Defeating Deception

A stronghold is anything that exalts itself against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:5). It’s anything that elevates itself in our minds, pretending to be greater and more powerful than God. It diverts our focus and makes us feel overwhelmed, controlled, and mastered.

Have you ever entertained one of these lies?

—I can never overcome this sin.
—I can’t help the way I am.
—I’m worthless. I’m nothing but a failure.
—I’m in control. I’ll know when to stop.
—I’ve been through so much. I deserve this.
—There’s nothing wrong with this relationship. 
—I’m only human. Everyone thinks these things.
—God may help others, but He doesn’t help me.
—Look what was done. Forgiving is impossible.
—God can’t fill this void. I need something more.
—I have too much trauma to ever be free.
—There’s no hope for me. 

Whether it’s an addiction, unforgiveness towards someone who has hurt us, or distress over a loss, a stronghold consumes a significant amount of our emotional and mental energy, stealing our abundant life. As a result, we remain unfulfilled, and our faith becomes ineffective. These are the enemy’s goals. He lies to deceive us.

Deception can lead us to accept or even perpetuate lies. It can also ensnare us in a web of deceit so intricate that we lose sight of our true selves and our circumstances. Perhaps we don’t always realize when we’re being deceived, but one clear sign is when we deceive others. How do we recognize a lie within ourselves? Anything we believe or do that contradicts what God’s Word says about us is a lie. 

2 Corinthians 4:2 provides guidance on identifying and responding to anything contrary to the Word. It states, “Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God” (NIV). This verse reveals some of Satan’s tactics that believers must reject to walk in victory. These tactics are secrecy, shame, deception, and distorting Scripture. 

Satan’s intentions towards believers are always diametrically opposed to God’s. Jesus desires to liberate us from secrecy and lead us to a place of freedom, and transparency. On the other hand, Satan seeks to enslave us in secrecy, using guilt and shame to weigh us down. The enemy understands that when we entrust the intimate aspects of our lives to a beloved brother or sister in Christ, the Holy Spirit has been given the opportunity to do His work. We are on the path to freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17).

If we’re going to live in freedom, we must expose ourselves to the revealing light of God’s Word. We must repent for anything the Holy Spirit reveals. And opening up to a trusted brother or sister in Christ can bring healing of spirit, mind, and body (James 5:16). Don’t read these words and just confess to anyone. The Holy Spirit will reveal to you who you can trust—someone with spiritual maturity and wisdom who can share God’s grace with you. Living a victorious life requires courage.

The most successful way to defeat deception is to walk in the revelation of God’s truth. The more we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, renewing our minds, the less Satan can distort its teachings. By understanding the truth of God’s Word, we gain freedom from strongholds, and as long as we continue to receive God’s truth, we remain free. 

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in truth” (3 John 4). The joy you experience won’t just belong to God. It will also be yours. 

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be full,” Jesus said (I John 1:4).

Those who believe and walk in God’s truth are free.