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 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.     2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 ESV

The Wise Men followed the star that led them to baby Jesus. Herod tried to deceive them by telling them to let him know where baby Jesus was so he too could go and worship Him. But they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod and they went back to their country taking another route so as to avoid King Herod (Matthew 2:12).

The Bible has many verses telling us not to be deceived. The only way we cannot be deceived is to follow Jesus. Now many of you may think, “Well, that’s what I’m doing so no problem here.” But I warn you to be very careful. There are many impostors out there who talk a good game. As a baby Christian, I was fooled by a few myself.

Our Scripture passage tells us that for those who refuse to love the truth, God will send them a strong delusion so they will refuse to believe the truth. He will condemn them for refusing to love the truth and choosing to indulge in unrighteousness.

Being deceived puts us in a dangerous position. In John 8:44 Jesus said of the devil, “When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” During the Tribulation many will follow the Antichrist and the Beast because they will believe the devil’s lies. They will be condemned for this.

When we get saved, we think we are immune to these lies. But it’s when we get saved that we pose the biggest threat to the devil, and this will cause him to pull out the heavy artillery. He will lie to you; he will deceive you if you aren’t careful.

The Bible issues many warnings. Matthew 7:15 says “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” Matthew 24:24 says, “For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” 2 Peter 2:1 says false prophets arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among us, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.

In 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 Paul warns, “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So, it is no surprise if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.”

My friend if you are newly saved, be very careful. Pray continually for wisdom and discernment. When you sit before any preacher be careful. Is he saying anything that doesn’t line up with the Bible. Are you studying your Bible enough to know what doesn’t line up with it?

This is why daily Bible study and continual prayer are critical. It helps us not to be deceived. Just because someone quotes Scripture or tells you they love Jesus doesn’t mean they are a Christian. Be very careful.

In Revelation 2:20 Jesus told the church in Thyatira that he had one thing against them. This was their tolerance of the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing His servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. She refused to repent.

God will not take it lightly when we are deceived. Know your Bible through continual Bible study. When I rededicated my life to Christ, there was a period of time when I thought, “I’ve got this!” I was wrong. I am learning more and more each day through Bible study. I also learn not to rely on my own understanding but to acknowledge Him in all my ways. I know when I do this, He will make my crooked paths straight. His word promises this in Proverbs 3:5-6.

He will gladly do the same for you. Continually pray for wisdom and discernment and acknowledge Him in all you do.

Have a great day!