Deceitfulness Of Sin

The world doesn't call sin as the Scriptures defines it. Wrong doing is genetics, some bad family trait or something that couldn't be helped. Gossip is called networking. Lying is called stretching the truth or representing the facts from your point of view - as if to say, my sinful actions are reasonable and understandable given the circumstances.

Sin is rationalized, justified and packaged in such a way that the very horror and danger of sin is disregarded. It's toyed and taken lightly. However, few can disagree to the effect sin has on every life ruled by it.

For believers the danger is our hearts can grow not only familiar with those committing sins all around us, but we can become deceived by our own sin - namely the sin of unbelief. We could find ourselves saying in essence, it's the way of the world. What am I do at work without losing my job? Or nothing bad happened to him or her so what's a "little" sin every once in a while?

Hebrews 3:13 says, "But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." (KJV).

The antidote from being deceived by sin is exhorting one another or as Paul encourages, speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). We must be willing to encourage one other to live a holy and separated life. As Christians, we are to encourage each other not only reminding each other that sin in the eyes of a holy God is offensive, but He has made provision for it. James 5:16 says, "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (KJV).

Most importantly, when we exhort or encourage each other to live a holy life we are sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost when convicted to live righteously. When we fail to listen to another speak the truth, we can be certain the deceitfulness of sin will only harden our hearts - and we will be shut out from entering into the promises God has in store for us (Hebrews 3:19).