False Teachings and the Deception of Satan
Beloved in Christ, in these perilous times, the call to discernment has never been more critical. The apostle Paul warns us in 2 Corinthians 11:12–15 that there are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. This deception is not accidental. It is orchestrated by the adversary himself—Satan, who disguises himself as an angel of light. His servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness, but their end will be according to their deeds.
Let us not be surprised, then, that the enemy uses counterfeit teachings to draw believers away from the truth. He does not always come with a red suit and horns—often he comes through smooth speech, emotional appeals, and even a false appearance of piety. Just as he quoted Scripture out of context to tempt Yeshua (Jesus) in the wilderness, he continues to twist the Word of God to lead many astray.
In Acts 17:11, the Berean Jews were commended because they did not take Paul’s teachings at face value. Rather, they examined the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. That is the model for every true believer. We must test every teaching, every doctrine, and every spirit by the Word of God.
Far too many today place their trust in charismatic personalities, popular movements, or long-standing traditions that cannot be upheld by the Word. But Scripture repeatedly warns that many will follow false teachers, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned (2 Peter 2:1-2).
Babylon the Great is the great harlot of false religion, drunk with the blood of the saints (Revelation 17:5-6). Her influence is widespread, enticing many with her apparent riches, wisdom, and power. But Revelation 18:4 gives a stern command to God's people: 'Come out of her, my people, so that you will not participate in her sins and receive of her plagues.' It is not enough to disagree silently—we are called to flee false religion and its teachings lest we share in its judgment.
False teachers often promise liberty, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. They boast of visions, dreams, or private revelations, but lead others into rebellion against God’s clear and perfect Word. As Jude writes, 'These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, not having the Spirit' (Jude 19).
Therefore, beloved, do not be carried away by strange doctrines (Hebrews 13:9). Instead, let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly. Let the sword of the Spirit—the Word of God—be your defense against all lies. And let us pray continually for wisdom and discernment, that we may hold fast to what is good and abstain from every form of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:21–22).
Thanks be to God who has not left us without guidance. His Word is truth. His Spirit convicts, teaches, and leads into all truth. May we walk in that truth, fleeing every lie, and enduring in faith until the return of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah.
To God be the glory, for His mercy endures forever through Jesus Christ our Savior. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3)
Referenced Scriptures (LSB):
2 Corinthians 11:12–15,“But what I am doing I will continue to do, so that I may cut off opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the matter about which they are boasting. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his ministers also disguise themselves as ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.”
Acts 17:11, “Now these 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.”
2 Peter 2:1–2, “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned.”
Revelation 17:5–6, “And on her forehead a name was written, a mystery, 'BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.' And I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus. When I saw her, I marveled with great marvel.”
Revelation 18:4, “And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, 'Come out of her, my people, so that you will not participate in her sins and receive of her plagues;”
Jude 19, “These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, not having the Spirit.”
Hebrews 13:9, “Do not be carried away by various and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited.”
1 Thessalonians 5:21–22, “But examine all things; hold fast to that which is good. Abstain from every form of evil.”
Ephesians 1:3,” Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,”
