Ready and Vigilant: Clinging to Truth Amid Deception

 

Summary

Today’s gathering was a call to readiness, discernment, and hope in the face of a world that is increasingly confused about truth and righteousness. We began by celebrating God’s goodness, welcoming new faces, and praying for our missionaries, especially the Lerma family serving refugees in Laredo, Texas. The heart of our time together centered on Paul’s words in 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12, where he warns of a coming time of great deception, led by the “man of lawlessness”—a figure empowered by Satan to perform signs and wonders, leading many astray.

The reality is that the world is already experiencing a kind of apostasy, as churches and individuals replace the truth of the gospel with lesser things. Paul’s warning is not just about a distant future, but about the present need to cling to the real Jesus, to know the truth, and to resist the counterfeit comforts and ideologies that masquerade as light. Satan’s greatest weapon is not brute force, but deception—offering us impressive imitations of the real thing, whether in religion, morality, or even our own self-sufficiency.

Yet, there is hope. The church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, is a restraining force against evil in the world. As long as we walk closely with Christ, loving Him and living out His truth, we are prepared for whatever comes—whether it’s the return of Christ or the challenges of daily life. The call is to be vigilant, to recognize the subtle ways we can be lured away from God’s best, and to remember that God’s love and truth are the only sure foundation.

We were challenged to examine our own hearts: Are we believing the truth or settling for a lie? Are we living as the hands and feet of Jesus, or are we drifting into complacency? God’s desire is not to condemn, but to save. He offers us the real thing—eternal life through Jesus Christ. The invitation is open: to receive His love, to walk in His truth, and to invite others into this life-changing relationship.

Key Takeaways

- The Power and Danger of Deception
Deception is not always obvious; it often comes dressed as something good or impressive. The “man of lawlessness” will perform miracles and wonders, but these serve a lie, not the truth. We must be vigilant, testing everything against the Word of God, lest we be swept up in the excitement of the counterfeit and miss the substance of Christ. [46:04]

- The Church as a Restraining Force
God uses His people, through the Holy Spirit, to hold back evil in the world. When the church is faithful—living, loving, and serving as Christ’s body—we are a barrier against the full expression of lawlessness. Our presence and prayers matter more than we realize; we are called to be salt and light, even when the world seems to be losing its moral compass. [49:33]

- The Subtlety of Apostasy
Apostasy doesn’t always look like outright rebellion; it can be as simple as replacing the cross with another symbol or prioritizing something above the gospel. When churches or individuals embrace ideologies or practices that contradict Christ’s teaching, they drift from the truth. We must guard our hearts and communities, ensuring that Jesus remains at the center of all we do. [53:00]

- God’s Love and Human Responsibility
God’s desire is for all to be saved, but He will not force anyone to love Him. At some point, persistent rejection of truth leads to a “strong delusion,” where people are given over to what they have chosen. This is not God’s condemnation, but the tragic result of refusing His love and truth. Our role is to keep inviting, keep loving, and keep praying for those who are far from Christ. [01:03:00]

- Living Ready and Inviting Others
The best preparation for Christ’s return is to live each day in close relationship with Him—walking in righteousness, loving others, and sharing the hope we have. We are called to be the real thing, not just in belief but in practice. Let’s write down the names of those who need Jesus, pray for them, and invite them into the community of faith, trusting God to do what only He can do. [01:16:33]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:00] - Announcements and Guest Information
[06:30] - Mobilize, Socialize: Men’s Fellowship
[08:45] - Upcoming Events and VBS
[11:30] - Supporting the Pond Family
[13:30] - Missionary Moment: Lerma Family
[16:43] - Women’s Conference Sharing
[20:00] - Worship and Prayer
[25:00] - Offertory and Giving
[37:39] - Special Music: “No More Night”
[46:04] - Scripture Reading and Introduction
[49:33] - Understanding the End Times
[53:00] - The Man of Lawlessness and Apostasy
[01:03:00] - The Danger of Deception and Delusion
[01:16:33] - Personal Story: The Two by Four Lesson
[01:22:00] - Invitation and Closing Prayer
[01:28:31] - Final Blessing and Dismissal

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

---

### Bible Reading

2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 (ESV)
The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

---

### Observation Questions

1. According to 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12, what are some of the ways the “man of lawlessness” will deceive people?
2. What does Paul say is the reason some people “perish” or are led astray by deception?
3. In the sermon, what examples were given of things that can replace the truth of the gospel in churches or individuals? ([49:33])
4. How does the sermon describe the role of the church in restraining evil in the world? ([49:33])

---

### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think deception is described as “wicked” and “serving the lie” rather than just being mistaken? What makes spiritual deception so dangerous? ([46:04])
2. The sermon says apostasy can be subtle, not always open rebellion. What are some subtle ways Christians or churches might drift from the truth? ([53:00])
3. The passage says God “sends them a strong delusion.” How should we understand God’s role here? Is this God being unfair, or is it a result of people’s choices? ([01:03:00])
4. The pastor said the church is a “restraining force” against evil. What does it look like for a church or a believer to actually restrain evil in their community? ([49:33])

