We live in a world of great delusion and deception. Lying is the weapon that the deceiver uses to deceive many. Look at Adam and Eve; they were fooled into thinking that they were going to be like God and live forever.

In this day in age, idol worship goes beyond worshiping foreign gods. Idol worship goes from worshipping self, things, jobs, people, a thought, an idea, a tradition, etc. All of these impostors and con artist promises a better life and eternal salvation. 

Why do people get deceived into idolatry?

Self-worth/Doubt: 

Many people have a doubt which prevents faith and trust. 

Exodus 4:10-11 “10 Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” 11 The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” NIV

Money: 

Acts 5:1-2 “Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.” NIV

Money, together with recognition, can become a god. We want to have and do the same things as other people to the point that we want to be recognized and glorified. Many people get lost in idol worship because they think that the people involved have money and are famous.

Lack of information:

Romans 16:17-18 “I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the minds of naive people.” NIV

Weakness/Inferiority and tradition: Feeling that others can better help you accomplish your life goals. They can better assist you in being a good person.

Colossians 2:8 “8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” NIV

Dishonest: Becoming corrupted for personal gain.

Genesis 31:7 “7 yet your father has cheated me by changing my wages ten times. However, God has not allowed him to harm me.” NIV 

Self-absorbed/Selfish: Want to occupy a prominent position (they think is essential.) He is superior and better

1 kings 21:8-10 “8 So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name, placed his seal on them, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city with him. 9 In those letters she wrote: “Proclaim a day of fasting and seat Naboth in a prominent place among the people. 10 But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them bring charges that he has cursed both God and the king. Then take him out and stone him to death.” NIV

Escaping life situations and closing their eyes to the truth

2 Timothy 4:4 “So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” NIV

 Pride and Arrogance: 

Galatians 6:3 “3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.” NIV

Disobedience: 

Genesis 4:6-8 “6 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face, downcast? 7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” 8 Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.” NIV

Control over their own destiny A notion of Superiority. You know best

Proverbs 14:12 “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end, it leads to death.” NIV

Lack of Love

Genesis 29:32 “Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben, for she said, “It is because the LORD has seen my misery. Surely my husband will love me now.” NIV

Self-Gratification: 

Ephesians 5:3-7 “3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.” NIV

Greed 

Matthew 26:15 “and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver.” NIV

Reactions of deceived people 

Self-defense, Anger, Vulgarity/profanity, Offense, Aggressive

Who is the deceiver?

John 8:44 “44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” NIV

What is Satan’s overcoming task?

To be God. However, he already knows his destiny. 

What is the goal of the deceiver?

Steal, kill and destroy through lying 

What weapon does the deceiver?

Lying through intimidation, manipulation, smooth words of praise

How to combat self-deception. Lying to yourself.

1: Think about your actions. We are not perfect; we make mistakes.

Accept your mistake and ask for forgiveness.

2: Put your identity on Yeshua, not on worldly things

3: Know that you are worth it. You are not junk. Yeshua died for you. You are wonderfully and beautifully made.

How to prevent others from deceiving you?

1: Study the situation. Ask God to give you discernment.

2: Don’t get nervous. Be calm

3: Don’t take another person’s word. Do your own investigation

4: Don’t be afraid to confront the situation with questions at the proper place and time

5: Be active by letting God guide you

6: Be conscious and alert. Don’t lie to yourself. Be honest with yourself. Keep your mind in God’s word.

7: Surround yourself with Godly people that are filled with the spirit of God.

Today you can follow Yeshua.