Anesthetized... or Alert? 10-29-13

“As the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so our minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” 2 Cor. 11:3

As the serpent deceived (exapatao: to deceive; beguile)

Eve through his craftiness (panourgin: false wisdom, cunning, craftiness, subtilty)

So our minds (hymon: mental perception, thoughts, purposes)

May be corrupted (phtheiro: lead away from the state of knowledge and holiness to which he ought to abide and out of divine protection)

From the simplicity (haplotes: virtue of one who is free from pretense and hypocrisy;

 openness of heart manifesting itself by generosity; sincerity; honesty)

That is in Christ. (Christos: anointed; Christ the Messiah Son of God)

Scripture warns: As it was in the beginning with the deception of Eve and Adam, so will it be in the end with “the deception” of many of our

well-meaning family and friends.

“Of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.”  Acts 20:30

“Evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.”2 Tim. 3:13

“…They did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. For this reason God will send them a strong delusion, so that they believe the lie.” 2 Thess.2:10-11

We believe we are currently amidst the deception of which Scripture warns.

This can be disheartening as we watch our world grow dark, yet there is MUCH HOPE.

God is in complete control.

(Job 38)

Nothing is catching Him by surprise.

(Jb. 37; 37:15-16)

He is still actively stirring hearts of kings.

(E.g.: the heart of King Pul 1Chr. 5:26 and King Cyrus Ez. 1:1)

One day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

(Is. 45:23; Rom. 14:11; Phil. 2:10-11)

“Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by Him deeds are weighed…Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil, who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness.”

(1Sam. 2:3; Is. 5:20)

This week, as we live amidst a culture anesthetized to sin, may we be found faithful and blameless in His sight. (Ps. 18:25)         
Much love, ~Shaun and Betsy