Topical Bible: Deceit: Saints: Purposed Against

◄ Deceit: Saints: Purposed Against ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Deceit, as a deliberate act of misleading or misrepresenting the truth, is a recurring theme in the Bible, often purposed against the saints—those set apart for God's service. The Scriptures provide numerous accounts where deceit is employed by adversaries to undermine the faith and mission of God's people.

Old Testament Instances

In the Old Testament, deceit is frequently used by those opposed to God's chosen ones. A notable example is found in the account of Jacob and Esau. Although Jacob himself used deceit to obtain his father's blessing (Genesis 27), he later becomes a victim of deceit by Laban, who tricks him into marrying Leah instead of Rachel (Genesis 29:23-25). This cycle of deceit highlights the pervasive nature of deception and its impact on the lives of the saints.

Another significant instance is the deceit of the Gibeonites, who, fearing the Israelites, resorted to trickery to secure a peace treaty. They disguised themselves as travelers from a distant land to deceive Joshua and the leaders of Israel (Joshua 9:3-15). Despite their deceit, the Israelites honored the treaty, demonstrating the importance of integrity even when faced with deception.

New Testament Instances

In the New Testament, deceit continues to be a tool used against the saints. The Pharisees and Herodians attempted to ensnare Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar, hoping to trap Him in His words (Matthew 22:15-18). Jesus, aware of their malice, responded with wisdom, exposing their deceitful intentions.

The early church also faced deceit from within. Ananias and Sapphira, members of the early Christian community, lied about the proceeds from the sale of their property, attempting to deceive the apostles and the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:1-11). Their account serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of deceit and its consequences within the body of Christ.

Admonitions Against Deceit

The Bible consistently warns against deceit and encourages the saints to live in truth. The psalmist declares, "Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech" (Psalm 34:13). The Apostle Paul exhorts believers to "put away falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor" (Ephesians 4:25), emphasizing the call to integrity and honesty.

Spiritual Warfare

Deceit is also recognized as a tactic of spiritual warfare. Satan, described as the "father of lies" (John 8:44), uses deceit to lead believers astray. The Apostle Peter warns, "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Believers are called to resist deceit by standing firm in their faith and relying on the truth of God's Word.

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, deceit is portrayed as a tool of the enemy, purposed against the saints to disrupt their relationship with God and their mission in the world. The Bible calls believers to be vigilant, discerning, and committed to truth, reflecting the character of Christ in all their dealings.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 27:4
My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

To Pammachius against John of Jerusalem.
... nor offend your own incontestably marked by deceit and slipperiness ... not in flesh
and blood.' And to the Saints, who, of ... For I purposed not to reply to Origen in ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/to pammachius against john of.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... might upon these terms be numbered with the saints. ... contain; lest, [4341] having
"waxed wanton against Christ," they ... 4355] teaches that God had purposed in the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

Antichrist in the Psalms
... Wickedness is in the midst thereof: deceit and guile ... me from the Violent Man; who
hath purposed to overthrow ... we readily and gladly unite with the saints of all ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/antichrist in the psalms .htm

1 Thessalonians iii. 8-May
... for this reason also, after having purposed, he frequently ... of our Lord Jesus Christ
with all His saints.". ... example, to have envy, unbelief, deceit, to rejoice ...
/.../homily iv 1 thessalonians iii.htm

Arian Statements.
... Angels that worshipped Him, and from the Saints that have ... first lead astray the simple
by vain deceit, yet their ... For the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/2 arian statements.htm

Concerning the Condition of Man in the Fall.
... spiritual communion and fellowship, which the saints obtain with ... with their tongues
they have used deceit, the poison ... and then, as if he purposed expressly to ...
/.../proposition iv concerning the condition.htm

Discourse viii. The Help of Religion.
... It checks the purposed violence ... to you that, not consciously, perhaps, like the old
saints who wrought ... now, how much of your perplexity came from a deceit of eye ...
/.../chapin/humanity in the city/discourse viii the help of.htm

Motives from the Benefits of Work
... good to see your converts among the saints in glory ... proved: and whence is all this
strange deceit of heart ... and it will appear how they purposed and promised ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/article i.htm

Jowett -- Apostolic Optimism
... full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malignity, whisperers ... the eternal purpose which
he purposed in Christ ... is a land of pure delight Where saints immortal reign ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume 10/jowett apostolic optimism.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... the man whose eyes are open, but delusion and deceit! ... live that were the murderers
of the saints; and there ... that did used to set his throat against the heavens ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm