Beware of deception around you
But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, (1 Tim. 4:1 NAS)
There are no doubts that we are living in those “later times” the Apostle prophesied in the scripture above. The epitome of satanic activity against the church in these last days will be deception. It will not be the deception from outside, but from within the “church circle”.
It will come in the name of “believers”, “ministers” or “churches” who report they are of God but are not, and the hallmark of these folks will be twisted doctrine. People will attempt to turn the truth of God into a lie, to suit their lustful needs such as for pleasure, fame and even financial gain. The verse warns us that these so-called “teachings” will be orchestrated by “deceitful spirits” and will be “doctrines of demons”. These are very strong words. It did not just say “doctrinal error” but doctrines engineered by demons. It means Satanic agents are on pulpits teaching doctrines of demons. Satan is disguising himself as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14). Worst still, he may use “signs and wonders” to prove “his point”. “For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles (Rev. 16:14 KJV).
Beware of false brethren, false ministers, false doctrines and demonic miracles. These things will be increasing around us by the minute. Hold firmly to the truth of the Word and stay intimate with the Spirit of God.
MEDITATE
Think deeply on the scriptures above in the light of the devotional above.
PRAY
This is a very solemn prayer you should pray with all of your heart and understanding. Ask the Spirit to keep you from deception, from false brethren, false teachings, false ministers and false churches.
ACT NOW
The greatest thing you can do to protect yourself and other believers around you is to be grounded in the truth of the Word and stay intimate with God’s Spirit.People will do things in the “Name of the Lord”, or even “led by the Holy Spirit” or with “signs and wonders” whereas God has nothing to do with them. If Satan comes as Satan, every believer will rebuke him fiercely so he will not come as such. He will come as an angel of light but the light to the Word will always expose him.
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