DAY 10 - THE SECRET TO WITHSTANDING DECEPTION

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DAY 10 – The Secret to Withstanding Deception by Pastor Dick

I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. — Colossians 2:4–5 (NIV)

Warnings That Protect

Imagine your car’s dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree, but instead of holiday cheer, it's flashing warning lights.

Sometimes it's the harmless “Hey, I’m thirsty!” signal for low fuel. Other times, it’s the dreaded “check engine” light—a polite way of your car saying, “Something fishy under the hood, buddy!”

You might be tempted to ignore those lights—maybe hope they go away—but they’re actually your car’s way of shouting, “Pay attention now, or be ready for a headache later!”

That’s what Paul is doing here for the Colossians. He’s waving a big spiritual warning flag: “Don’t be deceived!”

How Deception Works

False teachings often sneak in wrapped in silk—sounds logical, smooth, and oh-so-plausible. But if they start nudging you even a little away from Christ, it’s time to slam on the brakes.

Paul reminds the Colossians, and us, that true defense against deceptive arguments isn’t clever logic or fancy words—it’s knowing Christ deeply and living firmly in Him.

Presence in Spirit

Paul wasn’t physically with the Colossians, but he was present in spirit. Kind of like when you hold onto a letter or gift from a loved one—you can’t see them, but their presence is close.

That’s what Scripture does. It’s God’s gift to us, reminding us that Jesus promised, “I am with you always—even to the end of the age.”

Standing Firm

Paul was thrilled to hear how the Colossians kept their faith strong and disciplined. Imagine a tree with roots digging deep enough to withstand any storm.

When our lives are rooted in Christ and nourished by His Word, deception won’t easily shake us.

Our Protection in Christ

Think of Jesus as the ultimate ship anchor. He keeps us from drifting into the chaos of false teachings.

He protects us from deception, comforts us with His presence, and steadies us so we stand firm—in every storm.

Stay close to Him, and you won’t be swayed.

Reflection Questions

• How disciplined and firm is your faith right now?

• Is there a spiritual “warning light” you’ve been ignoring? How can you respond today?

• Thank Jesus for being “God with us” and ask Him to help you notice His warnings and stand strong.

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