Evil spirits operate in different ways in different circumstances, perpetuating error in the most advantageous way possible by using the following strategies...
1. Exaggeration
Truth is wrapped in a lie. (Galatians 3:1,3 & 2 Corinthians 10:5)
2. Exalting a Special Revelation Above the Word of God
(Colossians 2:18-19 & Galatians 1:6-9) - Remember, that the Holy Spirit never contradicts God’s word, and that we need both the written Word and special revelation. Moreover, to be discerning, we must consider the whole of God’s revelation in the Scriptures and not just focus on isolated parts... Again, to maintain our spiritual balance, we must learn to measure our experiences, emotions, and any special revelation by the authority of God’s written Word.
3. Prideful Self-Promotion
Another way the devil loves to deceive people is by persuading them that they are better than others… such people may become convinced that they are too big (too elite, too important, more educated, above criticism) to fellowship with “ordinary” Christians in an “ordinary” church. They position themselves above accountability to anyone else, exalting their own giftedness or experience level… The only cure is humility and accountability. (James 4:6 quoting Proverbs 3:34)
4. Hero Worship
Hero worship has a way of taking worship away from the only one it belongs to, God Himself, and this leads people away from truth… People’s [extreme and unrestrained] honor and respect for someone [particularly a highly anointed/gifted leader] can become distorted and end up developing into dangerous cultish hero worship.