Deceived

Romans 12:2 "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

We are in a battle with Satan, and he would like nothing better than for us to live a life of lies and deceit. The root of our sin nature is from lust, lies, and deception. We need Bible truth alive in us through salvation and we need the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We know what the result would be otherwise:

Revelation 21:8 "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."

We also know how God would have us prepare for this battle. We can see how the Christian prepares for this spiritual battle in Ephesians 6:10-20.

Satan, has not changed his primary mode of operation since Eden. Jesus provides us a great illustration of the Christian's battle when he speaks to Peter:

Luke 22:31, 32 "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."

Satan desires to sift each of us, and through his lies and deception and from our participation in lust, lies, and deception, he would turn us away from Christ or destroy our testimony.

1 Timothy 1:18-20 "This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme."

-We have a battle.
-We need to be prepared.
-We need to avoid being Satan’s tool.
-We can have real victory through Christ.

Ephesians 4:31, 32 "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."