Don’t Be Deceived - James 1-3

James 1:16 (ESV)

Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.

This word for deceived is used almost 40 times in the New Testament.   It simply means to be lead astray by someone. It should be noted that Satan wants to lead us astray and James is tell us not to let that happen.  Notice some of the warnings we have in Scripture about this:

Matthew 7:15 (ESV)

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

Acts 20:29 (ESV)

I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;

Romans 16:17 (ESV)

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.

2 Corinthians 11:4 (ESV)

For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.

Jude 1:4 (ESV)

For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 2:1 (ESV)

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.

James gives us one simply statement to not be deceived.   Each of the New Testament writers stated the same thing.  Satan has a desire to lead us astray.   His entire purpose is to blind our eyes from seeing the glory of the Gospel:

2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (ESV)

And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.