Truth is always of God and can never be known or understood by natural reasoning but by spiritual discernment, revelation or conviction (Matthew 16:17; 1 Corinthians 2:11,14). But because mankind being ‘flesh and blood’ is subject to a material world, Satan employs lying schemes and devices to outwit mankind’s understanding of spiritual things. (Hebrew 2 :1; 1 Peter 5.8; Job 1:7; 2 Corinthians 2:11; Mark 4:15).
Those who receive the ‘word of God’ must endeavour to “[receive] it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe” (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Similarly, one who desires to understand the truth in any matter must ensure to avoid the influence of worldly devices or schemes of Satan which may inhibit discernment of truth over a lie.
Brethren it is necessary to receive the word of truth by faith or belief because, by spiritual manipulation, “when any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and [understands] it not, then cometh the wicked one, and [takes] away that which was sown in his heart” (Matthew 13:19). Thus, if one opens your heart to the truth, the Spirit will confirm in you whether it is.
- SCHEMES OF SPIRITUAL MANIPULATION
