DRAWING NEAR
October 28
Avoiding Spiritual Deception
"All Scripture is . . . profitable for . . . reproof" (2 Tim.
3:16).
Scripture is the standard by which you must measure all teaching.
In November of 1978, United States Representative Leo Ryan of
California visited the People's Temple (a California- based cult) in
Guyana. He went to investigate reports that some of the people were
being held there against their will. The world was shocked to learn
that the congressman and his party had been ambushed and killed.
Even more shocking was the grim discovery that followed a few days
later. Authorities who entered the compound at Jonestown, Guyana were
horrified to find the bodies of 780 cult members who had been shot or
had committed suicide by drinking cyanide-laced punch. Their leader,
the Reverend Jim Jones, was found lying near the altar--dead from a
single bullet wound to the head.
For many, it was the first time they had witnessed the deadly effect
of satanic teaching. Editorials and articles for months attempted to
explain how such appalling deception and genocide could occur in this
day and age. But as tragic as the Jonestown deaths were, most
observers missed the greatest tragedy of all: the spiritual damnation
that Jim Jones and all other false teachers lead their followers
into.
Spiritual deception is a very serious issue to God. That's why in
Scripture He lays down the truth and reproves anything contrary to
it. The Greek word translated "reproof" in 2 Timothy 3:16 means to
rebuke or confront someone regarding misconduct or false teaching.
If you have a thorough grasp of Scripture, you have a standard by
which to measure all teaching. Then you can easily recognize false
doctrine and avoid spiritual deception. That's what John had in mind
when he said, "I have written to you, [spiritual] young men, because
you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have
overcome the evil one" (1 John 2:14).
False religions will always attempt to distort Scripture because they
must eliminate God's truth before they can justify their own lies.
Beware of their subtleties, and be strong in God's Word.
Suggestions for Prayer:
Thank the Lord for protecting you from spiritual deception. Pray for
anyone you may know who has fallen victim to false teaching. Take
every opportunity to impart God's truth to them.
For Further Study:
Read 2 Corinthians 11:1-4, 13-15. How did Paul describe false
teachers?
Drawing Near, Copyright 1993 John F. MacArthur, Jr.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
http://www.gty.org
~~~
2 Corinthians 11:1-4
11:1 Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and
indeed bear with me.
2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused
you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to
Christ.
3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through
his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity
that is in Christ.
4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not
preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not
received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might
well bear with him.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15
13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming
themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of
light.
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be
transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be
according to their works.
~~~
These devotions are posted with permission from John MacArthur's
first (1993) devotional work, _Drawing Near_, and they are also sent
out daily for free to several folks via e-mail.
In addition, John's second (1997) devotional, _Strength for Today_,
is also available free via e-mail only. _Strength for Today_ follows
the same format as what you have seen here from _Drawing Near_, but
with different monthly themes.
If you would like to receive daily devotions via e-mail from either
of these series, just let me know (via e-mail), and I will gladly add
you to the list(s) of your choice.
You can hear John MacArthur daily via the Internet by visiting:
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and
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In Christ,
Peter
Peter G. Chase :: Columbus, Ohio, USA
pchase1@wideopenwest.com
STOP! Who do you think Jesus is?
http://www.gty.org/Gospel
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To forgive is to set a prisoner free, and to discover that the prisoner was you. -Alistair Begg
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