Text: Matthew 24:4-5 NKJV

Further Reading: Matthew 24:1-5

And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.

Matthew 24:4-5 NKJV

MESSAGE

Of the many signs of the end times, it’s amazing how the Lord spoke about the deception that will take the major stage in the church and society. Two thousand years later, Christ’s assessment could not be any truer.

Sadly we live in a very dangerous time of high deception and lies. Many deceivers have gone out to deceive and turn many away from the way of life. Jesus sternly warned us against these deceptions because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
I John 4:1 NKJV

They claim to be servants of Christ but teach doctrines of devils. New age religion is on the rise disguising itself to be the real thing. Some have claimed that Jesus is not the only way to God but one of the many ways, yet some of these people also mention the name of Jesus. The Bible says that those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.
Daniel 11:32 NKJV

Beloved, do not be deceived by their words and lies. They may perform signs and lying wonders, but if they do not exalt Christ, they are nothing but deceivers. It is also very easy to deceive the people in this generation because they would rather listen to lies and not the truth.

The Bible says that they will heap teachers for themselves. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
II Timothy 4:3‭-‬4 NKJV

Those who reject the way of salvation through faith and holiness will only open themselves to more deceptions. Christians are warned to take heed and not be deceived – we must be observant and vigilant. The Lord told us in Matthew 7:16 that we will know them by their fruits.

Apart from this, we must ask the Holy Spirit to enhance our spirit man to be able to discern. You cannot listen to every preacher and before you go to any gathering be well guided. Get all your facts ready.

Apart from the tendency of being deceived by false teachers and prophets, believers must also guard against self-deception. Whatever you know is not God’s will, don’t do it. You must never indulge yourself to live carelessly in any secret sin.

REFLECTION

I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive.

John 5:43 NKJV

Follow the doctrines of the Bible built in Christ the solid rock. Any other ideas or philosophy of men is mere deception and will lead only to eternal damnation.

PRAYER

Father, please keep me from every end-time deception of the devil in Jesus’ name.