---

### Application Questions

1. The sermon challenged us to examine our own hearts: Are we believing the truth or settling for a lie? Is there an area in your life where you might be accepting a “counterfeit” instead of the real thing Jesus offers? ([53:00])
2. The pastor mentioned that deception often comes dressed as something good or impressive. Can you think of a time when you or someone you know was drawn to something that looked good but turned out to be spiritually empty? How can you be more discerning in the future? ([46:04])
3. The church is called to be a restraining force against evil. What is one practical way you can be “salt and light” in your workplace, school, or neighborhood this week? ([49:33])
4. The sermon talked about the danger of complacency and drifting from the truth. Are there habits or routines in your spiritual life that need to be re-centered on Jesus? What is one step you can take this week to put Him back at the center? ([53:00])
5. God’s desire is to save, not to condemn, but He won’t force anyone to love Him. Is there someone in your life who seems far from God? How can you pray for them or invite them into a conversation about faith this week? ([01:03:00])
6. The pastor encouraged everyone to write down the name of someone who needs Jesus and to pray for them. Who is one person you will commit to pray for and invite to church or a spiritual conversation? ([01:16:33])
7. The sermon used the story of the two by four to illustrate how God sometimes gets our attention. Has there been a “wake-up call” moment in your life where God used a situation to draw you back to Him? How did you respond, and what did you learn? ([01:16:33])

---

Close in prayer, asking God for discernment, readiness, and a heart that clings to the real Jesus and His truth.

Devotional

Day 1: Living Ready for Christ’s Return
The call to live ready for Christ’s return is not about knowing every detail of the end times, but about daily walking with Jesus, loving Him, and striving to be more like Him. The world is filled with distractions and deceptions, but those who focus on Christ and live righteously will be prepared, whether He returns today or in the future. The greatest assurance is found in a life surrendered to Jesus, marked by love, obedience, and hope in His coming. [49:00]

2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 (ESV)
"The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness."

Reflection: What is one daily habit you can start or renew this week to intentionally walk closer with Jesus and live in readiness for His return?


Day 2: Beware of Counterfeits and Deception
Satan is a master of deception, appearing as an angel of light and offering counterfeits that look appealing but lead away from God’s truth. The world is full of false teachings, ideologies, and distractions that can lure even believers if they are not grounded in the Word. It is crucial to discern truth from lies, to know the real Jesus of Scripture, and to resist the temptation to settle for anything less than God’s best. [59:00]

Matthew 24:23-25 (ESV)
"Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand."

Reflection: Where in your life do you see the temptation to accept a “counterfeit” instead of God’s truth, and how can you guard your heart against it today?


Day 3: The Power of Truth and the Danger of Delusion
There is a real danger in rejecting the truth of God’s love and salvation through Jesus, as persistent unbelief can lead to spiritual blindness and delusion. God desires that none should perish, but He will not force anyone to love Him; at some point, He allows people to follow the path they choose, even if it leads to destruction. The love of Christ is the gateway to truth and freedom, and accepting it is the only way to avoid the strong delusion that grips the world. [01:08:00]

John 3:16-18 (ESV)
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God."

Reflection: Who is one person in your life who needs to know the love and truth of Jesus, and how can you reach out to them this week?


Day 4: The Church as a Restraining Force Against Evil
God uses His church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, as a restraining force against evil in the world. When believers live out their faith, serve as the hands and feet of Jesus, and remain united in truth, they hold back the spread of lawlessness and deception. The church’s presence and faithfulness matter greatly in God’s plan, and each believer plays a vital role in restraining darkness until Christ returns. [54:00]

2 Corinthians 11:14 (ESV)
"And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light."

Reflection: In what specific way can you serve or encourage your church family this week to help strengthen the body of Christ and stand against evil?


Day 5: Choosing Righteousness Over Unrighteousness
Every person faces a choice between embracing the truth of Christ and delighting in unrighteousness. God has written eternity on our hearts and given us a moral compass, but continual rejection of His truth leads to a hardened heart and eventual condemnation. The invitation is open to turn from sin, receive forgiveness, and let God “pop the door back in place” in your life, restoring you to right relationship with Him. [01:16:33]

Hebrews 10:26 (ESV)
"For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins."

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you have been resisting God’s correction or holding onto unrighteousness? What step can you take today to surrender this to Him and walk in His forgiveness?

