In what ways can we strengthen our faith to resist deception? The Warning in Mark 13:21 “Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Christ,’ or ‘There He is,’ do not believe it.” Jesus alerts His disciples that persuasive voices and dazzling claims will arise. Our task is to stand firm, unmoved by counterfeit messiahs or misleading messages. Know the Authentic so Counterfeits are Exposed • Immerse daily in Scripture; the clearer the true picture, the quicker the fake stands out. • Psalm 119:11—“I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” • 2 Timothy 3:16-17—Scripture equips “for every good work,” including discernment. • Follow the Bereans’ habit (Acts 17:11): examine everything “against the Scriptures.” Stay Close to the Shepherd • John 10:4-5, 14—His sheep know His voice and flee from strangers. • Regular communion with Christ through worship, meditation, and obedience sharpens spiritual hearing. Walk in the Spirit, Not the Flesh • Galatians 5:16, 25—“Walk by the Spirit… keep in step with the Spirit.” • 1 John 2:20-27—The anointing of the Holy One teaches truth and guards against lies. • Continual yielding to the Spirit develops inner alarms when error approaches. Commit to a Grounded Community • Hebrews 10:24-25—Mutual encouragement prevents isolation, a prime breeding ground for deception. • Ephesians 4:11-14—Sound teaching from godly leaders builds doctrinal stability so we are “no longer infants, tossed by waves and carried around by every wind of teaching.” • Engage in small-group study, corporate worship, and accountable relationships. Guard the Mind, Strengthen the Heart • Romans 12:2—“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Saturate thoughts with God’s truth, not cultural currents. • Philippians 4:8—Choose what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable; deception withers in such soil. Test Every Voice • 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22—“Test all things. Hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” • 1 John 4:1-3—Compare every spirit and message with the confession that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh and with the full counsel of Scripture. • Practical filters: – Does this teaching elevate Christ or man? – Is it consistent with the whole Bible, not just isolated verses? – Does it produce godly fruit (Matthew 7:15-20)? Enduring Watchfulness • Mark 13:33-37—Stay alert; deception thrives when vigilance fades. • Maintain a lifestyle of expectation: eyes on Christ’s return, hands busy in His service, heart anchored in His promises. Strengthen faith by knowing Scripture, walking with the Shepherd, relying on the Spirit, living in community, guarding mind and heart, and rigorously testing every voice. Deception loses its power when truth holds center stage. |
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