How can we prepare spiritually for deception mentioned in Matthew 24:23? setting the scene “ ‘At that time, if anyone says to you, “Look, here is the Christ!” or “There He is!” do not believe it.’ ” (Matthew 24:23) Jesus foresees a season when counterfeit messiahs and persuasive voices will surge. His warning is not meant to alarm but to equip. How, then, do we ready our hearts so we are not swept away? why deception matters • False claims about Jesus distort the gospel and threaten eternal destinies (Galatians 1:6–9). • Deception often appears “with all power, signs, and false wonders” (2 Thessalonians 2:9). What looks impressive can still be a lie. • The closer we draw to Christ’s return, the more intense the counterfeit activity becomes (2 Timothy 3:1, 13). anchor in truth: knowing the Word • Make Scripture your daily diet. “All Scripture is God-breathed…so that the man of God may be complete” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Read widely—history, prophecy, wisdom, epistles—so you grasp the whole counsel of God. • Memorize key passages about Christ’s identity (John 1:1-18; Colossians 1:15-20) to spot any teaching that diminishes His deity or work. cultivating discernment through the Spirit • Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate the text each time you open it (Psalm 119:18; John 16:13). • Test every spirit: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1). • Look for the fruit. Genuine teachers demonstrate love, humility, and obedience (Matthew 7:16-20; James 3:17). guarding the heart in community • Engage with a Bible-honoring local church where shepherds “equip the saints…so we may no longer be infants, tossed by the waves and carried about by every wind of teaching” (Ephesians 4:12-14). • Practice Berean habits: “They received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day” (Acts 17:11). • Invite accountability. Fellow believers can spot subtle drift before you notice it (Hebrews 10:24-25). living alert and hopeful • Keep watch but do not panic. Jesus told us beforehand so we could stand firm (Matthew 24:25). • Guard your affections. Deception gains ground where hearts crave novelty or signs more than Christ Himself (Colossians 2:8). • Abide in love: “Keep yourselves in the love of God as you await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 21). key takeaways • Stay rooted in the inspired Word. • Rely on the Holy Spirit for illumination and discernment. • Remain connected to a biblically sound community. • Watch with confidence, knowing the true Christ will come “with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:30). |
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