THE DECEITFULNESS OF SIN

Sin appears attractive, but is filthy ... appears pleasant, but is malicious ... promises much, but delivers nothing. Believers should be careful to warn each other of its corrupting influence and encourage one another toward a life of obedience. 

Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called 'today', lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:12-13

An indication that your heart has become 'hardened' ... 

The truth found in the Word of God doesn't move you as it once did, nor does the love of a Father who sent His Son to die in your stead. 

Spiritual insensitivity takes root when you don't honor Jesus as Lord. That which grieves the Holy Spirit doesn’t sting your sense of morality. You shy away from an intimate relationship with Christ and justify the sin you may have once found abhorrent. On your own ... you become unwary prey to the 'deceitfulness of sin'. 

You have no excuse ...

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone, but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. James 1:13-16

Sin is clothed in apparel that hides its hideous nature. It accommodates your particular temperament, circumstance, and weakness. It gives you a sense of false security, often using deceptive religious doctrine to soothe a guilty conscience. 

The Lord has given us His Word to expose the true character of sin ... 

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Study it so the 'deceitfulness of sin' cannot gain a foothold in your life.