2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Isaiah 3:1-5:30 ESV, 2 Corinthians 11:1-15 ESV, Psalm 53:1-6 ESV, Proverbs 22:28-29 ESV
Daily Verse: “But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3 ESV)
PANOURGIA (3834): “Literally means all-working, able to do everything: hence, high discerning which works itself out in unscrupulous conduct, craftiness. It is always used in a bad sense.”[i]
Unscrupulous conduct.
When the serpent tempted Eve, he played on her ego.
“For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:5 ESV)
Wanting God’s knowledge, Eve succumbed to the serpent’s cunning words. Her ego led the way in wanting to know more; as a result, sin entered the world with one crisp bite. In an instant, the devil gained a foothold, captivating Eve’s thoughts and causing them to veer from the Lord.
In the same way, evidence of false apostles in the Corinthian church caused Paul to fear for them. The deceptive teachings caused the people’s thoughts to stray from Jesus.
Deceptive words.
Our hearts control our thoughts; we think about what we desire. Eve wanted knowledge but didn’t know how her yearning would lead her astray. The serpent used deceptive words to lead Eve down the wrong path, playing on her heart.
Today, we face the same struggle Eve did. Deceptive words crowd the internet and social media, leading us down lifeless paths. Instead of focusing on the life-giving words of Jesus, we get caught in webs of lies spun in a myriad of ways.
Staying focused on the truth seems impossible. Narrative overrides fact. Social media experts understand how to manipulate headlines to promote their story, even if not true.
God’s word helps decipher the truth and keep our thoughts focused on Jesus. Spending daily time with the Lord will help you discern the deceptive words of this world. God’s purpose for our life remains the same, to love Him and others. Don’t let the lies of this world veer you from the truth of Jesus.
[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 187) Thomas Nelson
