As we draw closer to the return of Christ, deception will turn out to be stronger and stronger. We must stay alert.
We reside in a day and age where truth is being distorted. With the rise of AI (artificial intelligence), it’s becoming tougher to decipher what’s real or manipulated. It’s the identical way relating to biblical truth. Something may be taught or written that may be either true or false. That is why it will be so crucial that we stay ever so near Jesus and scripture in these end times as we be careful for spiritual deception.
According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, the term “deceive” means to cause or accept as true or valid; what is fake or invalid. It also means to mislead, trick, or cheat. Our great enemy Satan could be very subtle and cunning. He is a master deceiver. And he’ll use anything or anyone to distort the reality.
Since our adversary will stop at nothing to try to guide us astray, how will we avoid having the wool pulled over our eyes as Christians? In a time once we have to be spiritually alert, how can we intentionally protect the reality that we’ve been taught? What sort of deception do we want to look out for as we await the return of Christ? Well, for a moment, I’d prefer to share a number of ways of how you may discern truth from the lies. You’ll discover learn how to know when or when you’re being spiritually deceived.
4 Ways to Discern Truth from Lies
1. Keep a Healthy Diet of Reading God’s Word
When you are taking time to read scripture frequently, it can be easier to identify deception in any form. Also, since you’ve studied and meditated on truth, you’ll be swifter at recognizing the lies or misconceptions. In addition, it’s essential to read throughout the context of scripture, so when a verse is twisted from its natural origin, you’ll have the opportunity to quickly refute it. Second Timothy 2:15 states, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Remain a student, so that you’ll be able to pass the test of deception.
2. Watch Out for “Itching Ear” Messages
There’s nothing flawed with being motivated; all of us need motivation now and again. However, when you’re more occupied with messages that feel good than in messages that talk biblical truth, then be careful! The Bible warns us of this very thing. In 2 Timothy 2:3-4, the Apostle Paul teaches, “For a time is coming when people will now not hearken to sound and healthful teaching. They will follow their very own desires and can search for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears need to hear. They will reject the reality and chase after myths.” Examine your heart for a moment and decipher whether you’re chasing after truth or slowly drifting toward what feels more palatable.
3. Test Every Spirit
Not everyone who speaks on behalf of God is sharing actual truth. Lean in to be sure that that what someone is telling you is biblical. Test every spirit. Be just like the Bereans. Acts 17:11 says, “And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and so they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching truth.” We must search and know the scriptures well enough in order that we’re not being spiritually deceived. It’s okay to be like a Berean in our day and time.
4. Inspect the Fruit
A great strategy to spot false teachers or false prophets is to ascertain their fruit. Jesus stated in Matthew 7:15-16, “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can discover them by their fruit, that’s, by the way in which they act.” Character is what you discern from a frontrunner, speaker, teacher, pastor, evangelist, or prophet. How is their lifestyle? Are they humble, loving, kind, joyful, patient, self-controlled, faithful…fruitful? You have every right to examine fruit, especially once you’re feasting from their table.
These are only a number of ways of how you may know when you’re being spiritually deceived. Jesus Christ is coming back soon, and we don’t need to be led astray. In these last days, it can be essential to be sober-minded and discerning of deceiving spirits, doctrines of devils, and false teaching, while keeping an in depth watch on the brand new trend of AI. Be watchful and stay alert until He returns.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Igor Alecsander
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