Deception
Modern deception & scriptural instruction
Modern Deception
First, a reminder to the supernatural warnings we've seen:
"For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones." Matthew 24:24
"And in reference to the second beast, "He did astounding miracles, even making fire flash down to earth from the sky while everyone was watching. And with all the miracles he was allowed to perform on behalf of the first beast, he deceived all the people who belong to this world. He ordered the people to make a great statue of the first beast, who was fatally wounded and then came back to life." Revelation 13:13-14
We also live in an age of advanced technology that can trick us by what we see and hear, which means we may not be able to trust our senses and need to be led by the Holy Spirit.
The most sure measure of truth is the Word of God. It is a measure for everything. Learn the whole of scripture in its context and observe the heart of God in it so scripture won't be twisted to manipulate us. As example, look at Acts 17:11 "Now these people were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so."
And Hebrews 5:14 says, "But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil."
Here's a couple of examples of these technologies. There are probably much more advanced now because these videos are older, but the visuals are quite good.
Controlling the speaker voice and expression
(face swapping and vocal matching)
Length 1:36 minutes
Scriptural Instruction
RECOGNIZE EVIL PEOPLE:
Matthew 7:15-27 & 2 Timothy 3:1-5
False Prophets
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
Workers of Lawlessness
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
Hearers But Not Doers
24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
Watch For These Qualities
"You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!" 2 Timothy 3:1-5
DON'T TOLERATE EVIL PEOPLE & EXAMINE CLAIMS
"I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars." Revelation 2:2
EXPOSE EVIL
"Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them." Ephesians 5:11
REMAIN FAITHFUL TO SCRIPTURES
"Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.
But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work." 2 Timothy 3:12-17
SIMILARLY, DO NOT REJECT INSTRUCTION OF THE LORD
"This is what the Lord says:
'The people of Judah have sinned again and again, and I will not let them go unpunished!
They have rejected the instruction of the Lord, refusing to obey his decrees.
They have been led astray by the same lies that deceived their ancestors.'" Amos 2:4
TAKE EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE
"for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but are empowered by God for tearing down strongholds. We tear down arguments and every lofty idea that is raised against the knowledge of God, and we take captive very thought to make it obey Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5