By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 "For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve." - NIV
To discern is to recognize what is not obvious and is hidden. In spiritual matters, it is the ability to sense what is presented as good and from God, and what is evil and from the devil, but disguised as good and harmless. Paul was battling with false apostles who came in the name of Christ, but purely under satanic influence. He notes that Satan too, pretends to be an angel of light, and so do his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness.
This is the heart of deception. Not all that comes in the name of the Lord is from God. Because they are carefully packaged and designed to decieve the unsuspecting naive minds, many consume it without question like a bait. They may carry the same Bible, appear to teach from it, possess the same titles, and do many related things to the true servants of God. But within and behind them is Satan himself. Jesus too warned of false teachers and prophets who come in sheep skins, but are dangerous wolves.
As the we draw closer to the end of time, deception will increase. Any good and discerning bible student can see this all around us. There has never been a time we need the gift of discernment more than now, if we are to be safe and secure in the faith and our walk with God. Unfortunately, many have, and will still fall victims. And yet we have been given all that we need to discern and be safe. We look into this in the next days.
Matthew 7:15-16 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?"
Shalom children of God.