Scripture: Do not be deceived, God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap (Galatians 6:7).
To deceive someone is to mislead, beguile, or defraud by trickery. Spiritually speaking, deception is more profound than merely being tricked or lied to. Anyone who resists God risks falling into spiritual deception.
King David addressed the matter this way, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in his law, he meditates day and night” – Psalms 1:1-2 KJV.
The Amplified Bible gives us a descriptive version of the matter; it reads, “Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked (following their advice and example). Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of scoffers (ridiculers). But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] meditates day and night” – Psalms 1:1-2.
In 2 Thessalonians. 2:9-10, we read, “Even him, whose coming is after the working of satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.”
All human sin is based on human choices. When we reject the truth, we make ourselves vulnerable to lies. Repeated rejection of spiritual truth brings deception as a divine consequence.
“And for this cause, God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believe not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” – 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12
You might ask, “Why would a good God send strong delusions to someone held captive to deception?
Frankly speaking, in the end times, God will send a strong delusion to those who deny the truth, mock him, or reject him. They will perish because they refuse to believe the truth and be saved.
THE SOLUTION
Here are a few Scriptures that will help you to follow the Holy Spirit’s directions for avoiding spiritual deception:
*To avoid being deceived, let no man lead you astray in conforming your real aim and practice with the dictates of God’s Spirit. False prophets pretend to have revelational knowledge. They preach in the name of Jesus but handle God’s Word deceitfully.
*Do not believe not every spirit, but try the spirit [speaking through a self-proclaimed prophet]; instead, test the spirits to see whether they are from God because many false prophets and teachers have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1 Amplified Bible).
*Watch out for those who mock God. To mock means to disrespect, dishonor, or ignore.
*Following the directions of someone wicked is foolish behavior. Do not be deceived. God is not mocked [He will not allow Himself to be ridiculed, nor treated with contempt nor allow His precepts to be scornfully set aside]; for whatever a man sows, this and this only is what he will reap; (Galatians 6:7 Amplified Bible).
*Prove yourselves doers of the word [actively and continually obeying God’s precepts], and not merely listeners [who hear the word but fail to internalize its meaning], deluding yourselves [by unsound reasoning contrary to the truth; (James 1:22 Amplified Bible).
*Beware of satan’s bait! When he speaks he lies; in fact, Jesus called him the “father of lies” (John 8:44).
*Don’t be led by vain words or lying lips.
In conclusion, I leave you with these powerful statements written by the Apostle Peter and the Apostle Paul. “Therefore, brethren stand fast and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word or epistle. Withdraw yourself from every brother that walks disorderly, and not after the traditions he received of us. And direct your heart into the love of God and into the patient waiting for Christ.” – 1st Peter 1:13; Ephesians 6:14.
Prayer: Father, I place my faith in you as I navigate the vicissitudes of life. May my paths be straight as I walk by faith trusting only in You. Help me not lean on my understanding and grant me perfect peace as my umpire. As I walk upright with confident assurance, I shall find rest. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life as I dwell in the house of the Lord forever. In Jesus’ Name Amen.
*Salvation is one click away…
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**Please note: The Amplified Bible provides descriptive words to help us understand the depth of meaning and expand the teaching or principle so that the reader may grasp the full context of the passage.
This is so needed now, His truth and comfort. It’s scary to be apart from God and we go down all kinds of wrong paths.
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My gosh you are so right! The world has changed from the familiar to the unfamiliar. It appears to be that we are in the last days according to Bible prophecy.
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