Deceived

The Holy Spirit gave Paul an important message. So important that He said it “expressly.” What was so important? That “in later times some will fall away from the faith” (NASB). Once believers, they will drift away. How? By “devoting themselves to deceitful spirits.”

Paul used a Greek word that implies being misled by imposters, people who seem genuine and present ideas that sound logical and beneficial by people who may disguise false information with attractive descriptions.

Paul described how people will depart “through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared” (v. 2). They have rejected Biblical principles and even mock those who dare to believe the Bible and follow Jesus. They encourage us to wander from the truth, to believe, in fact, that there is no truth.

This deception is widespread in the world. Even believers can be deceived into replacing the truth with seductive lies. Yet at their root, these will be doctrines of demons, false ideas with spiritual origins.

This kind of deception is all around us. We hear it on the news, TV programs, films, and social media. It is spread by politicians and educators, and even the conversations at work or in our neighborhoods.

Be on guard against deception, and remember it might be presented in clever ways. Make sure you know what you believe, and stay sensitive to the leading of the Spirit. Stand firmly rooted in the Bible. It is the truth!