Spiritual Deep Fakes – Are you being Deceived?

Do Not Be Deceived!

Jesus warned his disciples about deceivers promoting their fake gospels. Are you being deceived? Don’t be too quick to answer, as Christ said many would come and deceive many. Are you one of the many? Christ’s warning was that we should be ‘on guard’ so that we would not be misled. For the ‘many’ would wander off, and go astray, roaming away from the truth. Jesus wanted his followers to know the truth and live by God’s word of truth. But he also knew the power of the scammers of his day. So he gave a warning.

In the Era of the Deep Fake

Our world also has its fraudulent schemers and deceptive scammers. And with the power of technology we are getting ever closer to a time when deep fake artists can easily ‘duplicate speech’ using voice editing tech. So how will we know who to trust, when it will be difficult to discern between the reality and the fake? Paul faced this issue in his time. He had seen brethren become subverted by the ‘false apostles’ the deep fakes. He asked his readers, “Are you being deceived?” And he knew that some would be. So how was a believer to judge fact from fiction, when even Satan could appear as an ‘angel of light?’

The Test of Reality

Jesus gave the answer in his advice to his disciples. He taught them to judge those who purport to teach the truth by their fruit. What did he mean? For Jesus, words and crafty speaking skills were not enough. The proof of a person’s authority to speak for God was in his way of life.

Jesus plainly said that those living lawless lives were not representing him, no matter how persuasive their teaching. Paul confirmed this when he told the Galatians that God is not mocked. And those who would use God’s name while preaching against God’s principles would reap what they had sown.

Paul Contends with the Imposters

Paul warned his followers to reject those charismatic leaders who were caught in the moral corruption of ancient Roman society. He advised these new ‘Christians’ to be wary of the spiritual fakes, and intellectual frauds. Paul told the believers to avoid the company of the imposters who would serve up a lethal mix of truth and error — Greek philosophy and gnosticism cleverly packaged in a new ‘Christian wrapper.” But his warnings still resonate with us today, and we need to be on our guard against the intellectual appeal of ‘new truths’ that are just a re-envisioning of old lies.

Guarding Against Heresy

James offered a word of advice to the brethren who lived in a world full of temptations. He warned that we are led away and stray from the path when we allow our own desires to tempt us. So what do we desire that could lead us to embrace deceptions? The answer is probably a very personal and individual one, so we must know ourselves and our weaknesses. James tells us that it is these desires, that lead to deceptive thoughts, and actions and eventually death. So what was his solution? We need to be firmly rooted and planted in God’s word. As careful and thoughtful listeners we need to be patient and reflective so we can see the fruit of truth… or lies. And we need to be aware and walking in the truth ourselves – not just giving it lip service.

The Loyal Servant

At the end of Jesus’ ministry he taught his followers that it was the faithful application of God’s word that would guard and protect us from deception. In his story about the wise, loyal, servant he distinguishes between those who have spiritual insight and those who don’t. The foolish servant’s lifestyle is one that is self-serving, and fails to realize that God will judge him for his irresponsible and evil ways. He was certainly deceiving himself! On the other hand, the sensible servant not only lived faithfully, but took pains to care for others. He was fully equipped, both knowing God’s instructions and applying them appropriately to fulfill his responsibilities.

Are You Being Deceived?

So what about us, you and me? Are you being deceived? Or is your mind and heart filled with the knowledge of God through the scripture, that helps you discern between fact and fiction. And even more importantly, are you applying what you know for the benefit of others?

View the video:
http://cogwebcast.com/sermons/video-archives/spiritual-deep-fakes-deceived/

Are we following the Shepherd who will protect his sheep?

Learn more about avoid deception and walking with God.

http://cogwebcast.com/sermons/video-archives/shepherds-and-sheep/

Tags: are you being deceived, #cogwebcast, #deception, #deepfakes, delusions, duplicating speech technology, #falseprophets, fraudulent schemes, Jeff Patton, Judeo Christianity, Judeo-Christian scriptures, planeo go astray, roaming away from the truth, spiritual foundation, voice copying tech