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Defenses Against Deception | Episode 4 | Darkness
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In the fourth episode of "Defenses Against Deception," Duane warns about the dangers of deception and darkness in the world today. Many of God's people have fallen into deception, leading to self-destruction in their Christian walk. Jesus Christ warns in Matthew 24:4 to "take heed that no man deceive you." Many false messiahs and deceivers will come and lead many astray. However, Christians can guard their hearts against deception by understanding how Satan operates and learning to discern good from evil based on a biblical worldview.
The key defense against deception is the Word of God. In 1 Timothy 4, the Bible expressly states that in the last days, some will depart from the faith by giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of devils instead of sound doctrine from Christ. The world is becoming darker, but Christians must resist being dragged into that darkness through deception.
As 2 Timothy 3:13 states, "Evil men and imposters will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived." While the Bible warns that things will get darker in the world, Christians need not agree with or be consumed by that ever-increasing darkness. They are called to be lights shining brightly in the midst of gross darkness.
Deception is infiltrating churches today. Many Christians embrace outright abominations and justify them, not realizing they have been deceived because they do not know the Scriptures well enough. Moral issues like abortion, gender ideology, and anti-Semitism have led Christians astray from God's Word.
The Scriptures, inspired by God, can make one wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Knowing the Holy Scriptures is the first roadblock and greatest defense against all deception. It equips Christians with doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness so that the person of God may be complete and equipped for every good work.
Duane urges Christians to continue in the things they have learned from the Scriptures and been assured of, knowing the truth, such as the fact that all have sinned, there is no other way to salvation except through Jesus Christ, and one must be born again to see the kingdom of God. Pastors especially must dedicate themselves to understanding the Scriptures to properly feed God's people with wisdom from His Word. Only then can Christians be kept from the path of deception and remain on the path of light, righteousness, and life in Christ.
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