Discernment, unseen spiritual perception

II Corinthians 11: [13] For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

They’re going to do what Satan did in Genesis 3; they’re going to deceive. They’re going to make the truth look like a lie and the lie look like the truth, explains Richard Jordan.

[14] And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

You know who the original transformer was?

[15] Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

They don’t come in and say, “Come join my rebellion against God and let’s follow the devil.” They go out and get ministers, preachers who act righteous, and develop steps for you to follow so you can be “godly.”

It requires discernment based upon the truth of God’s Word, tested by the standard of Scripture, to see through that.

Because it isn’t what you’re looking at. It’s not your intellect; it’s not your emotions. It’s the unseen spiritual perception that comes from the Word of God that allows you to see the truth.

That’s why Paul says in Ephesians, [18] And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess.

That’s the lie program. He ends the verse, “But be filled with the Spirit.” You see, it’s what God gives you through His Word.

You know, this discernment issue—think about it. If you just go by what you see, it’s impossible to know which side to be on.

Think about salvation. What do you see when you hear the gospel? “Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose again the third day.”

Somebody will say, “A dead Jew up on a cross.”

People see Christ at His weakest point. Paul says in II Corinthians 13, [3] Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.
[4] For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.

There’s the weakness of Him dying on the Cross and we cry, “Look THERE; that’s where victory is!”

Their response: “What are you talking about?! Victory’s in defeat?! C’mon, let’s play pool; I want to make some money.”

It’s in having that spiritual perception about what it is in your walk as a Believer.

People will say, “ ‘His strength is made perfect in my weakness’?! That can’t be right! ‘Weakness is going to be strength’?! I mean, c’mon, give me some rules to follow! Give me some steps and I’ll achieve.”

None of it makes any sense to human viewpoint. You know why? Because you’re going on human viewpoint. That’s why Paul finishes the verse, “Be filled with the Spirit.”

Have your mind controlled by the love and grace of God found in Christ revealed through His Word to us.

And when you have your life under the control of God’s Word, under the control of the grace and love that’s given us today in Christ, then you can control your life, your self.