How can we guard against "deception" as mentioned in Job 15:35? Seeing the Problem: Job 15:35 “They conceive trouble and give birth to evil; their womb fashions deceit.” What Deception Looks Like • Begins in the heart: “conceive trouble” • Produces concrete actions: “give birth to evil” • Continues to multiply: “fashions deceit” Why Staying Vigilant Matters • Deception hardens the conscience (Hebrews 3:13) • It blinds us to truth (2 Corinthians 4:4) • It ruins relationships (Proverbs 26:28) • It invites judgment (Revelation 21:8) Guardrails Against Deception • Anchor in Scripture – Psalm 119:11 “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 equips “for every good work.” • Walk in the Light – John 8:31-32 The truth sets free. – 1 John 1:7 Light exposes darkness. • Wear the Full Armor – Ephesians 6:11 “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil.” • Test Every Voice – 1 John 4:1 “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits.” – Acts 17:11 Bereans examined the Scriptures daily. • Cultivate Humble Accountability – Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpens iron.” – Hebrews 10:24-25 meet together and encourage. • Pray for Discernment – Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, O God… lead me in the way everlasting.” – Colossians 1:9 ask “to be filled with the knowledge of His will.” • Depend on the Spirit – John 16:13 the Spirit “will guide you into all truth.” – Galatians 5:16 walk by the Spirit to avoid fleshly traps. Daily Habits That Fortify the Heart • Read a portion of Scripture aloud—truth heard sinks deeper. • Memorize one verse each week—build an inner arsenal. • Journal points of gratitude—grateful hearts resist bitterness and lies. • Review decisions with a trusted believer—invite friendly scrutiny. • End each day asking, “Did I honor truth in thought, word, and deed?” Living Out Job 15:35 in Reverse Instead of conceiving trouble, conceive righteousness (Philippians 4:8). Instead of birthing evil, birth good works (Ephesians 2:10). Instead of fashioning deceit, fashion integrity (Proverbs 10:9). Standing firmly on God’s unchanging Word, strengthened by His Spirit, and surrounded by honest fellowship, we can guard our hearts and keep deception from taking root. |
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