What steps can we take to avoid deception, as seen in Joshua 9:22? Setting the Scene “Then Joshua summoned the Gibeonites and said, ‘Why did you deceive us by saying, “We are from a distant land,” when you actually live among us?’” (Joshua 9:22) Joshua’s question exposes Israel’s failure to seek God before making a treaty (Joshua 9:14). Their lapse shows how easily deception slips in when God’s counsel is neglected. Why Deception Finds an Opening • We rely on appearances instead of prayer (Joshua 9:12–13). • We trust human reasoning over divine instruction (Joshua 9:14). • We underestimate the enemy’s craftiness (Genesis 3:1; 2 Corinthians 11:3). Clear Steps to Avoid Deception 1. Seek God First – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5–6) – Before decisions, pause for prayer and ask the Lord to guide every detail. 2. Measure Everything by Scripture – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) – Compare every claim, opportunity, or teaching with the plain meaning of God’s Word. 3. Test the Spirits and the Facts – “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” (1 John 4:1) – Verify sources, motives, and facts instead of accepting surface stories (Proverbs 14:15). 4. Slow Down Hasty Decisions – “Enthusiasm without knowledge is not good; haste makes mistakes.” (Proverbs 19:2) – Give time for reflection; deception often presses for immediate agreement. 5. Seek Godly Counsel – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22) – Invite mature believers to weigh in; collective discernment exposes hidden traps. 6. Keep a Humble, Teachable Spirit – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) – Admit limitations and remain open to correction, guarding against overconfidence. 7. Cultivate Ongoing Discernment – “Solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:14) – Daily Bible intake, obedience, and walking in the Spirit sharpen spiritual perception. Putting It into Practice • Begin each day asking God for wisdom (James 1:5). • Keep a habit of consulting Scripture before commitments. • When confronted with persuasive stories or offers, pause, pray, and investigate. • Stay connected to a community that loves truth and speaks it in love (Ephesians 4:15). Final Takeaway Israel’s treaty with the Gibeonites reminds us that deception thrives where prayer, Scripture, and discernment are sidelined. By seeking God first, testing everything by His Word, and walking in humble dependence, we close the door on deceit and walk securely in truth. |
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