We spent this week focused on deception and strong delusions in the context of the work of the antichrist. Where does this idea come from?

⁷ For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. ⁸ And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. ⁹ The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, ¹⁰ and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. ¹¹ And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, ¹² that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
~2 Thessalonians 7-12

That idea was not a new one when Paul taught it. Years earlier, in the clear context of last days, Jesus gave this warning:

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

Friends, deception is real and it is rampant. Will you be among the “many” who will be deceived? Today, I yield to Pastor Jack Hibbs’ devotional entitled Misinformation in his fabulous book, Watching Waiting. It is a perfect fit as we close out our series on deception. Meditate and enjoy!

In today's world, confusion and misinformation are rampant. With the rise of social media and new digital platforms, misinformation blurs the lines between truth and falsehood. Jesus warned us in Matthew 24:4-5 that deception would be a defining characteristic of the Last Days. He urged His followers to be vigilant and discerning, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded in truth.

Jesus' warning about deception is more relevant now than ever before. We live in an age where misinformation spreads rapidly through media and technology. It can be challenging to discern truth from falsehood, especially when many voices claim to have the answers. We saw this during the COVID panic, where conflicting information about the virus and its transmission caused fear and hysteria among the population. Self-labeled "experts" provided contradictory statements using "science" as a shield from any opposition, further complicating the situation and eroding people's trust.

Misinformation in political campaigns can manipulate public opinion, sway elections, and incite unrest. During election cycles, false narratives and fake new stories often circulate, leading to division and distrust among citizens. In times of war or conflict, propaganda and misinformation are frequently employed as tools to justify military actions or demonize opposing factions, making it difficult for people to separate fact from fiction.

Misinformation, disinformation, and confusion are tools that Satan uses to lead people astray, causing them to believe in false doctrines and ideologies. When you are not informed, you are misinformed. There is no void in the brain; if you don't have accurate information, misinformation fills the space.

The only way to guard against deception is by knowing God's Word. The Bible is our ultimate source of truth and our defense against lies. When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we equip ourselves with the knowledge needed to discern truth from error. Without this foundation, we are vulnerable to being misled
In a world where misinformation is so widespread, it's crucial to remain steadfast in our faith. This means continually seeking God's wisdom through prayer and the study of His Word and being cautious about the sources of information we trust. It's also important to engage with fellow believers, encouraging and supporting one another in our walk with Christ.

As believers, we should not be swayed by every new claim or doctrine that comes our way. Instead, we must test everything against the truth of God's Word. Like the Berean Jews in Acts 17:10-11, who "received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so," we too must diligently study the Scriptures and compare them with any teachings or beliefs presented to us.

Scripture is our ultimate authority. It is the living and active Word of God (Hebrews 4:12), inspired by the Holy Spirit. Its truths are timeless and unchanging, providing a solid foundation on which we can build our lives. By aligning our beliefs and actions with the teachings of Scripture, we align ourselves with God's will and wisdom, ensuring that we are not swayed by the shifting sands of human opinion or the deceptions of the enemy.

Good word for today! Get into God’s Word and become like the Bereans! Deception will surely come and overtake you unless God’s Word is hidden in your heart! If you abide in God’s Word, then you shall know the truth and the truth will set you free!