How are we to discern who are deceivers?
(Psa. 119:105; Prov. 16:25; Jer. 10:23; Rom. 16:17-18; 1 Cor. 1:27-28)
Blog Apr. 14-20, 2024
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: <PresentTruthLRI@gmail.com>
REVIEW: The war that began in heaven came to this earth. Despite being warned of Lucifer’s rebellion, Adam and Eve freely chose to distrust God and to eat the forbidden fruit. This choice brought condemnation of death and a sinful nature to all their descendants. The selfishness that Lucifer originated in heaven springs forth in every human heart and only the love of God can reestablish in our hearts the original harmony with God and his Law that our first parents enjoyed in Eden.
Contrasts
1. What two characteristics of Satan find their opposites in Jesus? Satan was a liar & a murderer from the moment he allowed pride to control his actions, but Jesus does not use force or falsehood. He deals tenderly & honestly with all (Matt. 12:18-21; John 8:44; 14:6; Tit. 1:2).
2. How does the book of Revelation symbolize Satan as a liar and a murderer? Satan’s symbol as a dragon, pictures him as a murderer & that of a serpent, pictures him as a deceiver (Rev. 12:9).
3. When Jesus warned his disciples about what to expect in the future, what was his major concern? Jesus’ major concern for his disciples was that they be not deceived (Matt. 24:4, 5, 11, 24; Luke 21:8; Rev. 11:19).
4. Do we have in ourselves the ability to discern between right and wrong? No, for since the fall of man we are all born loving & speaking lies & don’t know how to direct our steps (Psa. 58:3; Prov. 14:12; 22:15; Jer. 10:23; Rom. 3:10-14).
5. How are God’s people to know what is true and what is false? The Word of God has been given to his people so that they can discern between truth & error (Psa. 119:42, 105, 160, 169; John 17:17; Heb. 4:12).
Warnings
6. Of what two sources of deception did Paul warn the early church? Paul warned of deception coming from outside the church in the form of grievous wolves & from inside the church in the form of false brethren (Acts 20:29-30).
7. Will it be easy to spot grievous wolves when they enter God’s church? No, for they generally come looking like sheep or shepherds & are not easily spotted (Matt. 7:15; Jude 4).
8. In what guise did Paul warn the early church that deceivers might come? Paul warned that deceivers might come as angels of light, like preachers of righteousness (2 Cor. 11:14-15).
9. Who were the most bitter opposers of the light that Jesus brought to this earth? It was the religious leaders of God’s true church who most strongly opposed Jesus while he was on earth (Matt. 23:13; 26:59; John 7:47-48).
10. What counsel did Paul give the early church elders so deception would not ruin the church? The elders were to continually study God’s Word (watch) remembering what Paul had already taught them & they were to feed the church (flock) that same Word so the deceivers from without & from within would be foiled (Acts 20:28, 31-32; 2 Tim.2:15).
11. Besides studying the Word, what else must accompany our study so we will properly understand the truth? We must love the Word, be accompanied by the Holy Spirit, & obey the Word if we are to understand the truth (John 7:17; 2 Thes. 2:10; Jam. 1:22; 1 John 2:20, 27).
12. What are some things that keep us from studying the Bible or rob us of its blessing? The cares of this world, the lack of understanding, tribulation, the deceitfulness of riches, overwork, drowsiness, & reading other things (Jer. 23:26-32; Matt. 13:18-23; 26:39-45).
13. What things are often placed above Scripture when trying to understand the Bible? Councils, human reason, personal experience, miracles, visions, & scholars are often placed over the Bible (Prov. 14:12; Jer. 10:23; Acts 5:29; 1 Cor. 1:27-28; 3:19-21; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:17-20; Rev. 13:14).
Deception
14. Where is deceit naturally found? Deceit is naturally found in all our hearts & under our tongues (Mark 7:20-23; Rom. 3:13).
15. What hope do we have of controlling the deceit that is under our tongues? Our only hope is to receive God’s Spirit that fights against our sinful flesh (Rom. 8:12-13; Gal. 5:17).
16. How are we to discern who are deceivers? Deceivers can be detected by examining their doctrines & their lifestyle. They must rightly divide law & gospel & must live pure, uncovetous, humble lives (Isa. 8:20; Matt. 7:22-23; John 7:18; Rom. 16:18; 2 Pet. 2:10, 14, 18, 19).
17. What do heresies in the church accomplish? Heresies in the church drive us to study the Bible & they reveal who are true believers. They can also cause members to depart (Isa. 28:7-10; 1 Cor. 11:19; 14:22; 1 Tim. 4:16; Tit. 1:7-9).
18. How are we to deal with heretics? We are to admonish a heretic a couple of times & if he doesn’t repent then reject him (Rom. 16:17; 1 Tim. 6:3-5; Tit. 3:10-11; 2 John 1:10).19. If we embrace the truth what will it do for us? The truth will free us from trying to save ourselves & it will progressively sanctify us (make us more holy) (Psa. 119:11; John 8:32; 17:17; Rom. 3:21-24).