Feigned Words

We often speak of Satan as an instrument of praise. However, Satan is also a preacher. In fact, he is an extraordinary evangelist. This creature who was once of the light, corrupted himself with pride, jealousy and wantonness; he entered the Garden of God and preached one message that turned God’s creation against him.

In the book of Galatians, Paul lists seventeen lusts of the flesh that are manifestations of the darkness that Satan unleashed on the world through the Flesh of men. Included in them are sedition (disunion or division), emulation (fierce jealousy, envy and indignation, which is extreme resentment), idolatry (image worship,) and witchcraft (sorcery or to cast a spell). These are seducing spirits that lead saints away from the truth. We have failed to look at how these sins of the flesh are accomplished.

Paul warned the Ephesians by encouraging them to put on the armor of God, so that they might be able to stand against the wiles of the devil (Eph. 6:11). When the sons of God allow wrong thinking to create iniquity in the heart, they proceed to work the works of Satan in the Church. The most popular device used by those who walk in darkness is feigned words. Jesus had to contend with such throughout the course of his ministry.

A. INVENTING A PRETENDED RESPONSE

Luke 20:20-21

20 And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of His words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor

21 And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:

The word feign, is the Greek word hypokrinomai meaning: to pretend, to invent a story, excuse, allegation or response; to make a pretense of a feeling or response. In the scripture above, the Jewish clergy sent spies to pretend they were righteous men who believed on Jesus. They watched him; no doubt to learn of his message and his sentiments so that they could pretend the same sentiments regarding the truth he preached. But their purpose was to ensnare him by catching hold of his words, pervert the truth (take certain of his statements out of context) and make false accusations against him. “For every one that doeth evil hateth the light,” states John in John 3:20.

These men hated Christ and desired to destroy the influence he had with the people. All my life in Christ I wondered how saints could knowingly make up lies to tell others in the Body of Christ. I considered this to be extremely bizarre and unbelievable behavior. I could not bring myself to simply accept that Holy Ghost filled saints would knowingly invent lies; and worse, would invent lies to tell on other saints.

B. INVENTING A STORY

The truth is, this feign behavior has been in the church since its conception. Most of us remember the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-10.

They were the husband and wife team who desired to be seen as great, charitable givers to the church. They sold a piece of property for a certain price, but did not wish to give the Church the entire amount; therefore, they invented a story to tell the apostles. The husband lied to Peter first and then three hours later, the wife came in and told the same story.

Acts 5:9

9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.

Peter and I had exactly the same sentiments. How could two people, who are Holy Ghost filled, sit down and agree to invent a story which they will boldly tell to other Holy Ghost filled members of the Body? Only those who have lost their fear of God and who see the people of God after the flesh, can accomplish this behavior. However, because they dared to tempt the Holy Ghost, they both fell into the arms of death. The use of feigned words in the Church is also cited in Peter’s letter to the churches in Asia.

2 Peter 2:3

3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

The word covetousness is the Greek word pleonexia which means extortion, greediness and fraudulent practices. There are people in the Body of Christ who are kind, loving and very giving. They appreciate God and they love the people of God. In many cases these are the people who are often grossly taken advantage of. There are those who lie in wait for these souls. They are covetous, wanting to possess that which God has given to another. They are greedy and will use fraudulent and ungodly practices to get what they want.

This operation is practiced with neighbors, relatives, friends and yes, even brothers and sisters in the household of faith. Here Peter points out the use of feigned words to deceive and make merchandise of the people of God. When people become a means to an end to satisfy our lusts for the things of this world, we will use satanic devices to get whatever it is we want.

C. CASTING A SPELL

Let us not be ignorant of this device. Feigned words are powerful. They are pretended feelings and responses, or invented stories, excuses or allegations. They are convincing and able to cast a spell over some of the people they target. If this were not so, then they would have no success rate; especially in the church.

Spell: a form of words used as a charm or incantation; a state of enchantment; an ability to control or influence people as though one had magical power over them.

In the past we have jokingly called these people drama queens or mister fake or phony. But this is no joking matter. Many have been deceived, used and abused by feigned words. Some may think it far-fetched to associate casting a spell with this practice of pretense. But the function of witchcraft is the casting of a spell or enchantment using words. It is the ability to control the thoughts and actions of others.

Someone asked me, “How does one know they are under the power of a spell or enchantment?” The answer is simple, “When you are so devoted to someone you will do their bidding despite their negative character and/or the purpose God allows you to see and hear; you are under their spell. The Holy Ghost is a discerning spirit. It will let us know when we are entering into an action or bond of iniquity. If we willingly override our conscience, then we will fall prey to the spell or control of another. Once that is the case, we can be manipulated and led to do things that are against our better judgment. We have entertained people whom we knew to be jealous-hearted and/or greedy; yet we indulged them and gave into their bosom. Why? Because we overrode our conscience, we became caught up in the power of their feigned words. What is the solution to this problem? and how do we rid the church of this form of witchcraft?

Romans 16:17-20

17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Keep it simple. Obey the word. Avoid those who beguile and deceive. Keep no company and have no fellowship with them.

They are workers of iniquity and members of the synagogue of Satan. They may be your friend, your brother, sister, aunt, uncle, mother, father, or even your pastor or apostle. Do righteous judgment. Deal with people where God shows you they are, instead of where you desire them to be. Try every spirit to see if it is of God.

Stop overlooking and overriding those things you know to be the truth. Don’t be silent and accommodating. Confront that disposition and make known the will of God. Your pity and sympathy is the stage they perform on. It will not deliver them. But the truth is sufficient to bring such a one to repentance, should God grant it. Remember, feigned words are designed to lead you into fulfilling the will and desire of man, not God.

ld God grant it. Remember, feigned words are designed to lead you into fulfilling the will and desire of man, not God.