We can open ourselves up to becoming easy targets. We may train really hard to be "on point;" to be able to "attack" that our defense slips without us realizing it.
"The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron." 1 Timothy 4:1-2
If we aren't actively working and progressing in our faith we are standing still -- we will be an easy target.
The best way to tell a lie is to include a tiny bit of truth with the lie.
Anything can be twisted. When you hear something, some "new" truth, research. Get the background. Come to your own conclusions. Use your brain and your thinking skills you've been blessed with (these too will get stronger the more you use them).
"But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves." 2 Peter 2:1
There are ordained ministers who aren't preaching truth. The Word offends because when we are wrong we need to be corrected. And often, we are wrong.
False Teachers have three characteristics according to the above verse:
1. Hypocritical (don't practice what they preach)
2. Liars
3. Seared (burned) conscience. When something is burned that bad all the feelings is burned away.
The only way to hear the Spirit is to listen. You can't pick and choose when it cmoes to what Jesus says. You have to take it all. God is a righteous judge.
Listen to the Spirit, not the person.
"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come." John 16:13
"Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come.This is how we know it is the last hour." 1 John 2:18
Satan can't change God but he can twist our view of God if we let him.
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves." Matthew 7:15
"The Truth, the Whole Truth; nothing but The Truth"
That is wholly American and originated in the late 1700s. God's Word stands alone. Without the whole truth we have nothing.
"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
It cuts every tie. There's not a blunt part on it. The tenants of God are still the same. Defy false prophets -- be active.
"If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters,[a] you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed." 1 Timothy 4:6
"He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.” Matthew 13:52
We can't turn a blind eye toward a false prophet. We have to confront when we see this.
And if you have gifts, share them. Be an active worker for Christ.
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15
"Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." Ephesians 4:15-16
"Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales;rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." 1 Timothy 4:7-8
"Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me. 17 Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own." John 7:16-17
Choose to do the will of God (over and over -- lifelong choice, second by second choice).
"Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son." 2 John 1:9
A sample of Jesus is not enough.
"But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless." Titus 3:9
"This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe." 1 Timothy 4:9-10
Strive continually. Strive means we don't quit. Move. BE a hard target. Emphasizes God's word in your life.
"That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day." 2 Timothy 1:12
Use the gifts God has give you.
"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." James 1:22
God cannot work through us until God is at work within us.