by Pastor Afolabi Oladele

Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 5:11-14

The subject of deception was spoken to in an earlier admonition. We take another step today on confronting deception amongst the children of God. Too many times we find amongst us individuals who make questionable choices and assertions and will justify same by ‘God told me.’ Let me ask you dear child of God:

• What is it that your mind is so fixed upon, that consumes all your thought?
• What are you so desperate to have, that you think time is passing you by?

That legitimate longing that you see realised in the lives of others and not yours and you so desperately desire can easily become the bait of Satan! You will fall prey to a lying spirit, the spirit of deception that makes you believe God is leading you!

Rather than acquiesce to such lies because it is covered by ‘Holy Spirit told me’, those who by reason of the exercise of their senses by the word of God must test these claims against the written word that we have come to know. The written word is a sure test to discern between good and evil. So, how do we test all spirits? (1 John 4:1).

Look for where in the scriptures their claim is patterned out (Deuteronomy 4:6-8; Psalm 119:98-100). How do their claims stand up to obedience of God’s word? How deep is your understanding of the word – We are convinced that everyone fathered by God does not make sinning a way of life, because the Son of God protects the child of God, and the Evil One cannot touch him. 1 John 5:18 TPT (see also the NLT and NASB version)?

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