Lately
it seems that cults are becoming much more subtle in their approach to draw
people into their circle.
They
often appeal to a person's sense of well-being and promise them peace and
tranquility, relaxation, and some form of power (often with the help of a
spiritual guide) to overcome life's difficulties. There will be some form of fellowship since many
people drawn into these groups are lonely, without purpose, and looking for
direction and answers.
They
appeal to universal needs we all have. And they can sound very promising and very convincing! Well, isn't that just like the serpent up to his same
old tricks offering an alternative, or "another" and better way than
what God offers?
Read
the account of the serpent and Eve in Genesis 3 to see what I mean. And look at what happened to us all as a result of Eve
and Adam listening to him!
Instead
of immortality and life in paradise, we were sentenced to a fallen earth and
ultimate death!
Let's
look at some important Scriptures so that we can have a heightened sense of
awareness on how to discern what is of God and what is not.
Firstly,
Scripture says that Satan tries to mimic the works of God and the people of God
- he tricks people into thinking it is the real thing when it is not.
2Co 11:12 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off
occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be
found even as we.
2Co 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers,
transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
2Co 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an
angel of light.
2Co 11:15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also
be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according
to their works.
How
do we discern what is of God and what is a counterfeit?
When
a true believer speaks, they will speak of the Lord and it will line up with
Scripture. Those who are true believers will
have a hunger for the Word of God, and will be teachable to soak up all they
can get from the Word. They will love God and love His Word, and know that in order
to know God, they have to know His Word. You can tell when someone has been immersed in the
Word of God -- they will know Scripture and use it at the appropriate time. It will have a definite effect on those who hear even
though it may not be evident right away.
Joh 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom
the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all
things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Also,
a true believer's message will line up with the Biblical Gospel message, and
will not add to it or change it in any way to be "another" gospel:
Gal 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that
called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Gal 1:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble
you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
Gal 1:8 But though we,
or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we
have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Gal 1:9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man
preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be
accursed.
Gal 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to
please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
Notice
in verse 10, these won't be words of vanity to draw attention to oneself. These words will be spoken to please God, and to
glorify God.
See
2 Cor.11:12 further up.
An
example is when you hear someone share a personal encounter with God. A legitimate personal testimony that involves the
transforming works of God can and will always be capable of being verified by
Scripture.
It
will stand up to Scripture and bear fruit for the Kingdom of God. Also, the main focus is not on what we do, but on what the
Lord has done and is doing for us.
Works
of the Spirit
Also
important is that we must be careful not to discount legitimate works of the
Spirit because we don't understand something. Scripture is filled with miracles and works of the
Spirit. Check out the book of Acts. Throughout the Old Testament the Lord and angels of
the Lord appeared to people.
Jesus
walked the earth and performed thousands of miracles, which were so many there
was no room to record them all!
We
cannot understand everything.
Jesus
died and rose from the dead! Do we understand how this happened? Of course not,
but we believe He did nonetheless, otherwise we can't be saved!
So
we can discern anyone who performs miracles whether they are of God by the
FRUITS of the Spirit and if these works glorify God or man! If someone received healing, for example, this should
increase their faith and draw them close to God -- this glorifies God!!
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh
with the affections and lusts.
Eph 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and
righteousness and truth;)
Eph 5:10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
So
here is a checklist of what to consider if we are in doubt that something is
from God or not:
1.
Does
it glorify God?
2.
It
is pleasing to God?
3.
Does
it cause any doubt or confusion?
4.
Does
it support the gospel message or detract from it in any way - i.e. - will it in
some way lead someone to the saving grace of the cross?
5.
Does
it draw attention to self or to God?
6.
If
it appears to be a miracle, can it be backed up with Scripture?
7.
Does
it draw you closer to God?
8.
Is
it a truth that refines and convicts you to be more like Christ?
9.
Is
it something that Jesus would agree with?
10. Does it come at a personal cost to
you?
Let's
not be fooled, either something is of God or it isn't. Either we are on God's side or we aren't. The way of the cross is narrow and yet filled with
peace, but the way of the world (of which Satan rules) is a wide path that
promises happiness but leads to destruction. No good will ever come of following or participating
in what is evil in God's sight.
Dan 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth
shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and
everlasting contempt.
Dan 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of
the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever
and ever.
