2 Timothy 3:12-13 – And also, all who live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But wicked men and imposters will continue to become worse, deceiving and being deceived.
One of the fundamental things we must recognize is that there is a demonic influence in the world. These demonic powers are very effective at deceptions. They present thoughts in the minds of men that seem to be logical and practical, but in reality are nothing but deception. Ultimately, these seducing spirits will turn many of God’s people from the faith; who will even deny the Lord who bought them. However, the demonic lies don’t start by attacking the Salvation that is only in the Name of Jesus. They begin in more subtle ways; slowly eroding the truth, so that those who are influenced by them have no foundation to stand on in the end.
Their primary mode of operation is to entangle God’s people in sin. They desire to turn the grace of God into lasciviousness; convincing believers that grace allows and even accommodates sin (Jude 1:4). There are even those today who believe the only way to stay safe within the arms of grace is to continue in sin (Romans 6:1-2). If these spirits can deceive a child of God into believing that sin is somehow okay, then this is the first step towards ultimate deception. Therefore, be aware: for those teachers who preach that any form of sin is somehow justifiable are operating under the influence of a spirit of deception.
The only safe ground is the truth. We must be willing to walk in the Spirit and live by the Word. If the Bible even suggests there is something wrong with a behavior or action, then we must be resolute in having nothing to do with it. We must remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit; and no matter what anyone says, if we are convicted over something – then we must not participate with that thing. Otherwise, we will go from one compromise to another, and ultimately agree with every doctrine the spirit of deception teaches.
Here are just two recent examples of the erosion of truth influenced by demon spirits. There was a day not too long ago in the Church when alcohol was a terrible sin. Today, people have somehow concluded that even Jesus himself enjoyed the intoxication of alcohol, and even participated in drunken parties. Only a few years ago divorce was a sin, but now preachers can move from one marriage to another – and the people are fine with it. It all may seem somewhat harmless now; but the goal of every seducing spirit and doctrine of devils is focused on overthrowing the faith of those who believe.
Before it is all over, there is going to be a great falling away (2 Thessalonians 2:3; 1 Timothy 4:1). This is not a falling away of those in the world, or of the Jews; but of the Church. This is not going to just happen overnight; for this mystery of iniquity is already at work (2 Thessalonians 2:7). The antichrist spirit was already working in the Church before John wrote his first epistle (1 John 2:18-19, 4:1). The demonic influence that will affect the falling away has been preparing and working towards its ultimate influence since the first century, and is at work today. Satan will not ease off, but rather will intensify his work of deception focused against the Church. Therefore, we must stand fast in the faith; and be resolute to live by the Word of God and walk out the consecrated life of Christ, Who only lives to do the will of our Father which is in Heaven.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen