What practical steps can we take to guard against deception by false prophets? Setting the Scene: Jesus’ Warning in Context “Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” (Matthew 7:15) • Jesus places the responsibility on each disciple to stay alert. • His imagery—wolves disguised as sheep—highlights how deception often looks safe, familiar, even spiritual. Know the Word Thoroughly “All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16) Practical steps: • Set aside daily, systematic time in Scripture; let the whole counsel of God shape your thinking. • Memorize key doctrines (e.g., deity of Christ, salvation by grace) so counterfeit teaching stands out immediately. • Use a reliable study Bible or concordance to trace themes from Genesis to Revelation. Test Every Message “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” (1 John 4:1) • Compare teaching to clear passages of Scripture—truth never contradicts truth. • Ask, Does this message magnify Christ or the messenger? • Like the Bereans, “examine the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true.” (Acts 17:11) Examine the Fruit “By their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:16) Look for: • Character: Does the teacher display the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)? • Doctrine: Is the gospel presented faithfully? (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) • Influence: Do lives under the teaching grow in holiness or drift toward compromise? Hold to the True Gospel “Even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse!” (Galatians 1:8) • Refuse any message that adds works to grace or diminishes Christ’s finished work. • Keep the cross central in preaching, worship, and personal devotion. Stay Connected to the Body “We will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching.” (Ephesians 4:14) • Submit to biblically qualified elders who guard the flock (Acts 20:28-30). • Engage in mutual accountability—invite trusted believers to challenge questionable ideas. • Prioritize gathering with a church committed to expositional teaching. Walk in the Spirit “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13) • Ask the Spirit for discernment before, during, and after hearing any teaching. • Cultivate sensitivity to His promptings; unease can be His early warning system. • Remember, “all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” (Romans 8:14) Maintain Humble Vigilance “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed, lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12) • Stay teachable; pride makes us prime targets for deception. • Regularly review core doctrines; familiarity guards against gradual drift. • Anticipate that false teachers will persist until Jesus returns (2 Peter 2:1); resolve to persevere in truth. |
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