How Can I Know if I’m Being Spiritually Deceived?

As we draw closer to the return of Christ, deception will become stronger and stronger. We must stay alert.

We are living in a day and age where truth is being distorted. With the rise of AI (artificial intelligence), it is becoming more challenging to decipher what is real or manipulated. It’s the same way when it comes to biblical truth. Something can be taught or written that can be either true or false. That is why it is going to be so crucial that we stay ever so close to Jesus and scripture in these end times as we watch out for spiritual deception.

According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, the term “deceive” means to cause or accept as true or valid; what is false or invalid. It also means to mislead, trick, or cheat. Our great enemy Satan is very subtle and cunning. He is a master deceiver. And he will use anything or anyone to distort the truth.

Since our adversary will stop at nothing to try to lead us astray, how do we avoid having the wool pulled over our eyes as Christians? In a time when we need to be spiritually alert, how can we intentionally protect the truth that we’ve been taught? What type of deception do we need to look out for as we await the return of Christ? Well, for a moment, I’d like to share a few ways of how you can discern truth from the lies. You’ll discover how to know when or if you’re being spiritually deceived.

4 Ways to Discern Truth from Lies

1. Keep a Healthy Diet of Reading God’s Word
When you take time to read scripture regularly, it will be easier to spot deception in any form. Also, because you’ve studied and meditated on truth, you’ll be swifter at recognizing the lies or misconceptions. In addition, it’s important to read within the context of scripture, so when a verse is twisted from its natural origin, you’ll be able to quickly refute it. Second Timothy 2:15 states, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Remain a student, so you’ll be ready to pass the test of deception.

2. Watch Out for “Itching Ear” Messages
There’s nothing wrong with being motivated; we all need motivation from time to time. However, if you’re more interested in messages that feel good than in messages that speak biblical truth, then watch out! The Bible warns us of this very thing. In 2 Timothy 2:3-4, the Apostle Paul teaches, “For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.” Examine your heart for a moment and decipher whether you’re chasing after truth or slowly drifting toward what feels more palatable.

Quote from an article about being spiritually deceived ...

3. Test Every Spirit
Not everyone who speaks on behalf of God is sharing actual truth. Lean in to make sure that what someone is telling you is biblical. Test every spirit. Be like the Bereans. Acts 17:11 says, “And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching truth.” We must search and know the scriptures well enough so that we’re not being spiritually deceived. It’s okay to be like a Berean in our day and time.

4. Inspect the Fruit
A good way to spot false teachers or false prophets is to check their fruit. Jesus stated in Matthew 7:15-16, “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act.” Character is what you discern from a leader, speaker, teacher, pastor, evangelist, or prophet. How is their lifestyle? Are they humble, loving, kind, joyful, patient, self-controlled, faithful…fruitful? You have every right to inspect fruit, especially when you’re feasting from their table.

These are just a few ways of how you can know if you’re being spiritually deceived. Jesus Christ is coming back soon, and we don’t want to be led astray. In these last days, it will be important to be sober-minded and discerning of deceiving spirits, doctrines of devils, and false teaching, while keeping a close watch on the new trend of AI. Be watchful and stay alert until He returns.

Courtnaye Richard Courtnaye Richard is the founder of Inside Out with Courtnaye, a ministry that helps women grow in Christ, character, and calling. She is an author and sought-out speaker. Her speaking appearances include She Speaks, Hope*Writers Tuesday Teaching, Christian Parenting Conference, and Entrusted Women’s Conference. In addition, her blog and podcast, Inside Out with Courtnaye reaches thousands of women across the globe! She is also the founder of the faith-based marketing and mentorship agency, Inside Out Media Group, LLC, where she’s worked with platforms such as PBS, CBN, TCT Networks, and Yahoo. Connect with her at www.courtnayerichard.com or on Instagram @insideoutwithcourtnaye.

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