What steps can we take to avoid being deceived by false miracles? Setting the Scene: Simon’s Showy Sorcery “Now a man named Simon had previously practiced sorcery in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great.” (Acts 8:9) Simon’s spectacular displays drew crowds, yet his power did not come from God. His story is a clear reminder that dazzling signs can mislead sincere people. How do we guard ourselves? Scripture gives several practical safeguards. Know the Real Thing—Immerse Yourself in God’s Word • 2 Timothy 3:16-17: Every part of Scripture equips us “for every good work.” • Acts 17:11: The Bereans eagerly received teaching but “examined the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” Familiarity with truth sharpens our discernment; counterfeit wonders lose their allure when we recognize the genuine. Test the Message Behind the Miracle • Deuteronomy 13:1-4 warns that even if a sign comes to pass, we must reject it if it entices us away from the Lord. • Galatians 1:8-9: Any message that alters the gospel, even if delivered by an angel, is accursed. Ask: Does this miracle spotlight Christ’s finished work, or does it elevate a person, a movement, or a “new revelation”? Inspect the Fruit in the Worker’s Life • Matthew 7:15-20: “By their fruit you will recognize them.” • Acts 8:18-23: Simon’s craving for prestige exposed a heart “poisoned by bitterness and captive to iniquity.” Look for humility, holiness, and love—the Spirit’s unmistakable produce—rather than charisma alone. Stay Yielded to the Holy Spirit • John 16:13: The Spirit “will guide you into all truth.” • 1 John 2:27: His anointing teaches us, so we remain in Christ. A living, moment-by-moment dependence on the Spirit keeps our spiritual senses alert. Anchor Yourself in the Sufficiency of Christ • 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 centers everything on Christ’s death and resurrection. • Colossians 2:8-10 warns against “philosophy and empty deception” because “in Christ all the fullness of Deity dwells bodily.” When the gospel is our fixed point, flashy distractions lose their pull. Stay Connected to a Faithful Community • Hebrews 10:24-25: We guard one another by meeting together and encouraging each other. • Ephesians 4:11-16: Healthy teaching churches help believers grow to maturity, “so we may no longer be infants, tossed by waves and carried around by every wind of teaching.” Shared discernment is safer than isolated judgment. Cultivate Humble Watchfulness • 1 Peter 5:8-9: “Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion.” • 1 John 4:1: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” A humble, vigilant posture keeps us from either gullibility or cynical unbelief. Putting It All Together 1. Saturate your heart with Scripture. 2. Evaluate every sign by its doctrine. 3. Observe the worker’s character and fruit. 4. Listen for the Spirit’s confirming witness. 5. Keep the gospel central and sufficient. 6. Lean on a Bible-honoring church family. 7. Remain alert, humble, and prayerful. Simon’s story ends with him seeking repentance (Acts 8:24). Our goal is not merely to spot deception but to stay so close to Jesus that even convincing counterfeits cannot pull us away. |
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