GUARD AGAINST THE SPIRIT OF ERROR

“We are [children] of God. Whoever is learning to know God [progressively to perceive, recognize, and understand God by observation and experience, and to get an ever-clearer
knowledge of Him] listens to us; and he who is not of God
does not listen or pay attention to us. By this we know
(recognize) the Spirit of Truth and the spirit of error.”
I John 4:6
Amplified Bible

I think we can all agree that we are living in the last of the last days spoken of in 2 Timothy 3:1. The Bible gives the signs of the last days. Along with the wars, rumors or wars, earthquakes and pestilences, the bible says to “Be careful that no one misleads you [deceiving you and leading you into error].” Jesus goes on to warn that the false prophets, false teachers and false messiahs WILL deceive many (Matthew 24:5, 11; Mark 13:6). Paul told Timothy that in the last days men would resist and set themselves against the truth. Like Jannes and Jambres, they would withstand and oppose the truth. The Apostle Jude says they will oppose authority and speak evil of angels. The spirit of Cain, Korah and Balaam would also be prevalent in the last days. The phenomenal thing is that, these things will be going on right in the church! Jude says, “When these people join you in fellowship meals celebrating the love of the Lord, they are like dangerous reefs that can shipwreck you. They are shameless in the way they care only about themselves” (Jude 1:12).
How can we guard against the deception of the last days? Jesus said MANY would be led astray. So, how can we know the truth from error? The truth from a lie? How can we detect even the slightest deviation from the truth of God’s word? One consolation is in Matthew 24:24 where it says, “They will try to fool even the people God has chosen, if that is possible.” If you stay rooted and grounded in God’s word and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, He will “he will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13).
The Apostle John gives insight on how to guard against deception and error in the last days. Key phrases in the book of 1 John are “truth” and “light.” Also, the phrases, “in the light” and “born of God” are prevalent. By doing these things, not only will it safeguard you from error, but also enable you to discern those who are false and living in error!
First, we must be born of God. Meaning we must accept Jesus Christ as our personal savior by the regeneration of the Spirit. Secondly, we must actively pursue and learn about God, His precepts and His ways. Next, the love of the truth is a safeguard from deception! What is Truth? The Word is truth (John 17:17). 1 Thessalonians 2:10-11 says, many will die because they did not LOVE the truth. As a result, they will become strongly deluded! Love the truth, even if it hurts! Finally, speak the TRUTH in love. If it is received, then you will recognize the Spirit of Truth. If the Truth of God’s word is rejected, you will be able to discern and know the spirit of error.
Actively pursue an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. LOVE, RECEIVE, HEAR and OBEY the truth! This will guard against the false teaching, error and lies of the last days. Be on guard and love the truth!