THE IMPERATIVE OF DISCERNMENT IN THE AGE OF DECEPTION!
In Matthew 24:3 the disciples asked Jesus, “What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?” He said the time would be especially marked by the following:
Deception (v.4)
Deception (v.5)
Wars, threats of wars (v.6, 7)
Famines, earthquakes (v.7)
Christians arrested, persecuted, killed and hated all over the world for following Jesus (v.9)
Many falling away from faith, betrayals, hatred (v.10)
Many false prophets appearing (v.11)
Deception of many (v.11.)
Increasing wickedness and love growing cold (v.12)
The Gospel preached throughout the whole world (v.14)
Abomination standing in the Holy Place, spoken of by Daniel (v. 15)
Great tribulation (v.22)
Deception – false christs and false prophets performing great signs and wonders (v.24)
Sun and moon darkened, stars falling from the sky, heavenly bodies shaken (v. 29)
Jesus coming back on the clouds with power and great glory! (v.30)
Loud trumpet call and angels gathering the elect (v.31)
Jesus mentioned most signs once in this passage, but look at the ones He repeated: Deception (4x) and false prophets or false christs (3x). Many falling away from faith!
Deception always seems genuine, but is not 100% the truth. Without testing teachings, and our own beliefs against Scripture, asking for the Holy Spirit’s discernment, we are easy prey for deception and veering into error. God has given us His Word as absolute truth and the Holy Spirit always agrees with it!
Acts 17:11 – “Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true”.
Let’s be like the Bereans!
Contributed by David McMillan
