AVOIDING SPIRITUAL DECEPTION Wednesday October 29, 2014 All Scripture is... profitable for... reproof (2 Timothy 3:16). Scripture is the standard by which you must measure all teaching. In November of 1978, United States Representative Leo Ryan of California visited the Peoples Temple (a California- based cult) in Guyana. He went to investigate reports that some of the people were being held there against their will. The world was shocked to learn that the congressman and his party had been ambushed and killed. Even more shocking was the grim discovery that followed a few days later. Authorities who entered the compound at Jonestown, Guyana were horrified to find the bodies of 780 cult members who had been shot or had committed suicide by drinking cyanide-laced punch. Their leader, the Reverend Jim Jones, was found lying near the altar dead from a single bullet wound to the head. For many, it was the first time they had witnessed the deadly effect of satanic teaching. Editorials and articles for months attempted to explain how such appalling deception and genocide could occur in this day and age. But as tragic as the Jonestown deaths were, most observers missed the greatest tragedy of all: the spiritual damnation that Jim Jones and all other false teachers lead their followers into. Spiritual deception is a very serious issue to God. Thats why in Scripture He lays down the truth and reproves anything contrary to it. The Greek word translated reproof in 2 Timothy 3:16 means to rebuke or confront someone regarding misconduct or false teaching. If you have a thorough grasp of Scripture, you have a standard by which to measure all teaching. Then you can easily recognize false doctrine and avoid spiritual deception. Thats what John had in mind when he said, I have written to you, [spiritual] young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one (1 John 2:14). False religions will always attempt to distort Scripture because they must eliminate Gods truth before they can justify their own lies. Beware of their subtleties, and be strong in Gods Word. Suggestions for Prayer: • Thank the Lord for protecting you from spiritual deception. • Pray for anyone you may know who has fallen victim to false teaching. Take every opportunity to impart Gods truth to them. For Further Study: Read 2 Corinthians 11:1-4, 13-15. How did Paul describe false teachers? 2 Corinthians 11:1-4, 13-15 NIV I hope you will put up with me in a little foolishness. Yes, please put up with me! I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough. For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. From Drawing Near by John MacArthur. May God continue richly blessing you / Dios continúe bendiciéndole ricamente! Jesús Martín Romero
Posted on: Wed, 29 Oct 2014 04:16:14 +0000