How can believers guard against deception as warned in Ezekiel 13:10? Setting the Scene Ezekiel 13:10 exposes prophets who soothe the nation with empty promises: “Because they have misled My people, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and when a flimsy wall is built, they plaster it with whitewash”. The picture is of a shoddy wall disguised with fresh paint—appealing, but unable to stand. The warning is timeless: deception often looks polished and reassuring, yet it crumbles under pressure. Why Deception Is Deadly • It distorts God’s truth, replacing it with human opinion (Jeremiah 23:16-17). • It breeds complacency, numbing urgency to repent (Isaiah 30:10-11). • It ultimately invites judgment, because false security delays genuine faith and obedience (Matthew 7:26-27). Key Marks of Deception in Ezekiel 13:10 • Promises of peace without the conditions God sets—repentance and righteousness. • Superficial fixes (“whitewash”) instead of heart transformation. • A crowd-pleasing message designed to preserve popularity, not fidelity to truth. Practical Ways to Guard Against Deception • Ground yourself daily in the whole counsel of Scripture. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). • Weigh every teaching against what is plainly written. “Test all things; hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). • Prefer expository, Bible-driven preaching over personality-driven inspiration (Acts 20:27). • Cultivate discernment by asking: Does this message magnify Christ, confront sin, and align with the gospel? (Galatians 1:8-9). • Remain in accountable fellowship; wise believers help expose blind spots (Hebrews 3:12-13). • Pray for wisdom and a tender conscience (James 1:5). • Observe fruit over time. A trustworthy messenger produces godly results, not just impressive words (Matthew 7:15-20). Scriptures to Keep Handy Joshua 1:8; Proverbs 30:5-6; John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 John 4:1. |
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