.
Link to Teacher's Guide
Lesson 6