Quotes

No one knows exactly how it's going to happen. Everybody got that? But the Bible describes that we should understand the seasons and there will be signs and there will be things that we can see and know that it is near. And I do believe that totally in my heart. And I think the best way to live is to know Jesus is coming back and we need to be living right with him. If you're doing those two things and he comes back, it's all going to be okay. [00:48:19]
The greatest thing as a pastor I can teach you about eschatology is live right every single day of your life the best that you possibly can, living with Jesus, loving Jesus, walking with Jesus, and being as much like Jesus as you possibly can. If we do that, the world will be a better place and if we do that, we're prepared for his return. [00:48:59]
Anytime a church puts something over the cross, whether it's a swastika or a rainbow flag, church has fallen. Amen? When those things type start to happen in our culture, in our community, I'm not here to offend anybody, I love everybody, but when we replace the gospel truth with something that's false and the church starts to believe that and that becomes their focus, then the church has lost their way and that's an apostasy. [00:49:31]
I believe that that restraint is you and me, the church. You are a restrainer of evil. Wow, you didn't give yourself that much credit, did you? God is using you through the power of the Holy Spirit right now as the church. When the church does things right, we restrain evil, we restrain even the evil one. [00:51:16]
Satan is a defeated foe, you all. He has nothing on God. So sometimes I think we give him too much credit. We stomp on that serpent's head. He is gone, he is done, Jesus has defeated him. He is like a roaring lion. That doesn't mean he has to defeat us. So walk with that confidence that there's victory in Jesus. [00:53:35]
The Christian hope is that there's life beyond the grave. Do you get that? There's only one religion that teaches this: the grave is conquered. There's one empty tomb and it's Jesus. If he has not done that, then all faith is in vain, Paul writes in First Corinthians 15. But if he has done it, then he is the victory over death. [00:54:28]
Satan is crafty, he is cunning. You know, I know Adam and Eve get a bad rap, you know, but when you think about it, all Satan did was come in and twist a few words around. Did God really say? Isn't that still the issue we have today? [00:55:57]
The coming of the lawlessness is impressive. When this lawless one comes, he will be an impressive person. You would say, oh, I would know who it is. Would you? He will be so cunning and deceptive, he will be so crafty in what he does, and he will have the goods to back it up. He will be an impressive person when he comes on the scene. He will not appear evil, he will appear good. [00:59:11]
Satan is the father of lies. He's good at it. He wants us to believe the lie. What's the lie that's being referred to here? The lie is that we believe in something other than the one true God. See, Satan doesn't care what you believe in as long as you don't believe in Jesus. [01:01:52]
The original is God. We need to be able to taste and see that he is good. We need to know who he is so that we're not deceived. We need to know his character so that we know right and wrong, and we need to be in his church because we're his bride and we're his body. [01:06:57]
God doesn't condemn anyone. We condemn ourselves. We condemn ourselves because we believe the lie that Jesus is not the only way. God says it right here: I loved you enough that I sent Jesus, that if you believe in him, you'll not perish but have everlasting life. [01:08:16]
The greatest love is Christ's love, and the world misses that love. And if we miss that love, we can never know the truth. The love will lead us to the truth, and when we know the love of God, he changes us. [01:09:34]
At some point, God will give you what you want. At some point, God will turn you over to the things that you believe. God is not purposefully condemning anyone to hell. I want you to hear that. The Bible is clear on this: God wants no one to perish. God does not want anyone in this room to perish without Christ, without eternal life. That is the love of God. [01:10:40]
Everything is messed up because of sin. Everything has fallen. Too many churches are not preaching on sin. I just want to make you feel good. I do want to make you feel good because you're good with God, all right? But what I want us to understand is all of creation is groaning. We're supposed to be groaning, and what is creation groaning for? The full redemption of God's children, the sons and daughters of God to be fully redeemed. [01:13:15]
Maybe sometimes God just got to remind us to start looking at things differently. Sometimes people though will be condemned because they reject the truth, they delight in the unrighteousness. Such people, listen, will be condemned someday. I don't want that to be you. I don't want that to be you. That's why we're talking about this. [01:19:44]
There is this issue in our soul called sin that must be dealt with and Christ died for, and all who die without knowing that and accepting the cross, they will be condemned by their own choice because they reject the one and only Son of God. [01:20:26]
God has written eternity on the hearts of our hearts, the Bible tells us in Ecclesiastes. God has put the law upon everybody's hearts where there's this moral conscious of understanding right and wrong, but at some point our minds become so seared and our hearts so far from God that we choose unrighteousness instead of righteousness. [01:20:55]
If we deliberately go on sinning after receiving the knowledge of truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice of sins. Now don't misread this and think, and then I've lost my salvation, that's not what this is meaning. But if we continue to blatantly make a mockery of the cross in the way that we live, rejecting what Jesus did for you and me upon the cross to forgive us our sins, he can't re-sacrifice for you. He did that already. You know the truth, so now my question to you is what are you going to do with it? Has the cross changed you? Has this truth changed you? [01:21:19]
If you're not becoming more like Jesus, then I would say you're under the delusion and the deception. Let's make sure that we don't leave here that way today. [01:23:54]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Mar 10, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?

What are the signs of the end times?
How does Satan deceive believers today?
What is the significance of John 3:16?