What practical steps guard against being deceived by "smooth talk and flattery"?

Romans 16:18—The Call to Vigilance

“For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.”

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Why Smooth Talk Works

- It appeals to pride and desire.

- It sounds spiritual while hiding self-interest.

- It targets the uninformed or isolated.

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Step 1—Fill Your Mind with Truth

- Daily Scripture reading (Colossians 3:16).

- Memorize passages on discernment (1 John 4:1; Hebrews 5:14).

- Refuse surface-level understanding (Proverbs 14:15).

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Step 2—Test Every Message

- Be a Berean: “examined the Scriptures every day” (Acts 17:11).

- Reject teachings that twist clear texts.

- Ask whether Christ is exalted or sidelined.

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Step 3—Inspect the Fruit

- “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:16).

- Look for humility, holiness, and obedience.

- Note patterns of greed or immorality (2 Peter 2:1-3).

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Step 4—Stay Planted in a Sound Church

- Maturity grows in community (Ephesians 4:14-15).

- Submit to elders who hold to “the trustworthy message” (Titus 1:9).

- Isolation invites deception.

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Step 5—Invite Honest Accountability

- “Faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Proverbs 27:6).

- Give mature believers permission to challenge you.

- Let iron sharpen iron before error hardens.

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Step 6—Guard Your Desires

- Deceivers exploit appetite (Romans 16:18).

- Check motives: comfort, status, indulgence, or Christ?

- “Itching ears” gather teachers to suit desires (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

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Step 7—Pray for Discernment, Walk in Humility

- Ask God for wisdom (James 1:5).

- God “gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5).

- Pride blinds; humility listens.

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Step 8—Stand Firm and Speak Truth

- “See to it that no one takes you captive” (Colossians 2:8).

- Contend for the faith (Jude 3).

- Protect others by pointing back to Scripture.

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Putting It Together

Stay in the Word, stay in community, stay humble, and stay alert—closing the door to smooth talk and flattery while keeping your heart devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ.