Do Not Be Deceived
Tanner Bass

In thoughtful Bible study, we see and hear this term often; “Be not deceived.” Each time we see this call, there is something significant that follows or proceeds that we are called upon to take special notice of. Coupled with the call not to be deceived, many times we also read to take heed, meaning to pay special attention and care to what follows. Being that the Bible is our guide, when we read in it not to be deceived, and to take heed, we must do so. It is imperative to recognize, appreciate, and understand the call not to be deceived, and to pay attention to specific concepts in life.

In Matthew 24:3-14, Jesus answers His disciples in verse 4 about the return of Himself, saying, “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many…All these are the beginning of sorrows…But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” We are called not to be deceived by the world when they say they know when the return of Christ will occur. Until that glorious day, we will preach, teach, and glorify God.

In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Paul explains who will not inherit the kingdom of God. In this passage, Paul tells the church at Corinth, “Do not be deceived,” because such people following are unrighteous and cannot obtain the imperishable crown. Our call not to be deceived here is important because it demonstrates who not to be like and how not to act. Rather, participate in attitudes and actions that represent the fruit of the spirit found in Galatians 5:22-25.

1 Corinthians 15:33 says, “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’” This simple point illustrates a very important concept for the righteous life of a Christian. Whomever we associate with and spend time with will have an influence on us. Our actions, speech, choices, and decision-making process is affected by our company. Our call is to carefully choose our friends, Proverbs 12:26. If we have been affected for the worse by our friends, company, contacts, and acquaintances, it is vital that we reevaluate and remove the stumbling blocks from our spiritual journey.

Galatians 6:6-10 is a passage where Paul is explaining to the churches of Galatia the importance of being generous and doing good works. The passage reads, “Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” We are called to, “not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” We will reap what we sow spiritually, according to the righteous judgment of God. Our call is not to lose heart, as well as to reap the “good” things in life.

In Ephesians 5:1-7, we are called to walk in love and to “be imitators of God as dear children.” We read in verses 3-5 that uncleanness, and filthiness is not fitting for us as saints, and the world will try to tempt us and deceive us by saying this is not true. “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.” This uncleanness, filthiness, and unrighteousness, if not corrected, repented of, and changed, will breed the name “sons of disobedience.” Our call is not to be deceived when the world says we are okay regardless of our spiritual condition before our righteous judge.

James 1:12-18 is a worthy passage explaining what our attitude should be in facing trials and persecution. In such, we are told that, “when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.” We read that sin brings forth spiritual death. While it is a very scary concept if we are found in sin, it still needs to be addressed. This is not ‘too harsh to talk about’, ‘too gray to be clear’, or simply, ‘too judgmental.’ This is our call; not to be deceived when we are found in sin; it will cause spiritual death if not dealt with the way God has taught for us (Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:9; Jas 5:16). Unfortunately, many will be deceived by their known and unknown sin.

In 1 John 3:7, we have a very positive plea. We are told, “Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.” If we are practicing righteousness, according to our Lord’s instructions, we are righteous and will be blessed both here on earth and in heaven. Our call is not to let the world deceive us in their cunning speech and hurtful remarks. Understand that the world will hate us. When they say we are hypocrites that practice unrighteousness, or that it doesn’t matter what we do while on earth, we must know this is not the truth.

Brethren, we must not be deceived by the world, nor by the unrighteousness in it. Our deception will not be a valid excuse on the Day of Judgment when we are explaining why we were deceived. Put simply, just do not be deceived.