“If we think we can’t be deceived, we ARE deceived.”
It’s hard for me to think of the apostle Paul ever being afraid. But in 2 Corinthians 11, he said, “I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”
Paul was saying that we have a serious spiritual enemy. I am not sure why God has allowed him to do what he does—although I have my ideas—whatever the reason, Satan is dedicated to destroying anyone who truly turns to God and receives Jesus Christ as his Savior. Each of us is a witness that God is real and has the perfect plan for our lives. Satan wants to stop that.
Notice the primary focus of his attacks. “Your MINDS may somehow be led astray”. Jesus said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” (John 8:32) Jesus also said that the Word, or the Bible, is the truth. (John 17:17) The apostle John said, “I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the Word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.” (1 John 2:14) The challenge then, is to develop a habit and commitment to read, understand and obey the Word of God (the Bible) every day, and seek to obey it in faith. Now, guess who doesn’t want you to do that? He will do everything that he can to get you to neglect or forget that. Let me ask you to do something right now, no matter how busy you are. Would you just take a moment to pray. And I am praying for you also. ASK God to help you to make a decision NOW to commit to read, understand and try to obey what GOD shows you in His Word EVERY DAY for the rest of your life. It will probably be the most important decision that you will ever make.
“He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” (2 Peter 1:4)