Discernment: Guarding Against Spiritual Deception in Christianity

In times past God has spoken in many revelations, each of which set forth a piece of truth, and in different ways spoke to our forefathers in and by the OT prophets, but he has chosen in these last days to speak to us in the person of His Son, whom he appointed heir and lawful owner of all things (Heb. 1:1-4 AMP).

Satan has been actively opposing the truth of God’s Word since the days of the early church. His opposition is especially strong against the teaching of the gospel message. First Peter 5:8 warns the church, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

Jesus warned His disciples that in the last days deception would be rampant. He said, “See to it that no one misleads you. Many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He!’ and they will mislead many. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. These things must take place. But that is not yet the end. For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places. There will also be famines. These things are only the beginning of birth pains (Matt. 24:4-8).

Satan has repeatedly raised up false teachers within the church to try to deceive God’s people. The apostle Paul warned the Ephesian elders. He noted that “from among your own selves men will arise.” These men will speak perverse things to draw away the disciples after them (Acts 20:30). It is no different in our times as some Christian leaders decided to link arms with the conservative party

A major theme throughout the New Testament is discernment. As God’s people we need to develop spiritual discernment to discern spiritual deception in the church and the world. God is speaking to this generation in a profound way. We must know and understand how God reveals Himself. This understanding allows us to discern the truth and obey what the Spirit is saying to the Church. Any time that God speaks, it is absolute truth. God’s intention for any word that He gives is always preemptive.

As the political climate heats up before the 2024 election, God’s people must discern the enemy’s tactics. The enemy uses the spirit of racism to blind us from the truth of God’s love for humanity. It also wields the political and religious spirit. Additionally, witchcraft blinds Christians to the truth of the gospel. Many have been deceived throughout generations by a lying spirit to deceive the Church.

It begins with personal renewal and warfare through oneness together in one spirit, and having the mind of Christ. “For, “Who can know the LORD’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?” But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16 NLT). We are called to live in harmony with each other. “Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all” (Rom. 12:6).

We are Christ’s body on earth, called to live in harmony with each other (Rom. 12:16). If one part of the body suffers than all suffer. There should be no division in the church, but have equal concern for each other. (1 Cor. 12:25). “Now you are Christ’s body, and individually parts of it. “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call (Eph. 4:4).

Minister A. Francine Green

Notes: Unless otherwise identified, scripture quotations are taken from the New American Standard Bible.

A. Francine Green is an ordained minister and the author of Daughter of the King: Possessing Your Spiritual Inheritance .