How To Escape Deception - Zac Poonen
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Summary
The speaker warns against spiritual deception, urging listeners to distinguish between a true spiritual father and a mere teacher who seeks personal gain. He emphasizes that true spiritual concern is focused on the believer's eternal well-being, comparing this to the Holy Spirit's singular purpose of preparing the bride for Christ. The core defense against deception is maintaining fervent, unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Fathers versus teachersPaul cared deeply for the Corinthians like a father, contrasting with teachers and modern media preachers who are motivated by salary rather than the spiritual well-being of their listeners.
The simple test for a true servantYou can avoid deception by asking whether a preacher is interested in what they can get from you or genuinely concerned for your soul.
Preserved as a pure virgin for ChristLike Abraham's servant who sought only a bride for Isaac, the Holy Spirit and true servants protect believers to present them pure to Christ.
The danger of losing devotion to JesusSatan's craftiness leads minds astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ, making those who love money or ministry prey to deception.
Jesus warns about deception in the last daysWhen the disciples asked about the signs of His coming, Jesus warned first and foremost that many would come in His name and mislead people.
Signs and wonders that misleadFalse prophets will arise performing great signs and wonders capable of misleading even the elect if their hearts are drawn to the spectacular rather than Christ.
A famine of the prophetic wordWhile Bibles are plentiful, there is a famine of the prophetic word from God's pulpit, leading people to wander around searching for truth without finding it.Amos 8:11
Professional liars and deceitful spiritsIn latter times, people will fall away by giving attention to deceitful spirits, professional liars, and unverified reports of miracles.
Why God allows divisions and deceitGod allows divisions and testing processes to bring truth into the open and confirm those who are truly devoted to Jesus Christ.2 Corinthians 11:19
The New Covenant principle of following an exampleUnlike the Old Covenant where prophets only proclaimed messages, the New Covenant calls believers to follow an authentic personal example of following Christ.
Another Jesus, another spirit, and another gospelDeceivers preach another Jesus, are moved by another spirit that lacks true holiness, and spread a false gospel centered on health and wealth.
The great apostasy and the true gospelScripture warns of a great falling away before the Lord's return, contrasting false gospels with the true gospel of gaining the glory of Jesus Christ.
Loving the truth and hating lyingTo be saved from deluding influences, you must love the truth, live in absolute honesty and reality, and eagerly desire to be saved from sin.
Protection within the body of ChristIsolated believers are easily deceived, but true protection is found in a local family of fellowship where believers humble themselves and encourage one another.Hebrews 3:12–13
