05 06 08 On Guard Against His Tricks

“The coming of the man of sin will be Satan's work. His work will be seen in all kinds of fake miracles, signs and wonders.”
(2 Thessalonians 2:9 NIrV)

The entire world followed the beast in wonder; they worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast too, saying things like: “Who is like the beast?” and “Who is able to make war against him?” The beast was speaking proud words and blasphemies, and permitted to exercise ruling authority for three and a half years! The beast blasphemed against God (His name and those who dwell in heaven). The beast was granted permission to go to war against the saints and conquer them.

How can man, in utter defiance, and in the face of an outpouring of God’s wrath against man’s sin, still raise up his fist in God’s face and follow after this beast and his system of government? This 2 Thessalonians passage provides insight into that question. Though there are issues beyond our way our comprehension here, it is centered on man’s continued deception, which occurs as a result of God’s judgment due to man’s failure to love the truth and pursuit of Satan’s lies. We must be ON GUARD AGAINST HIS TRICKS!

Many today get all bent out of shape over matters like God’s sovereignty, election, and predestination, man’s free will, sign gifts, non-sign gifts and on and on. I’ve seen and heard it first-hand in my theology classes from believers all around the world. I need to be reminded (and I hope you are as well) that what is at stake is that we know for ourselves that we have a real relationship with the Risen Lord and His Spirit has sealed us unto that day when he redeems His people. Continued debates over non-fundamental issues only serve to divide and make room for the enemy to step in and put our focus on his plan of deception.

If we’re looking for signs…Satan can surely give false ones. If we a quick fix miracle, oh, he can provide one to cause us to be weakened in our faith. If we are simply seeking a good time experience as a Christian, the old serpent can throw a great party too. Nothing pleases Satan more than someone who thinks he has a relationship with Christ (based on experience, signs, and miracles) yet the Lord has no relationship with that person at all. The only miracle we need is the sacrificial blood of Jesus and the sign is a changed heart and lifestyle. If we take our focus of the cross and our Savior, we will begin to focus on ourselves and what we desire. This brings nothing but trouble and opens the door for the enemy to step right in. God still does the miraculous, but in His timing and for His glory. It’s not about us. We need to be constantly ON GUARD AGAINST HIS TRICKS!

“You can't be saved by believing in anyone else.
God has given us no other name under heaven that will save us."
(Acts 4:12 NIrV)