JUL 16

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12
Memorise Matthew 24:4-5, 11, 24
“with all power and signs and lying wonders”

ARE YOU ON GUARD AGAINST DECEPTION?

In 2 Thessalonians 2:8 we are told that this particular Satanically-inspired person will be revealed. This Antichrist will imitate the coming of Christ. He will probably identify himself as the Christ, the Messiah, the Saviour, and deceive many. “You are looking for your coming Saviour, I am he,” he will say. That is why Jesus warned us, “Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many” (Matthew 24:4-5).

How will the Antichrist capture the allegiance and adoration of the whole world? In verse 9 we are told that his coming is “after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders”. He will be empowered by Satan to perform deceptive miracles. Today’s Charismatic miracle workers like Benny Hinn with all their signs and wonders are preparing the false church to receive this false Christ. Be careful Christian, don’t be deceived. Know the truth and love the truth that you might be saved (v 10).

Know that Jesus Christ will not return until the Antichrist is revealed. But some may say, “I do not see the Antichrist to be here yet. So I can still enjoy myself, do what I like, since Christ’s coming is nowhere near”. Paul warns against presumptuousness for the Antichrist can appear at any time (v 5-6). For although the person of lawlessness has not yet come, the principle of lawlessness is already at work (v 7). In other words, this work of opposing Christ and His Church is already going on. For instance, the Thessalonian Church was already undergoing persecutions and tribulations (1 Thessalonians 1:4). 1 John 2:18 tells us, “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time”. There are many antichrists running around in the world today. Satan will spare no effort to destroy or corrupt the Word of God, to hinder the Church from preaching the gospel, to attack God’s servants and His saints. So we must be ever diligent in preaching the Gospel, and ever vigilant in defending the Faith.

Thought: It is not enough to be a Bible believer, true disciples of Christ must also be Bible defenders.
Prayer: Lord, I want to be a defender of Thy Perfect Word—the Holy Scriptures.