James 1:16 NKJV
Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
Beloved,
Last time, we said it is imperative that every believer that guards against deception. Deception is so insidious because it can make a believer not take sides with the truth. Once a man cannot take sides with the truth, he is on a slippery ground. Other things deception does is:
- It causes division, Romans 16:17-18.
- It causes believers to lose their devotion to Jesus, 2 Corinthians 11:3 TPT.
- It makes believers turn away from what is right, Galatians 5:7 TPT.
- It makes a believer become rebellious, 2 Thessalonians 2:3 TPT.
So what are practical ways to guide against deception? Consider the following:
- Let the truth of God’s word be sufficient to establish the truth for you. Once you know by the word of God that which is true, live by it, 2 Timothy 3:13-14 TPT; James 1:22 TPT.
- Don’t develop a ‘simple heart’. Simple in this context and as described in Romans 16:17-18 means gullible. Do not be gullible.
- Be fine to seem dogmatic. Follow the Lord wherever He takes you, Revelation 14:4. Once you know the truth, hold on to it.
- Embrace the ministry of a God-given church for you, Hebrews 3:13 GNT. There is safety in a living church.
- Identify the deceiver and stop giving attention to the deceiver, Genesis 3:1-6. Do not entertain the deceiver like Eve did. Do not entertain or engage in unproductive arguments.
- Be a rooted believer, 1 Corinthians 15:58. Be steadfast and immovable.
- Get involved in kingdom activities that occupy you till Christ comes. Every idle believer is liable to reception. Do not be idle in Zion.
- Finally, take heed, Mark 13:5.
Next time, we will look more into how to guard against deception.
I commend you to God and to the word of His grace.
I call you blessed. I call you NATIONS.
