False Gospels and Familiar Tactics
I’m glad you continue to join us each day. Today, we read Luke chapters 4–5.
It’s poor form to degrade other preachers. God can use even a poorly preached sermon to draw people to Himself. But there are times we must be indignant when people draw others to a gospel other than what Jesus preached. He is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Therefore, I believe the warning about deceiving even the elect applies here (Matthew 24:24). We must “test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1).
Satan’s limited playbook.
In recent years, officials have penalized college football coaches for stealing signals. They study film and learn what alignments lead to certain plays. In sports, this earns victories and lucrative contracts.
Satan does the same. He knows God’s playbook—the Bible. He’s studied it since before time began, but he has learned little. In the garden, he tempted Eve with:
- Provision: “It’s okay to eat this fruit” (Genesis 3:6)
- Power: “You will be like God” (Genesis 3:5)
- Protection: “You will not surely die” (Genesis 3:4)
In Luke 4, he tempts Jesus with the same:
- Turn stones into bread (Luke 4:3)
- Rule all the kingdoms (Luke 4:5–7)
- Leap from the temple (Luke 4:9–11)
Jesus, “the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2) and the source of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16), defeats Satan with the Word. Therefore, Jewish children memorize Scripture at age five. We overcome temptation through the Word of God—Jesus dwelling in us (John 1:1).
False Prosperity and True Provision
Researching this topic reveals troubling claims:
- Kenneth Copeland teaches that believers should never suffer illness or poverty.(1)
- Creflo Dollar and Jesse Duplantis claimed God wanted them to own private jets. (2)(3)
- Joel Osteen and Benny Hinn preach that material prosperity is part of the gospel. (4)(5)
But Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). He taught God blesses the poor (Luke 6:20) and that the last will be first (Matthew 20:16). We are to be content with nothing but God, trusting Him to provide (Philippians 4:11–13).
We learn from the Old Testament that there is no substitute for God. When we place faith in wealth, we say, “We can afford.” But God wants us to say, “God provides” (Deuteronomy 8:18).
Power, Suffering, and Glory
We should not seek power. “The battle belongs to the Lord” (1 Samuel 17:47). “We make our plans, but the Lord directs our steps” (Proverbs 16:9). All kings will bow to the King of Kings (Revelation 19:16).
The most faithful followers died as martyrs. Jesus taught in the Beatitudes that suffering is a blessing (Matthew 5:10–12). Dying for Him brings the greatest honor, and He rewards it with glory (Revelation 2:10).
If Satan were smarter, he would say, “Leap from this high place and you will be glorified.”
The Defense Against Deception
The devil’s playbook is predictable. Provision, power, protection. But Jesus shows us how to defend:
- Stay close to God (James 4:7–8)
- Know His Word (Psalm 119:11)
- When tempted, be ready (Ephesians 6:17).
That is true prosperity. I pray you continue studying. This is how we put our game face on, and through Christ, we win the victory.
Tomorrow, we will read Luke 6-7.
Footnotes
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Kenneth Copeland Ministries, “An End to Sickness, Disease and Poverty,” July 4, 2016. https://www.kcm.org/read/prophecies/07-04-2016/end-sickness-disease-and-poverty
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CBS News, “Jesse Duplantis Wants $54M Jet,” May 29, 2018. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jesse-duplantis-evangelist-private-jet-jesus-wouldnt-be-riding-donkey-2018-05-29/
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CNN, “Creflo Dollar’s Jet Controversy,” March 2015.
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Seeker of Christ, “Prosperity Gospel vs True Gospel,” April 3, 2025. https://seekerofchrist.com/prosperity-gospel-vs-true-gospel/
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Premier Christian News, “Benny Hinn Apologizes for False Prophecy,” May 10, 2024. https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/benny-hinn-apologises-for-false-prophecy
