BYM ONLINE DESK Blessing English May 2017 | Page 13

Beware of
Beware Of Deception!
The hour in which we live is fraught with spiritual
dangers. The Bible tells us that there will be seducing spirits
in these last days (1 Tim 4:1). They will deceive the very
elect if they can (Mark 13:22). Seducing spirits find
entrance where there is sin in the life.
truth. Then after a following is gained, they will begin to
teach doctrines that are not Scriptural. Christians would not
follow one who came ministering error. But the unwatchful
can be led gradually off into error by one whom they have
come to admire. They remember the truths he first taught,
and though they do not find what he later teaches in the
Scriptures, admiring his person, they accept his teachings
regardless.
The life of the minister of righteousness must agree
with what he speaks. And what he speaks must agree wholly
with Scripture. When there is a mixture, we must beware.
We are urged by Scripture to let “no man deceive
you” (Matt 24:4, Mar 13:5, Eph 5:6, 2 Thes 2:3, 1 Joh 3:7).
And we are cautioned not to deceive ourselves (1 Cor 3:18,1
John 1:8).
It often happens that when God uses a man greatly,
Christians begin to admire the individual and to exalt him.
This can easily lead to pride in that leader, and pride goes
before destruction (Prov 16:18). These proud leaders may
be led into deception, and the devoted followers fall into the
same deception.
Leaders who have large followings but do not live
righteous lives are not from God. There must be holy living,
and holiness must be preached to the people. God will have
a church without spot and without wrinkle (Eph 5:27).
Judgment must begin at the house of th e Lord (1 Pet 4:17).
The way is narrow (Matt 7:14). Beware of those who preach
an easy, compromising Gospel.
If we live righteously and hold the Word in our
hearts and minds, we need not fear, for God will give us of
His Spirit to keep us in the Truth. We must judge our own
lives and purge out any sin lest it become a snare to us. “If
we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged” (1 Cor
11:31). These days are of intensifying temptation. As God
moves in His people preparatory to the coming again of the
Lord Jesus Christ, Satan will intensify his efforts to lead
God's people into deception. Satan will seek to lead God's
people away from holiness and into the flesh-pleasing life.
Temptation need not overcome us. “For we have
not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of
our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are,
yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne
of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in
time of need” (Heb 4:15-16).
We need not be those who fall into darkness. We
can be among those who finish the course with victory. But
we must set our face like a flint now. We must be strong in
purpose. Dangers will beset on every hand, but God has
promised that His grace is sufficient for those who will seek
Him for it (2 Cor 12:9).
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There will be deceivers who will come preaching
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