What practical steps can strengthen our faith against deception, per 1 John 2:26? Setting the Stage: John’s Purpose “I have written these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you.” (1 John 2:26) Step 1: Abide in the Original Message - “Let what you have heard from the beginning remain in you.” (1 John 2:24) - Review the basic gospel daily—Christ’s deity, atoning death, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). - Memorize key verses; hide them in your heart (Psalm 119:11). Step 2: Rely on the Spirit’s Anointing - “You have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.” (1 John 2:20) - Ask the Spirit to illuminate Scripture each time you read (John 16:13). - Compare every teaching with what the Spirit has already revealed in the Word. Step 3: Keep Scripture Central - Daily reading plan—Old and New Testaments for balanced intake (2 Timothy 3:16-17). - Listen to audio Bibles during commutes; keep truth in your ears (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). - Journal insights to reinforce learning. Step 4: Test Every Claim - “Examine all things; hold fast to what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) - Use questions: Does it exalt Christ? Align with written revelation? Produce godly fruit? - Like Bereans, verify teachings (Acts 17:11). Step 5: Stay Connected to Healthy Fellowship - Mutual encouragement protects against isolation (Hebrews 10:24-25). - Submit to biblically faithful leaders who model truth (1 Peter 5:2-3). - Engage in small-group study for accountability. Step 6: Practice the Truth You Know - “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22) - Apply each new insight within 24 hours. - Serve others; love in action reveals genuine faith (1 John 3:18). Step 7: Clothe Yourself with God’s Armor - Ephesians 6:10-18—belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, etc. - Pray through the armor passage every morning. - Recognize deception as a spiritual battle, not merely intellectual. Step 8: Guard Your Heart and Mind Daily - Filter media and conversations that distort truth (Proverbs 4:23). - Replace lies with truth declarations (Philippians 4:8). - Limit influences that promote compromise (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). Step 9: Cultivate Humility and Teachability - “If anyone thinks he stands, let him take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12) - Welcome correction from trusted believers (Proverbs 27:6). - Keep learning; pride makes fertile soil for deception. Step 10: Live with Eternity in View - “The world is passing away…but the one who does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:17) - Set mind on things above (Colossians 3:1-4). - Remember future hope to resist present lies. A Faith Too Strong to Fool By abiding in Christ’s original message, leaning on the Spirit, saturating our minds with Scripture, testing every claim, and walking in humble obedience within biblical community, we build a faith that stands firm when deceivers come. |
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