SCRIPTURE: Matthew 24:4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no-one deceives you.
5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. … 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. …
24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible.
OBSERVATION: To be deceived is to believe a lie. Jesus said of Satan: “When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44) It seems obvious that deception is Satan’s main game.
In verse 4 above, Jesus warns us. Yet in verse 5 and 11 we find that many people will be deceived. And in verse 24 we see that Satan tries to deceive even the “elect.”
APPLICATION: Since Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6) I need to keep close to Him and ask the Holy Spirit Who has been given to guide me into all truth (John 16:13) check everything that comes into my mind.
The Holy Spirit dwells in me. As I am walking with the Lord through each day, the Holy Spirit communicates with me in my heart, in my spirit. Our relationship is growing. Of course, I should not knowingly do something that I know is contrary to God or His Word. But in areas that I do not know the will of God: when I feel or sense trouble in my heart, I know I need to change directions, or slow down, or do something different. If I have peace in my heart, I believe I can move ahead correctly.
I learn by trial and error, but the sooner I learn to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, life will go smoother for me. Sometimes the Holy Spirit will place a thought in my heart/mind that I cannot ignore. I must pay attention!
PRAYER: Holy Spirit, cause a question to arise in my heart every time I am about to be deceived into believing a lie. Teach me how you speak to me. Keep me free from deception. Amen.
Pastor Leon
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