What practical steps can we take to avoid deception in spiritual matters? Studying the Warning of Ezekiel 21:29 “While they see false visions for you and foretell lies about you—to be placed on the necks of the wicked who are to be slain, whose day has come, whose doom is imminent.” The verse unmasks spiritual fraud: counterfeit visions, soothing lies, a promise of safety when judgment is at the door. God exposes the danger so His people can steer clear. Below are practical, Scripture-grounded steps for doing exactly that. Recognize the Pattern of Deception • False messages often sound hopeful yet contradict what God has already spoken (Jeremiah 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:3). • Deceivers appeal to emotion, popularity, or urgency rather than truth (2 Peter 2:1-3). • They minimize sin and judgment, masking God’s holiness (Ezekiel 13:10-12). • They claim supernatural insight—“visions” and “prophecies”—without submitting to biblical testing (1 John 4:1). Anchor Yourself in the Whole Counsel of Scripture • Make daily, systematic Bible intake a habit (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 119:105). • Compare every teaching to clear biblical statements; Scripture never contradicts itself (Isaiah 8:20). • Memorize key passages on discernment—Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12—so truth is always within reach. • Keep context in view; partial quotes breed partial truths. Test Every Message and Messenger • Ask: Does it exalt Christ as Lord in the flesh? (1 John 4:2-3) • Ask: Does it align with the gospel of grace, not works? (Galatians 1:8-9) • Observe lifestyle: fruit, character, humility (Matthew 7:16-20). • Require confirmation by two or three witnesses of Scripture (Deuteronomy 19:15; 2 Corinthians 13:1). Cultivate a Truth-Loving Heart • Pray for a spirit that delights in truth over comfort (Psalm 51:6). • Confess sin quickly; unrepentant hearts crave soothing lies (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12). • Embrace correction as God’s kindness (Proverbs 9:8-9). • Train your affections: sing doctrinally rich worship, read biographies of faithful saints. Stay Planted in a Discerning Community • Regularly gather where the Word is preached verse by verse (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Invite accountability; trusted believers can spot deception early (Proverbs 27:17). • Share insights and questions; collective testing sharpens individual perception (Acts 17:11). Keep the Armor of God Buckled On • Belt of truth—honest speech and scriptural clarity (Ephesians 6:14). • Breastplate of righteousness—obedience guards the heart from compromise (Ephesians 6:14). • Shield of faith—confidence in God quenches fiery lies (Ephesians 6:16). • Sword of the Spirit—skillful use of Scripture cuts through error (Ephesians 6:17). Watch for the Lure of Flattery and False Peace • Ezekiel’s audience loved prophets who said, “Sword? What sword?” • Beware when a message flatters ego or guarantees painless prosperity (Romans 16:17-18). • Test promises of peace against Jesus’ call to take up the cross (Luke 9:23). Grow in the Fear of the Lord • Reverence for God’s holiness produces hatred of deception (Proverbs 8:13). • The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; it steadies the soul amid confusing voices (Psalm 19:9). • Pursue deeper awe through worship, contemplation of God’s attributes, and obedience. Walking these steps keeps us alert, grounded, and joyfully safeguarded from the lies Ezekiel exposed—lies still whispered today. |
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