How can we recognize deceit and fraud in our spiritual leaders today? Setting the Scene Acts 13 records Paul and Barnabas in Cyprus, where they meet a false prophet, Elymas. Paul, “filled with the Holy Spirit” (v. 9), confronts him: “and said, ‘O full of all deceit and trickery, you son of the devil, enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord?’” (Acts 13:10) Elymas offers a case study in spiritual fraud. By watching how Paul identifies him, we learn how to expose deceit today. Core Marks of Fraud Drawn from Acts 13:10 • “Full of all deceit and trickery” – Persistent pattern of manipulation, hidden motives, half-truths. • “Son of the devil” – Aligns with Satan’s character (John 8:44 — lying, murdering trust). • “Enemy of all righteousness” – Works against holiness, excuses sin, disdains obedience. • “Perverting the straight ways of the Lord” – Twists Scripture, distorts gospel simplicity, complicates grace with man-made rules or license. Red Flags in Leaders Today 1. Twisted Scripture • Selective proof-texting to defend personal agendas (2 Peter 3:16). • Reluctance to let plain meaning stand; constant “new revelations” contradictory to the Word (Galatians 1:8-9). 2. Hidden Agendas • Pressure for money or loyalty beyond biblical stewardship (1 Timothy 6:5; Titus 1:11). • Inflated promises of blessing tied to gifts or allegiance. 3. Lack of Godly Fruit • Consistent anger, immorality, or pride (Matthew 7:15-20). • Rationalizing sin instead of confessing and forsaking it (1 John 1:6). 4. Opposition to Accountability • Avoids plural leadership and outside counsel (Proverbs 11:14). • Dismisses sincere questions as rebellion (3 John 9-10). 5. Cult-like Control • Isolates followers, discourages discernment (Colossians 2:18-19). • Elevates personal visions above Scripture (Jeremiah 23:16). Practical Steps for Discernment • Test every teaching against the whole counsel of God’s Word (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Observe lifestyle over time—character validates message (1 Timothy 4:16). • Seek corroboration: mature believers, historical church witness, and the Spirit’s inward confirmation (1 John 2:27; Proverbs 15:22). • Stay rooted in a local body where elders model humility and mutual submission (Hebrews 13:7, 17). • Guard your own heart—deceit flourishes where hearers crave novelty or flattery (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Scripture’s Safeguards • 1 John 4:1 — “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” • 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 — False apostles “disguise themselves as servants of righteousness,” yet their end “will correspond to their deeds.” • Ezekiel 34:2-4 — Woe to shepherds who feed themselves and not the flock. • 2 Peter 2:1-3 — False teachers introduce destructive heresies; many follow because of “sensuality,” and truth is maligned. • Matthew 7:24-27 — Building on Christ’s words provides storm-proof discernment. Living it Out Keep Acts 13:10 close at hand. Let it remind you that fraud always springs from deceit, hostility toward righteousness, and distortion of God’s straight path. Anchor yourself to the unchanging Word, walk in the Spirit, and encourage one another to stay alert. By doing so, you will readily recognize—and resist—deceptive leadership in any age. |
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