What practical steps can we take to avoid deception in our faith journey? Setting the Scene Luke 21:8: “See to it that you are not deceived. For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.” Jesus speaks these words during His Olivet Discourse, warning His disciples—and us—about spiritual counterfeits that intensify as history moves toward its climax. Because deception is certain, vigilance must become a lifestyle. Why Deception Is Dangerous • Deception distorts the character of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3–4). • It distracts from the true gospel (Galatians 1:6–9). • It leads to shipwrecked faith (1 Timothy 1:19). • It multiplies in the last days (2 Timothy 3:13). Practical Steps to Avoid Deception 1. Anchor Yourself in the Whole Counsel of Scripture • Acts 17:11—The Bereans were “more noble” because they examined “the Scriptures daily.” • 2 Timothy 3:16–17—God’s Word equips “for every good work.” • Read systematically (not randomly), comparing passage with passage so no verse is isolated from its context. 2. Compare Every Voice to the Voice of Christ • John 10:4–5—Sheep know the Shepherd’s voice and flee from a stranger. • Evaluate sermons, books, podcasts, and social media “prophetic words” against Jesus’ clear teaching. 3. Test the Spirits • 1 John 4:1—“Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits.” • Ask: Does this message confess Jesus Christ come in the flesh and uphold the gospel of grace? 4. Cultivate Discernment Through the Holy Spirit • John 16:13—The Spirit “will guide you into all truth.” • Pray for illumination before and after Bible reading; expect Him to highlight error and confirm truth. 5. Stay Planted in a Biblically Faithful Church Community • Hebrews 10:24–25—We guard one another through consistent gathering. • Ephesians 4:11–14—God provides pastors and teachers so we are “no longer infants, tossed by waves and carried about by every wind of teaching.” 6. Watch the Fruit, Not Just the Words • Matthew 7:15–20—False prophets can disguise themselves, but rotten fruit eventually appears. • Look for humility, holiness, and love—signs of a message rooted in Christ. 7. Guard Your Heart from Sensationalism • 2 Thessalonians 2:2—Believers were shaken by rumors that “the day of the Lord has already come.” • Resist headlines or timelines that claim special revelation beyond Scripture. 8. Walk in Ongoing Repentance and Obedience • James 1:22—Be doers, not hearers only. • Obedience keeps the conscience tender, making it easier to spot counterfeit claims. Encouraging Perspective Jesus’ warning in Luke 21:8 is not meant to make us fearful but focused. The Good Shepherd alerts His flock so we can follow Him with confidence, eyes open, minds renewed, and hearts anchored in unchanging truth. |
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