Swindle. Hoodwink. Bamboozle. Beguile. We have almost just as many clever, inventive words for deception as there are ways to deceive. Deception is defined as the act of causing someone to believe something that is not true, typically in order to gain some personal advantage.
The orchid mantis is a great example of deception in nature. It has adapted quite beautifully—camouflaging itself with brilliant pink hues and petal-shaped legs—mimicking the appearance of an orchid in order to attract its prey. Only after an unwitting insect has ventured too close does the mantis trap it in its strong, toothed front legs.
Our enemy, the devil, is just as subtle in his means of deception. He has mastered allure, appeal, and intrigue, even masquerading as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14). He twists the words, grace, and love of Christ to his own fiendish purposes: "When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies" (Jn. 8:44).
So how do we avoid deception? What is to keep us from abandoning our faith to follow deceiving spirits and false teachings, especially when they can be so cleverly and attractively disguised? The answer lies in godly training.
The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, the young pastor of the rather boisterous church in Ephesus, about certain dangers the Spirit clearly said would mark the "latter times," that is the times after Jesus' death and resurrection up until His second coming. These dangers included the abandonment of the faith, deceiving spirits, and false doctrines taught by demons (1 Tim. 4:1).
The threats of deception and false teaching within the church are still very real today! In order to combat these dangers, Scripture exhorts us, "...train yourself to be godly" (1 Tim. 4:7). What does it look like for us, as women of Christ, to train ourselves in godliness?
The first thing Paul counsels Timothy to do is instruct the brothers in what is true, and have nothing to do with false teachings (v. 6–7). Being a good minister of Christ Jesus means keeping a dead reckoning on the truth—being nourished in the words of faith and of good doctrine (1 Tim. 4:6, NKJV). We cannot know what every false doctrine will look like, but we can train ourselves to know the real thing!
The Bible tells us, "...do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world" (Jas. 4:1, emphasis added). Jesus Himself said, "Many will come in My name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many" (Matt. 24:5). How, then, do we test the spirits?
The litmus test of any doctrine, spirit, or teacher is God's Word. He will not contradict Himself! Moreover, Jesus Christ is the Word made flesh (Jn. 1:14). Therefore, growing in our knowledge of Scripture spurs us to deeper relationship with Jesus. As we know Him more, we will be better equipped to discern deceptions and recognize imitations. Prioritizing God's Word over man's trains us in godliness.
Paul encourages Timothy to teach God's Word with authority and to be an example for the believers "in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity" (v. 11-12). Timothy's youth made him vulnerable to criticism, so it was important Timothy not only talk the talk, but walk the walk.
The effect of God's Word on our lives should be evident in our words, our actions, and our thoughts. Paul says, "...give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine" (v. 13, NKJV). All these things center on Scripture. We must give attention to the Word both in our private lives and our public ministry. Focusing on and living out God's Word trains us in godliness.
Finally, Paul instructs Timothy, "Do not neglect your gift" (v. 14). In the parable of the talents, the wicked and lazy servant is described as hiding his talent in the ground for fear of his master (Matt. 25:25). Jesus said we are the light of the world (Matt. 5:14). We must be careful not to neglect our gifts! "God's gifts groan under our disuse or misuse" (Trapp).
We may be tempted to think that because God is all-powerful and does not need our help, we are somehow excused from using the gifts He has given us. But Scripture tells us our gifts are for the benefit of God's Kingdom—"to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (Eph. 4:12-13, emphasis added). Aligning our gifts with God's Word trains us in godliness.
"Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress" (1 Tim. 4:15). When we are diligent in matters of God's Word, actively pursuing understanding and giving our lives wholly to its authority, our growth will be evident. "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come" (v. 8, emphasis added).
God warns us through Paul: "Watch your life and doctrine closely" (v. 16). God's Word is not a trifle! Failure to regard it as anything less than His divine will made explicit is perilous not only to ourselves but to those who may be observing us. We must persevere in proclaiming and living out God's Word—continuing in it despite the difficulties that will inevitably arise as we do so. Persevering in God's Word trains us in godliness.
How do we avoid deception? We embrace godly training by persevering in, aligning with, focusing on, living out and prioritizing God's Word! Let us be women of the Word—growing in godliness as we seek understanding and a deepening relationship with Christ. And may our lives shine ever brighter to the glory and praise of our God!
Lord, thank You for the great gift of Your Word! Help us to embrace its authority over our lives and in doing so embrace godly training. May we prioritize it, focus on it, and live it out by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Guide us in using our gifts—lining them up with Your Word—so that the church may be built up in unity, knowledge, and maturity. Help us to persevere in the Word, to watch our lives and doctrine closely so that we are not deceived! May we give ourselves wholly to Your Word and the pursuit of godliness, which has value for all things! In Jesus’ name, amen.
Reflection Questions
- It can be difficult to prioritize God’s Word over man’s, especially in a culture where many claim to be authorities on any manner of subjects. Do you strive to give the Bible priority in your life? What are some practical ways you can put God’s Word first every day?
- Are there any areas of your life that don’t quite align with God’s Word? Why do you think we are reluctant to accept the Bible’s all-encompassing authority? Do you believe there are other "right" ways to live besides God’s way?
- Have you struggled to persevere in the Word when coming up against hot-button cultural issues? Why do you think it is so important to watch our lives and doctrine closely?