Genesis Bible Study

Genesis Bible Study – Chapter 29

By Carri Pratt

“What is this you have done to me? I served you faithfully for Rachel, didn’t I? Why have you deceived me?” Genesis 29:25

The deceiver has now been deceived. The ironic thing is that although Jacob is not a stranger to deception, he is totally surprised when someone does the same to him!

We live in a sinful world and there is deception all around us. Jesus warned His disciples of this fact when He said, “Take heed that no man deceive you.” Matthew 24:4.

Tim Gill (Advancing Ministries) warns of six types of worldly and self-deception in his article, 6 Signs of Deception (13 Sep 2013):

Spiritual Elitism – “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8

Irrational Isolation – “Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against sound judgment. A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his own opinion.” Proverbs 18:1-2

Absence of Accountability – “I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. . . be ye followers of me. For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus . . . who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ. . . ” 1 Corinthians 4:14-17

Combative Complex – “A combative spirit is more concerned with winning than with truth and righteousness prevailing.” (Tim Gill)
Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue.” Psalm 52:4

Persistent Pattern of Change – “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. James 1:8

A Mystic Encounter of a Self-Exalted Leader – “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

“Let no man deceive you by any means; for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first. . .” 2 Thessalonians 2:3

Challenge: Be on guard against both worldly deception and self-deception. Jesus warned us, it will come, we just might not know it.