- In the last days, deception will come-- false prophets will rise up and deceive many (Matt 24:11), claiming to be Jesus returned (Mark 13:6), some with signs and wonders, deceiving even the elect, "if possible" (Matt 24:24, Mark 13:22). How do we protect against this?
- Focus on knowing the truth, and then you will recognize deception (as how the bankers are trained to recognize counterfeit money). The world is confused about what truth is (John 18:37-38) because they don't hear His voice. God’s word is truth (John 17:17, Psa 25:5, Psa 91:4, Psa 96:13, 100:5, 117:2, 119:142, 151, 160; 138:2, Prov 3:3), including the gospel (Col 1:5)
- God is called the God of truth (Isa 65:16).
- Jesus is the truth (John 14:6, as well as the Word, John 1:1-3, 14).
- The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth (John 14:17, 15:26, 16:13, 1 John 5:6) and He will guide us into all truth. Through the anointing of the Holy One, we know all things and He will instruct us (1 John 2:20, 2:27).
- We must worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24)--i.e. according to His word and by the help of the Holy Spirit.
- Love rejoices in truth (1 Cor 13:6) - both fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23, Eph 5:9)
- Renew our minds with the Word (Romans 12:2); thus we will recognize God's will. Truth is the foundation of the spiritual armor (Eph 6:14)--it goes on first. Only knowing the truth will make us free (John 8:32).
- Once we know the truth, we are to continue in what we were taught (Col 2:6-7, 1 John 2:24).
- Truth of course also means words corresponding to reality (Gen 42:16), and whether our actions/words correspond to our thoughts and emotions (Josh 24:14, 1 Sam 12:24, 1 John 3:18)
- The opposite of this is hypocrisy, or pretense (Phil 1:18), or unrighteousness (2 Thess 2:12).
- What if an idea, concept, or belief that comes to us isn't addressed in scripture at all?
- Is it consistent with God's character? Jesus said we can ask anything in His name and He will give it to us (John 14:14). What's in God's name? He is Jehovah Nissi (the Lord my Banner), Jehovah-Raah (the Lord my Shepherd), Jehovah Rapha (the Lord that Heals), Jehovah Shammah (the Lord is There), Jehovah Tsidkenu (the Lord our Righteousness), Jehovah Mekoddishkem (the Lord who Sanctifies You), Jehovah Jireh (the Lord who Provides), Jehovah Shalom (the Lord is Peace), Jehovah Sabaoth (the Lord of Hosts).
- What is its fruit? (Gal 5:19-23, Romans 8:6-8) God won't lead us into anything producing negative fruit--if the fruit is negative, it's from the flesh and not the Spirit.
- The opposite of truth is deceit(Prov 12:17, Isaiah 59:4, Jer 9:5, 2 Cor 4:2). Satan is the father of deceit/lies and there is no truth in him (John 8:44). Those who are unrighteous will suppress the truth (Romans 1:18).
- False teachers will distort the truth (Acts 20:29-30, 2 Peter 3:16), by mixing it with myths/fables (Titus 1:14) or "merely human commands" (Matthew 16:1-12) or the traditions of men (such as forbidding to marry, abstaining from certain foods, 1 Tim 4:3), according to the principles of the world (Col 2:4-8). They will pretend to be godly or moral, though (2 Cor 11:13-15, 2 Tim 6:5)--so we must use discernment.
- How do we know a false teacher vs just one who is flawed?
- Anyone who denies that Jesus is the Christ is a false teacher (1 John 2:22-23, 4:2-3)
- Some may lie intentionally for their own gain (Deut 18:20, Ezekiel 13:9, Jer 14:14, Jer 23:16, Titus 1:10-11) or in hypocrisy (1 Tim 4:2)
- Others may be so blind that they truly believe they are doing God a favor in persecuting His true followers (John 16:2).
- Romans 16:18: Paul said in this verse that these individuals use good words and fair speeches and deceive the hearts of the simple. This means that they flatter people (2 Timothy 4:3) and appeal to the same selfish desires that they themselves have, to draw people after...
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