—- the deceitfulness of sin.— Hebrews 3:13
It has been said that no one would follow the devil if they could see the end result. Sadly they don’t. Satan is a master of deceit, and has operated that way since man was created. But, due to our sinful nature, even if Satan was removed from the picture we would be tempted to sin. Not seeing the danger of sin is an invitation to disaster. To be safe we must ever be on guard.
Vine said,”Deceitfulness is the characteristic element of sin— Deceit induces a person to believe that what is false is true; it holds out as a benefit what actually proves to be an injury.” How sad and senseless that we often welcome into our lives the very thing that will take our life. It is like Judas, it kisses–then kills. It is like Joab, it salutes–then slays. It is like Jael, it butters-up–then batters you to death. It approaches as a friend, then attacks as a foe.It promises pleasure, but produces pain. Rather than delight it brings destruction.
A. W. Pink wrote:”Sin presents itself in another dress than its own. It lyingly offers fair advantages. It insensibly bewitches our mind. It accommodates itself to each individual’s particular temperament and circumstances. It clothes its hideousness by assuming an attractive garb. It deludes us into a false estimate of ourselves One great reason why God has mercifully given us His Word is to expose the real character of sin.” That is exactly right. And without the aid of God’s Word you are sure to be deceived and defeated. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. Then, and only then, you will be happy!
