Understanding How the Enemy Worksنموونە

Deception

Deception is the final and often most dangerous phase in the enemy's strategy. After wiles, accusations, strongholds, and oppression, deception seals the trap. It creates a false reality and lures the believer away from truth into error while making them believe they are still in the truth. This is why deception is so powerful—it disguises itself as truth, often using scripture out of context, feelings, or even experiences to justify a lie.

The word used in 2 Corinthians 11:3 for "deceived" is exapataō in Greek, meaning to seduce wholly, to cheat, to beguile. It's not partial. It's complete seduction. Eve was not just tricked—she was thoroughly convinced by the serpent's twisted version of God's word. This is the strategy Satan still uses: he mixes a lie with truth to make it more believable.

Deception operates most effectively when we are:

• Spiritually passive
• Biblically illiterate
• Emotionally driven
• Isolated from community
• Resistant to correction

What makes deception so dangerous is that the deceived don't know they are deceived. This is why humility and a continuous submission to the Holy Spirit are vital. We need Him to expose any area where we are being misled.

The devil doesn’t mind if you go to church, worship, or even read the Bible—as long as you believe a lie while doing it. He will let you feel "spiritual" if it means keeping you in bondage. His goal is not just to get you to sin, but to corrupt your perception of truth so deeply that you no longer recognize errors.

This is why Jesus said in Matthew 24:24 that false messiahs and prophets will come and deceive many, even the elect if possible. That statement is sobering. If you believe you cannot be deceived, you already are in danger.

But here is the good news: deception cannot survive in the presence of the Word and Spirit. A renewed mind grounded in the truth of Scripture and led by the Holy Spirit will expose every lie. That is why Jesus said, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Reflection Questions:

1. How do you react to correction or spiritual accountability?
2. Who are the voices speaking into your life, and do they lead you closer to truth or further into confusion?

If you were blessed by this reading plan, an excerpt from one of Pastor Lisa Singh‘s teaching series, you can view more of her teachings on the HGMNY church app or visit hgmny.org.