Our Need For Discernment

"Now the Spirit expressly says that in the latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy."  

(1 Timothy 4:1-2)

The Bible warns followers of Christ that in the last days, if it were possible, even the elect of God could be deceived. 

Jesus gave several warnings that many would "come in His name" and that we are to be on the alert, knowing false teachers and false prophets, or "false Christs" will come, and already have gone out into the world.

These deceivers are also referred to as "wolves in sheep's clothing." 

The photograph above is a telling portrayal of such a person.  At first glance, the face of a gentle lamb appears. But looking closer, beneath the surface, a scheming, ravenous wolf lies hidden within.

Have you run across people like this?

They are on the news every night.

They may be an eloquent orator, and appear at first glance to be a good person. They may say they are a "christian" and make a couple of public appearances at church at convenient times each year. They may be smooth talkers who say all the right things. 

But the Bible says we are "known by our fruit"—by the day to day produce of our life, our character, and our heart.

Paul writes to Timothy, his son in the faith, that the Holy Spirit expressly says that some who we thought were Christians will depart from the faith. These people have stopped going to church. They no longer read the Bible, nor do they care what it teaches. They do not fellowship with other followers of Christ. Their life no longer bears the fruit of someone who once professed to love and follow Jesus. They are selfish, proud loners who have gone their own way, not caring for, or serving others.

These apostates have given heed to deceiving spirits.

The religious world is full of materialistic, greedy, prosperity preachers and people who have found all sorts of false teachers to tell them what they want to hear. These people absolutely believe that the Bible promises them continuous health and wealth—conveniently forgetting that even the great apostle of faith—Paul—had a thorn in his flesh that God did not heal. And even the Lord Jesus—rich in love and mercy—said He did not even have a place to lay His head at night.

Deceiving spirits and teachers all want to cause you to stray from the Deity and simplicity of Christ. 

"He was just a god" they say, "but not The God."

Others say that "what He did on the cross was not enough." They say you can only be saved "after all that you can do."

And still others say that Jesus was "a good man, and a great teacher." But they say He was certainly not the Lord of Glory.

Paul warns us that these teachers are demonic in nature—"anathema"—cursed.

Other deceivers hide out in the political arena. They talk the smooth talk, making great speeches and promises, but somehow they always seem to fail to keep them. They are liars and hypocrites.

Or worse, these political charlatans try to pass themselves off as humble sheep—or followers of Christ—but the fruit of their personal beliefs and policies reveal them to be godless, wolves in sheep's clothing.

"But he seems like a good guy!" you may say.

"Good?" 

According to whose standards?

If Jesus were here on the earth today, would He approve of the policies and actions of these people?

"For the Word of God is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)

Our need for spiritual discernment does not apply to just politicians or preachers. 

How about what books you're reading? Or the movies you watch? Or even the person you're dating, or interested in, if you're single?

One need remember that the Bible says that the "whole world lies under the say of the wicked one."(1 John 5:19)  

The whole world system—including world politics and culture—are manipulated and swayed by Satan; also referred to as the "god of this age." He is the diabolical madman—the "Oz" behind the curtain pulling the strings. Everything he is and does, is against God and His people.

When you watch that movie, have you ever considered who is ultimately behind the making of it? Have you asked yourself, "does this glorify God?" Better yet, have you ever asked God, "Lord, does my watching this movie bring you glory?"

My intent is not to single out bad movies. The point is, what are you using for discernment in your beliefs, choices, decisions, practices, views and opinions these days?

If it's not the Bible—the Word of God—I urge you to re-think your choices, and then turn back to God, asking Him for His spiritual wisdom and discernment, in these perilous times that we are living in.

"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. From such people turn away." (2 Timothy 3:1-6)

Look closely at the kind of religious people that Paul describes in the above passage. They are selfish, self-absorbed,  "lovers of themselves." They are apostate, hedonistic "lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God." But they appear to be "good people." They have a "form of godliness" looking like a follower of Christ on the outside. 

But they are wolves in sheep's clothing. 

Jesus warned us of these kinds of people:

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits." (Matthew 7:15-16)

They look and sound really good on the outside—but inwardly—in their hearts—they are ravenous wolves.

Before listening to that person's teaching, before going out with that girl or guy, or before voting for that candidate, have you prayed to God and asked Him for wisdom and spiritual discernment about them?

You have to ask your Father in Heaven first.

Father knows best.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)

Ask God before making any moves or decisions. Don't go by your feelings or even a 'gut reaction.' Test any "voice" you may hear by the Word of God.

—Do not give heed to deceiving spirits.

—God is Love, and Love Never Fails.