Deceit, as understood within the biblical context, refers to the act of misleading or deceiving others through falsehoods or trickery. It is a behavior that is consistently condemned throughout Scripture, as it stands in direct opposition to the nature of God, who is truth (John 14:6). For the saints, or believers in Christ, laying aside deceit is not merely a recommendation but a divine imperative in the pursuit of truth and holiness.

The call to abandon deceit is rooted in the transformation that occurs in the life of a believer. Upon accepting Christ, the old self, characterized by sinful behaviors including deceit, is to be put off, and the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness, is to be put on (Ephesians 4:22-24). This transformation is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life, as believers are called to reflect the character of Christ, who is the embodiment of truth.

The Apostle Peter exhorts believers to rid themselves of deceit as part of their spiritual growth. In 1 Peter 2:1-2 , he writes, "Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. Like newborn infants, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation." Here, deceit is listed among other vices that hinder spiritual maturity and the sincere pursuit of truth. The imagery of newborn infants craving pure spiritual milk underscores the necessity of purity and sincerity in the believer's life.

Furthermore, the Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, emphasizes the importance of truthfulness among believers. Colossians 3:9-10 states, "Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices, and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator." This passage highlights the communal aspect of truthfulness, as deceit not only affects the individual but also the body of Christ as a whole. The renewal in knowledge is a continuous process, aligning believers more closely with the image of God.

The Psalms also reflect the disdain for deceit and the value placed on truth. Psalm 34:13 advises, "Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech." This wisdom literature underscores the importance of integrity in speech, aligning with the broader biblical narrative that calls for honesty and transparency.

In seeking truth, believers are encouraged to embrace the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth (John 16:13). The Spirit's role is crucial, as He empowers believers to discern truth from falsehood and to live lives marked by integrity and authenticity. The pursuit of truth is not merely an intellectual exercise but a spiritual journey that requires the laying aside of deceit and the embracing of God's truth.

In summary, the biblical mandate for saints to lay aside deceit is clear and unequivocal. It is an essential step in the pursuit of truth, reflecting the transformative work of Christ in the believer's life and fostering a community built on trust and sincerity.1 Peter 2:1
Why laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, all evil speakings,
Nave's Topical Index

How to Discern Our Title to the Saints' Rest.
... it tells us so frequently that the saints before us ... thousands have such charms kept
asleep in deceit and security ... What a case were I in, should I then fail of ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter viii how to discern.htm

Letter vi. Temptation.
... 4. He is crafty, and full of deceit and treachery ... Scriptures, and from the experience
of eminent saints who have ... me." I do not mean that you should ever engage ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter vi temptation.htm

Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels.
... in Day of Judgment, marvellous, [501]293; should be given ... Deceit, to be avoided,
[939]442; instances of, [940]442 ... God, [946]312; accuser of the saints, [947]398 ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of.htm

Hebrews xi. 37, 38
... I reflect upon the achievements of the saints, it comes ... perhaps no wonder, but that
a woman should come into ... think our religion [3365] a mockery and a deceit? ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxviii hebrews xi 37.htm

A vindication of Gospel Truths Opened,
... Thou art also offended with the second deceit which I lay ... Answer, It must needs be,
that the saints of God ... 2. To show souls how they should lay hold of this ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a vindication of gospel truths.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... again, 'He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence ... when he blessed his sons,
as he lay upon his ... 4. Another reason why saints should press hard after a ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

Written from Rome
... any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the ... to be partakers of
the inheritance of the saints in light ... "I would ye should understand, brethren ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 45 written from rome.htm

The Security of the Church
... I have often marveled at the depths of deceit which are ... those people who believe
in the apostacy of the saints? ... If one saint should fall away and perish, God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the security of the church.htm

Book I.
... lifted up his soul to vanity, nor used deceit unto his ... for it is written that private
grief should cease in ... to have been denied to many, even saints, when thou ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/book i.htm

Christ a Complete Saviour:
... day; to find a mouth without fraud and deceit now is a ... We have so many foolish ways
to lay out money ... also to be inferred from hence, that saints should look to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christ a complete saviour .htm

Why did Jesus have to die? | GotQuestions.org

Why is salvation by works the predominantly held viewpoint? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Rebekah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Deceit: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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