Have You Ever Been Duped?

False prophets seek out and prey on gullible, ungrounded dupes – who are enamored by their title or supposed prophecies, words. Beware! The authentic disciple is enamored with the Son of God and grounded in God’s Word – “the more sure word of prophecy” – and therefore not impressed with false prophets with “words.” (2 Peter 1:20-21)

In this late hour, the importance of discerning correctly and keenly cannot be over emphasized. Discerning has never been more essential for the disciple of Christ as is it in this late hour where “evil men and seducers” are waxing “worse and worse.” (2 Timothy 3:13) We must “rightly” divide the “word of truth” and that can only be done by studying to show ourselves “approved unto God” as workmen who “needeth not to be ashamed” in the end (2 Timothy 2:15). Like the God-given “noble” disciples at Berea, we must test all things against Holy Scripture (Acts 17:11).

HAVE you noticed how people will state their conclusion with little or no Scripture and then when you bring correction by stating the biblical truth using numerous Scriptures, because Scripture disagrees with their error, they will say “Well, you’re not rightly dividing the word of truth”?

The primary way to discern is testing everything and everyone against God’s written Word (Acts 17:10-11).

Good “FRUITS” can only come from a born again abiding relationship with Christ in the truth and that’s why Jesus never told us to know (Gr. discern) people by their gifts. Wake up.

“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know (Gr. discern) them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:20-23 

Jesus did not say we’d know (discern) people but their gifts but rather “by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16, 20) The FRUIT of the Spirit is more important than the GIFTS of the Spirit because it proves relationship (Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 12:7-10). Good fruit can only be produced through relationship. The gifts of the Spirit ARE important and yet, some who presently operating in them will be hearing “depart from me” from Jesus (Matthew 7:15-23). This proves that someone can move in the gifts of the Spirit without walking in an intimate relationship with Jesus.

The key to seeing or discerning is to be full of Christ’s light. Those who are unable to discern these obvious false prophets for who they are, have no one to blame but themselves. They are full of darkness, which makes them blind, and therefore unable to discern the holy from the profane (Ezekiel 44:23). There is a “difference between the holy and the profane” and we must “discern” such.

“And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane (unholy, common), and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.” Ezekiel 44:23

Are you simply going to read that verse above and say in your heart “Oh, nice verse” and then move forward without it? Does it not occur to you to capture that divine treasure for your own life and use it to help others? Write it on an index card with reference from the King James Bible and capture it.

Discernment Comes from God

THERE ARE SOME WHO PRIDE THEMSELVES ON THEIR SUPPOSED ABILITY TO DISCERN. YET, “GOD RESISTETH THE PROUD BUT GIVETH GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” (JAMES 4:6) WE ARE ONLY SECURE IN OUR DISCERNING TO THE DEGREE THAT WE ARE TRULY ABIDING IN CHRIST – IN THE HOLY FEAR OF GOD AND BY DAILY DENIAL OF SELF AND GIVING OURSELVES WITHOUT RESERVE TO OUR LORD WHO BLED TO SAVE US (PSALMS 86:11; LUKE 9:23-24, ETC.). I HAVE MET SOME WHO CLAIM TO HEAR WORDS FROM GOD OR SEE VISIONS OR BE ABLE TO DISCERN. THESE SAME PEOPLE ARE NOT RICH IN THE WRITTEN WORD AND ARE THEREFORE DECEIVED. ANY PERSON WHO MAKES THE CLAIM OF BEING USED OF GOD WHILE NOT RICH IN HIS WORD IS OPERATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A SPIRIT OF DIVINATION AND IS TO BE REBUKED AND/OR AVOIDED IF THEY DON’T REPENT AND BECOME “SOUND IN THE FAITH,” ROOTED AND GROUNDED IN THE WORD (TITUS 1:13; 2:2). “RIGHTLY DIVIDING” AND ACCURATE DISCERNMENT CAN ONLY COME FROM THE ONLY ONE WHO IS PERFECT AND THAT’S NOT US – IT’S THE LORD (2 TIMOTHY 2:15). IF WE ARE WALKING IN GENUINE, GODLY DISCERNMENT, IT’S DUE TO NO GOOD OF OUR OWN BUT IS RATHER THE GOOD AND PERFECT GIFT OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER (JAMES 1:17).

When we turn our hearts to the LORD, the light of Christ shines in our hearts and the veil of darkness is dispelled. Watch this closely:

“But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. 15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. 16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.” 2 Corinthians 3:14-16

That “vail,” or that which blocks one from seeing/discerning correctly, “is done away in Christ.” Yet, after Jesus saves us, we are commanded to love and to worship Him alone with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Matthew 22:37-39). We are commanded to possess a single or clear, unbroken affection and focus upon our Savior. That’s what Jesus said. (Notice that I inserted the Greek definitions in parentheses):

“The light (Gr. Illumination) of the body is the eye (sight): if therefore thine eye be single (purely focused on Christ), thy whole body shall be full of light (bright, well illuminated). 23 But if thine eye be evil (set on anything except Christ), thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” Matthew 6:22-23

Where is your focus today friend? It’s a moment by moment battle isn’t it? Are you fighting the good fight of faith, keeping your heart’s affections upon our soon returning LORD? Jesus says “Come … and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28-30) Yet, we are instructed to “labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” (Hebrews 4:11) Laboring to enter into rest seems paradoxical doesn’t it? Well, meditate upon this truth and may Christ give thee light! He sure will. We have personal responsibility beloved – to watch, to wait upon, to seek, and to pray without ceasing in light of our LORD’s soon return.

