Hebrews 4:11-13
Christians want to be Christ-like. They desire to please God. Therefore, why do they have to make such an effort not to be disobedient? The easy answer is “We are all human.” The more precise answer is, “Deception leads to disobedience.” A common cause of deception in our lives is self-deception. Self-deception is a result of holding one truth so close that we cannot see equal offsetting truth. It is true God wants us to be happy. I have heard Christians, who after breaking their marital vows claim this truth as justification. They have been so blinded by the truth that God wants them to be happy, that they have not seen the truth that God wants them to be faithful. Another source of deception is false leaders. Christians have to be careful and make every effort to follow leadership that is in true with God’s word. Christians must not let leaders, who only speak words to tickle their ears and never prick their hearts, lead them astray.

God knows that Christians have to make an effort to remain faithful. He has given us a tool to use in our efforts. He has given us his word, and it is sharper than any sword. If we will read and study God’s written word, it will help us to divide truth from fiction, and it will reveal deception and false teachings. It will show us the true path when deception is leading us astray. His word is alive, and as we study it, it comes alive within us. It judges our attitudes and our thoughts; it reveals to us when we are being self-deceived. God sees everything we are. He knows our hearts desires, what we believe. His knowledge lays us bare before him. He does not share his word because he needs it to know us. He gives us his word because we need it to know him, and to know ourselves. God’s word will cut away the underbrush of deception. God’s word shows the way so we can walk it.