It seems that no matter where you turn truth is being spun. It is being manipulated to fit the needs and the narrative of various groups that are at odds with one another. The prizes to be won in this war of deception are the hearts and minds of the general public. The collateral damage has been our collective confidence in these institutions we once trusted. Satan was the first one to spin truth and sow doubt saying, “You shall not surely die” (Gen. 3:4).
The Scriptures assert the fact that sin and Satan are deceptive. Satan spun God’s command to make it look oppressive but in fact it was for our protection (Gen. 3:1ff). Paul taught Timothy how he must teach so that with repentance and knowledge people might “come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will” (2 Tim. 2:24-26). Satan has deceptive messengers: “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds” (2 Cor. 11:13-15).
We should be helping one another stay away from the deceptive nature of sin. “Encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called ‘Today,’ so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb. 3:13). Paul mentions that anyone of us can be deceived by sin (Rom. 7:11; Tit. 3:3). We are constantly warned throughout the Bible—“Be not deceived” (Matt. 24:4-5; Eph. 5:6; Jas. 1:16). “Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil” (1 Jn. 3:7-8).
When are we deceived by sin? When we say we have no sin (1 John 1:8-10). When we think evil companionship will not corrupt (1 Cor. 15:33). We are deceived if we are hearers only and not doers of the Word (Jas. 1:22-25). Sin is deceptive because it promises liberty but brings slavery (2 Pet. 2:19). Sin appears attractive but is hideously ugly like “a dog returning to its own vomit” (2 Pet. 2:22). Sin appears to be right when it is wrong (Prov. 14:12). Sin appears to bring life when it brings death (Rom. 6:23). Sin appears to be so insignificant when it is so major. Eve took a little bite (Gen. 3:6). Lot’s wife took a little look (Gen. 19:26). Uzzah took a little touch (2 Sam. 6:1-11). Ananias and Saphira told a little lie (Acts 5:1-11). Sin, though it may seem small at times, will have a terrible result. All sins are significant. Don’t get caught up in the deception and lies about sin, and encourage one another to do the same.