Are you ready to turn it all around? Don’t be shamed; just hasten to His beautiful feet and throne of grace precious saint! Here you go:

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:1-3

Reading, meditating, and studying the Word daily is essential to growth and to remaining in the light of Christ.  No man can discern outside of His senses being exercised daily in and by God’s Word.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105

His Word is His light and that light is to be shining into our hearts daily and dispelling all darkness that would cloud and skew our ability to discern.

“The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Psalms 119:130

Christian Maturity Defined

“Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. ¹² For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. ¹³ For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. ¹⁴ But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Hebrews 5:11-14

Discernment is a gift from God that comes to those who walk with Him closely. That is, His view and perspective abides in those who love, adore, and seek Him, pouring prayerfully over His words as they perpetually hunger and thirst for more of Him. They “search the scriptures” because they contain the very “thoughts” and “truth” of their glorious LORD (Psalms 33:11; John 5:39; 17:17).

Example Discernment Component

See if this becomes self-apparent.

THINK ABOUT THIS: THE FACT THAT PAULA WHITE, T.D. JAKES, KENNETH COPELAND, JOEL OSTEEN, CREFLO DOLLAR, JOYCE MEYER, RICK WARREN, AND A HOST OF OTHER MODERN BEGUILERS HAVE MODELING PICTURES GALORE OF THEMSELVES CLEARLY REVEALS THAT THEY ARE SEEKING THEIR OWN GLORY (JOHN 7:18). THEY HAVE PROJECTED, PROMOTED, AND STAGED THEMSELVES AS CHRIST’S/CHRISTIAN LEADERS WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY AND SEVERELY VIOLATING CHRIST’S LIFE EXAMPLE AND TEACHINGS CONCERNING THE IMPERATIVE OF HUMILITY (MATTHEW 5:3; 18:3-4; 20:20-28; 23:8-12, ETC.). THESE WOLVES HAVE HIRED MAJOR MARKETING FIRMS TO PROMOTE THEMSELVES. IT’S ALL ABOUT THEM. THIS THEY HAVE DONE IN DIAMETRICAL OPPOSITION TO THE LIFE, CHARACTER, AND TEACHINGS OF THE ONE THEY CLAIM TO BE REPRESENTING. IT’S CLEAR THAT THEY ARE NOT REPRESENTING THE SON OF GOD AT ALL BUT ARE RATHER MISREPRESENTING HIM. WE KNOW BY THIS THAT THEY ARE SIMPLY USING JESUS – USING HIS NAME IN VAIN – TO PROMOTE THEMSELVES. THEY ARE MAKING “MERCHANDISE” OF THE GULLIBLE BY MAKING AN INDUSTRY OF THEMSELVES (IDOLATRY) AS THEY “ALLURE THROUGH THE LUSTS OF THE FLESH” IN THEIR GREED-DRIVEN TEACHINGS (2 PETER 2:1-3, 18). WERE WE NOT WARNED REPEATEDLY TO “LET NO MANY DECEIVE YOU BY ANY MEANS” AND “BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS WHICH COME TO YOU IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING”? (MATTHEW 7:15; 2 THESSALONIANS 2:3)

Feedback:

“Do you think the only pictures of preachers should be with their families, at their church or events? Or unprofessional photos of themselves?” David D.

Reply:

Hi David. Good question brother. Pictures of us/mere men should always be humble or lacking self-promotion. That would be following what Jesus taught us about humility and preferring OTHERS above ourselves. In other words, we would not be elevating ourselves in any way (Phil. 2:3-5).

“This is a great post. One must learn to discern or surround oneself with those who can. As you said, there is no greater time to learn this, especially when we recognize that Satan has become more active than ever. He is a LIAR AND GOD SAYS SATAN IS THE FATHER OF ALL LIES. We must be able to discern when he is dealing with us through trickery, lies and the twisting GOD’S WORD. He knows he has very little time to win souls unto himself. Stay alert, be ready and study GOD’S word. Pray, asking GOD to teach or enlighten you with this ability. Also, keep your eyes on JESUS and he will do the discerning for you. Praise his holy name. AMEN.” Gary R.

Ever hear this one when a false prophet is being exposed?: “But God knows their heart.”

LAME. Jesus commands us to know/discern them by their fruits (Matthew 7:15-20). Read God’s Word. King James Bible.

When Paul preached, did the Bereans say “well God knows his heart”? NO! They went to the written Word to see if he was true or false.

“And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:10-11

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

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