Read 2 Corinthians 4:1-3 1 Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
Deception is the glue that holds every stronghold together. If any areas in our lives are being held captive to sin, we can be sure that falsehood is involved. Nothing is bigger or more powerful than God. If anything other than Jesus Christ is mastering a Christian’s life, it can keep its grip only through pretension and deception. Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44). His specialty is twisting a lie until it seems true. The list of lies he gets us to believe is unlimited:
- I can never be victorious over this compulsion.
- I can’t help the mess I’m in. There’s nothing I can do about it.
- I’m absolutely worthless - a failure.
- I’m in control here. This is not controlling me.
- There’s nothing wrong with this relationship. People just don’t understand.
- God can’t possibly fill this void in my life.
Sometimes we know when we’re tolerating even fueling a lie. At other times, we’re caught in such a web that we can no longer see our situation or ourselves accurately. It’s not always clear when we’re being deceived, but all we have to do to locate Satan in any situation is to look for the lie. How do we recognize a lie? It’s anything we believe or act on that is contrary to the truth of God’s Word. Second Corinthians 4:2 tells us how to respond: “We have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s Word.” The passage identifies four of Satan’s specialties: secrecy, shame, deception, and distortion of Scripture. These must be renounced and rejected in order for us to walk in victory.
Each “specialty” is interrelated and permeated by deception. Satan wants to keep us bound in secrecy where he can weigh us down with guilt, misery, and shame. But our Redeemer wants to loose us from the closets of secrecy and bring us to a spacious place of joy, freedom, authenticity, and transparency. Once we expose the secret places of our lives to the light of God’s Word, we’re on our way to freedom.
Living a victorious life takes courage. But this courage leads us to glorious liberty. Ask God for forgiveness, and let God’s truth set you free - and keep you free.
-Beth Moore-
Responding - What lies have I come to believe about myself?
Following - God’s truth sets you free and keeps you free.
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