The enemy uses deception to get us to believe the lie over God's truth.
In fact, Jesus warns us to not be deceived several times in Matthew 24 alone.
4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. (Matthew 24:4-5)
11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. (Matthew 24:11)
24 For false christs' and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. (Matthew 24:24)
We must continue to stay planted in God's truth & His word.
Those that are deceived may not even know they are deceived.
And that's why we need the truth to set us free.
Here are 4 strategies the enemy uses to deceive us:
#1 What you SOW INTO…
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. (Galatians 6:7)
The law of sowing and reaping is a biblical principle.
Be mindful what you sow into.
Time, energy, focus, resources, etc...
#2 Empty words
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. (Ephesians 5:6)
Words create worlds.
Be mindful what words are spoken over your life and spoken directly to you.
We must stay sharp in the spirit & continue to discern.
#3 Your circle
33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)
The people we hang around and spend time with has an effect us on us as believers.
Your circle has an effect on how you think, speak, act, & make decisions in life.
Make sure those influences around you are fruitful for the kingdom of God.
Iron sharpens iron.
#4 Not being a doer the word
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (James 1:22)
We must not just KNOW the word and we must LIVE the word.
24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. (Matthew 7:24-25)
Jesus gives a great example of someone who builds their house on a rock over the sand.
How do we overcome deception?
Acts 8:9-13
Simon the sorcerer deceived the city of Samaria for a long time the scriptures say.
But until evangelist Philip came into the scene... they were set free.
And Philip did two things:
#1 Preached the kingdom of heaven
#2 Preached the name of Jesus
12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. (Acts 8:12)
I pray you continue to stay sharp in the spirit.
And the Lord may reveal when deception tries to come upon you.
Pray and ask the Lord to unveil your spiritual ears & eyes.
And that you may know the truth to be set free in Jesus name!
You can watch the video teaching here.
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