What steps can believers take to guard against deception as warned in Ezekiel 13:1? Setting the Scene: “Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,” (Ezekiel 13:1) Ezekiel’s very first line reminds us that true revelation originates with God, not human imagination. The rest of the chapter exposes prophets who “prophesy out of their own hearts” (v. 2). That contrast frames every safeguard against deception. Why This Warning Still Matters • False voices still claim divine authority. • The enemy’s strategy has not changed—distort God’s words to mislead God’s people (Genesis 3:1). • Believers are called to be “no longer infants, tossed about by every wind of teaching” (Ephesians 4:14). Step 1 – Stay Anchored to God’s Revealed Word • Keep coming back to the text itself; Scripture is the plumb line. • “All Scripture is God-breathed… so that the man of God may be complete” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • If the teaching cannot be traced, in context, to the Bible, treat it with caution. Step 2 – Compare Every Message with the Whole Counsel of Scripture • Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans for daily examination of the Word. • Cross-check isolated verses with the broader biblical storyline. • Ask: Does this teaching fit with God’s character consistently revealed from Genesis to Revelation? Step 3 – Cultivate Personal Bible Saturation Practical ideas: – Read entire books of the Bible in one sitting to grasp context. – Memorize key passages, especially those on discernment (e.g., 1 John 4:1-6). – Listen to Scripture audibly during commutes or chores. Step 4 – Rely on the Spirit’s Discernment, Not Human Persuasion • “You have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth” (1 John 2:20). • The Spirit of truth “will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). • Before embracing a teaching, pause and ask the Spirit to confirm or expose error. Step 5 – Stay Accountable within a Sound, Bible-Honoring Church • Ephesians 4:11-16 shows Christ giving pastors and teachers to guard the flock. • Submit new ideas to mature believers; deception thrives in isolation. • Look for leaders who model humility, transparency, and fidelity to Scripture. Step 6 – Watch the Fruit • “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:16). • Ask: Does this teaching produce holiness, love, and obedience, or pride, division, and license? • Long-term fruit is harder to fake; give it time. Step 7 – Test Everything, Hold Fast to the Good • 1 Thessalonians 5:21: “Test all things. Hold fast to what is good.” • Use multiple tests—textual, doctrinal, ethical, spiritual—before labeling something “truth.” • Discard the counterfeit; cling to the genuine without apology. Putting It All Together Ezekiel 13:1 anchors us in the reality that only God’s word carries absolute authority. By saturating ourselves in Scripture, depending on the Spirit, staying connected to a faithful church, and examining both teaching and fruit, we are well-equipped to recognize and reject deception—no matter how polished the presentation or persuasive the voice. |
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