In order to not be deceived we have to be fully engaged with the truth.
As followers of Jesus, we must study the Bible so intently so that when any sort of false teaching gets handed to us, that we are able to identify and discern any deception that is intertwined with the perfect and infallible word of God.
Why? Great question..
After deciding to follow Jesus, a had a “mentor” of sorts that was well-known in my community and he seemed to be a well-versed and integrous man. He had a way with words and seemed to be able to connect with almost anyone. He had a longstanding history in ministry and a seemingly genuine relationship with Christ.
Although I ran from God for almost all my twenties, the way that I was raised had exposed me to the Bible early on. This gave me the foundational knowledge to identify some questionable theology that he tried to pass off as factual.
I am very grateful for the background that I have though, because I have seen friends of mine that did not have this foundation that have been led astray by these same deceptive teachings and have settled for a counterfeit Jesus and a counterfeit comfort.
In Genesis 3, we see the first case of deception on earth. The serpent caused Eve to question if God was potentially withholding goodness from her and Adam, although God had spoken specifically to what they could and could not do, their response to the deception caused the fall.
God was not withholding from them. He was, however, protecting them from the very things that He never wanted them to have to endure.
We must become individually and independently obsessed with God’s word. We must get to know God personally. His character and His commands. His nature and His promises.
If we solely rely on the words and teachings of our pastors or friends, we ultimately run the risk of being deceived into receiving a counterfeit gospel and god.
The presence of the one true God changes you. It challenges you. In His presence, His kindness will lead you to repentance. His presence convicts, it doesn’t condemn. His presence reveals to you the unrighteous things and sin in your life that must be surrendered to become more Christ-like.
Original entry - February 27th, 2023
