Deception, Part 1: How to Spot It

I have been increasingly concerned about the level of deception that is attempting infiltration in the Church. Having battled and withstood similar attempts, our church dug deeper into the Word of God to reaffirm our love for the Truth and ensure that our steps were being ordered by God's Word. The more we studied and read, the more we noted this battle throughout the New Testament, and in the churches Paul addressed in his epistles.

Deception's attack has been subtle in some cases, as is its custom. I have seen the attacks against the church I pastor and have heard other pastors express their similar concerns. On a global scale, this is also a concern for the Church body. We are seeing deception increase in our world. Read Romans 1 for the phases of this downward spiral. A key moment in that passage is verse 25, when they "change the truth of God into a lie..."
Truth is vital and deception is deadly. How can the Church guard against deception? We must know how to recognize it, and the earlier the better.

Atmospheres that Promote Deception

1) In absence of accountability and oversight, deception sneaks in. False doctrines can work their way in through unguarded gates. Paul discovered this tragic reality when his travels took him away from the churches he planted and he had to marvel that the believers were "so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ." (Galatians 1:6-9)  What are some of the unguarded gates in churches? Is there accountability between ministry leaders, teachers and the pastor? Is there a shared foundation that ensures teaching and preaching is consistent and in one accord? Are the various ministries on the same page? I'm not just talking about "We all teach from the same Bible." We know how many wrong directions people can go while citing the Bible as their common source. Among our ministry leaders and teachers, we can use shared curriculum,  and we should have a shared purpose and vision, and clear guidelines on what sources we will and will not use. After those lines are drawn, accountability helps ensure that all are following those shared paths and no one is veering off wildly from the body of Christ.

2) When compromise is permitted, deception results from the merger. There are many deadly doctrines of devils floating around in our world and pushing at the gates of the Church. They come in books by questioning authors and cultural commentators. They come from false teachers and false prophets running profitable businesses whose teachings are contrary to the Bible and the Apostolic Doctrine.
If we are pooling resources from them without discernment, their doctrine will without a doubt affect ours. Read with a filter but understand there are some cases where the source is so polluted that no filter will keep out the poison. "From such, turn away."

In an atmosphere conducive to deception, deception will always accept the invitation. Here's how it appears when it walks through the door:

How Deception Presents Itself

1) A "Deeper Revelation" - Red flags go up when I hear someone say, "Most people have always thought the Bible meant this...but I've discovered that what it really means is _________." There's often an element of pride and self-promotion inherent in this statement. Instead of saying, "I've never seen this before in my Bible study" some say, "I found something that no one else has ever found." In the words of H.B. Charles, "If you found something in the Bible no one has ever found before, you're wrong."

This idea of higher personal knowledge plays on pride and the knowledge that "puffeth up". (1 Corinthians 8:1) This is the approach that Satan used in the original deception in the Garden of Eden. 

"And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil." (Genesis 3:1-5)

 It's worth noting that the deception was camouflaged as a desire to know more and to be like God. This tactic has not changed. It may come from someone who is more spiritual than everyone else. Because it poses as higher spirituality and desire for deeper revelation, this deception can catch you off guard. 

2) A "Beneficial Compromise" - "Can't we all just get along?" The "what ifs" are heavily featured in these deceptive conversations. Questions arise like, "What if we were a little more lenient about this doctrine? It would allow us to join forces with others. Imagine the impact we could have!" "What if we weren't so hard-nosed about the necessity of the Holy Ghost? Think of all the other believers who would join us!"

This call to compromise is a cleverly cloaked enemy. It can seem like a pure desire to win souls, grow in knowledge, expand the Kingdom, etc., but know this:

God will never sign a peace treaty between Truth and deception.

These deceptive approaches are tough to spot without Holy Ghost vision and discernment. They are carefully camouflaged. They have worked since the Beginning. Once you see them working in the undercurrents of your church, you need to pray, fast, seek wisdom and counsel, and prepare to confront the deception. Part 2 of this feature will discuss that process. Thanks for reading!