PRÉCIS ON THE TERRIBLE IMPORTANCE OF DISCERNMENT IN THE AGE OF ANTICHRIST, DELUSION, AND THE DOCTRINES OF DEMONS

SCRIPTURE. “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. As one who reckons, he says to you, eat and drink, yet his heart is not with you [but is grudging the cost].” – PROVERBS 23:7, AMPC

KEY TERM: “HEART.” ‘Nephesh’ [נֶפֶשׁ]; ‘Leb’ [לֵב]: Collectively, these two terms refer to ‘The essence of an individual; i.e., one’s inner core of being;’ also, the breath of vitality of someone; essential desires; one’s basic feelings, will, or intellect [understanding of reality]; the chief part; the vital part; the vigorous or efficacious part; the seat of the affections and passions, as of love, joy, grief, enmity, courage, pleasure, [‘comprehension of truth’].”

QUOTATION. “At such times [of desperation or crisis], the heart of man turns instinctively towards his Maker. In Prosperity, and whenever there is nothing to injure or make him afraid, he remembers Him not, and is ready to defy Him; but place him in the midst of Dangers, cut him off from human aid, let the Grave open before him, then it is, in the time of his Tribulation, that the scoffer and unbelieving man turns to God for help, feeling there is no other hope, or refuge, or safety, save in His protecting arm.” ― SOLOMON NORTHUP, Twelve Years a Slave, 1853; edited

COMMENTARY. “God’s restraints of the appetite only say, ‘Do thyself no harm’ (4-5). Be not of those that will be rich. The things of this world are not happiness and a portion for a soul; those that hold them ever so fast, cannot hold them always, cannot hold them long (6-8). Do not make thyself burdensome to any, especially those not sincere.

When we are called by God to His Feast, and to let our souls delight themselves, (Isaiah 25:6; 55:2), we may safely partake of the Bread of Life (9). It is our duty to take all fit occasions to speak of Divine Things; but if what a wise man says will not be heard, let him hold his peace (10-11). The fatherless are taken under God’s special protection. He is their Redeemer, who will take their part; and He is mighty, almighty.” – MATTHEW HENRY, Exposition of the Old and New Testaments, 6 vols., 1708-1710; edited

DK’S TAKE. Just a couple of simple but nonetheless salient points to bring this little study to a tidy conclusion. First: We know that only God fully knows the heart of man (1 Kings 8:39).  Second: However, we can, by the ‘Discernment of spirits’ know a good portion of that heart if we are prayerful and careful (1 John 4:1).

“For what person perceives (knows and understands) what passes through a man’s thoughts except the man’s own spirit within him? ‘Just so no one discerns (comes to know and comprehend) the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.’” – 1 CORINTHIANS 2:11, AMPC

Therefore, as we negotiate the Stormy Times that are all but upon us, it is vital that we DISCERN ACCURATELY: (1) Sound Doctrine vs. False Doctrine; and (2) Truth-Tellers vs. False Witnesses. If we do not master these Two Spiritual Disciplines, beloved, we run the very real risk of being swept away by the hurricane force Temptations to Apostatize in the days ahead.

THE LESSON. The Path to Success in this is so very simple, but precious few follow it: ‘Dive headlong into God’s Word every day!’ There is no substitute for it, including sitting under your favorite pastor, reading your (or his) favorite books, or listening to what other Christians are saying about the truth.

I could not possibly say it any better than J.I. PACKER: “Once you become aware that the Main Business that you are here for is to ‘Know God,’ most of life’s problems fall into place of their own accord” (Knowing God, 1973).

‘He is our only Anchor Point in the Coming Gale,’ so must we tether ourselves to Him and His Truth more than we ever have before. Selah.