Year of Exposure Day 9: Deception rides in on our fleshly desires.

“throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We continue today with further consideration of the lesson on deception the Lord gave me in 2008 (“Deception is for the Brethren”). [Text in bold print is from that lesson.]

“Those who Satan has dominated are his. But those who have come to Christ, must be seduced—not by someone else's agenda and desires—but by your own.”

We have discussed the fact that desires, coming out of the unsanctified parts of our life, will seek an occasion. That is to say, if a desire continues to be fostered, it will eventually fester. And make no mistake, the enemy of our souls will put before us those things that strengthen our fleshly desires. As such, the trap of deceit is set and executed.

On Day 7 we considered this scripture:

“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

We looked at this passage in the light of warnings in the Bible about deception. Now, let’s look at the same passage in a fuller context:

“But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬-‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The warning given here is specifically addressing the tendency for the mind of the flesh to believe words, receive words, justifying, rationalizing, or otherwise “sanctifying,” behavior, yes, sin, clearly contrary to the righteousness of God.

Indeed, our opening scripture makes clear that the “old man,” the unrenewed mind, is distorted, is deceived, by lust, by the desire to partake of that which is not of righteousness.

Paul does not in vain warn Timothy to flee, to run from, youthful lusts.

“If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭21‬-‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Truly, no matter what our age, if we entertain objects of lust long enough, deception will enter in and have us being controlled by those unsanctified desires.

Consider what Paul says further on in his warning to Timothy:

“Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭25‬-‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Yes, Paul makes it clear that people who are indulging in lusts of the flesh, have fallen into the trap of the devil, and are living lives controlled by him.

Child of God, ungodly desires allowed to ferment, will foment the doing of sinful things. And as we have noted, that process often invites deception, deception that makes occasion for sin.

Lord willing, we will continue on this lesson tomorrow.

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!