SATURDAY, AUGUST 9, 2025
Discerning Deceit in the Last Days
BIBLICAL FOUNDATION:
- MEMORISE: “For false Christs and false prophets will rise, and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand.” (Mark 13:22-23)
- READ: Revelation 13:11-18
- EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Jeremiah 10-13
MESSAGE:The Master Deceiver: A Timeless Warning
From the very beginning of human history, humanity has faced a relentless adversary—Satan, the master deceiver. His primary tool is deceit, and he employs deceitful and false tendencies, masked as real. In the Garden of Eden, he used this tactic to deceive Eve (Genesis 3:13), and this same cunning is at work in the world today. The Bible cautions believers to be ever vigilant against falling prey to satanic deception, for even in the last days, the tricks of the enemy will grow more subtle and more powerful.
Jesus, our ultimate example, faced Satan’s temptations directly and overcame him by the power of the Word of God. The devil found no foothold in Christ (John 14:30), and we, as His followers, are called to stand on the same solid ground. Yet, we must acknowledge that Satan has many devices he uses to ensnare people.
One of the most significant and often overlooked devices of Satan is unforgiveness (2 Corinthians 2:10-11). Unforgiveness is a spiritual poison that, when held, gives the enemy a foothold in our lives, blocking our blessings and robbing us of peace. It’s a subtle but powerful trick that can keep even a devout believer in spiritual bondage.
Another significant area of deception today is the proliferation of false teachings, miracles, and prophecies in the church. As Jesus warned in Luke 21:8, we must be careful not to be deceived by those who claim to speak in His name. Just because a person performs a sign or wonder doesn’t mean they are from God. The Bible is clear that in the last days, Satan will empower false prophets to perform great signs to deceive people.
The Impending Deception: A Look at Revelation
The Book of Revelation gives us a glimpse into the final, dramatic act of Satan’s deceit. In chapter 13, the Apostle John describes a terrifying vision of the end times. He sees a second beast rising from the earth, and its appearance is a study in deception: “He had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon.” (Revelation 13:11). This is a perfect metaphor for deceit—something that looks innocent and harmless (a lamb) but speaks with a voice of power and malice (a dragon).
This beast, which many scholars identify as the false prophet, will not work alone. He will exercise the authority of the first beast (the antichrist) and will be the ultimate promoter of his reign. He will perform great signs, even making fire come down from heaven (Revelation 13:13). These are not cheap parlor tricks; these are powerful, supernatural manifestations. He will deceive the earth by these signs, telling people to make an image of the first beast and to worship it. He will even be granted the power to give breath to the image, causing it to speak and to command the killing of those who refuse to worship it.
This is the height of satanic deception—to use supernatural power to create a counterfeit god and to force the world to worship it. This reign of terror will culminate in a chilling, all-encompassing system of control: “He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” (Revelation 13:16-17). The number of this beast is famously identified as 666, the number of a man (Revelation 13:18).
This is the ultimate warning: those who are marked with ‘666’ are condemned eternally, having chosen to worship the counterfeit over the true God. This eschatological vision is not just a glimpse into the distant future; it’s a call for vigilance in the present.
Discerning the Antichrists of Today
While the final antichrist and false prophet have not yet been revealed, the Apostle John also tells us that there are many “antichrists” operating today (1 John 2:18-19). These are spirits and individuals who deny the truth of Christ’s divinity, His death, and His resurrection. They are ministers of a false gospel, offering a path to God that is not through Jesus. We must be vigilant against these deceitful tactics of Satan, which are at work in our world and in our churches.
Satan’s tricks, both now and in the end times, are designed to make the false seem real and the real seem false. He uses signs and wonders to distract from the truth of the gospel. He uses false promises to lead people away from the narrow path of righteousness. He uses division and strife to weaken the body of Christ. And he uses unforgiveness to poison our hearts and hinder our prayers.
But Jesus has given us a promise and a command: “But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand” (Mark 13:23). He has not left us ignorant. He has given us His Word, which is the ultimate tool of discernment, and He has given us the Holy Spirit, who guides us into all truth.
As believers, our defense against Satan’s tricks is a firm foundation in the Word of God, a vibrant prayer life, and a heart filled with the Holy Spirit. We must not be ignorant of the devil’s devices, so he cannot take advantage of us. We must pray for a spirit of discernment that allows us to see through the cunning of the enemy and to identify false teaching, false miracles, and false prophets.
A Call to Vigilance and Faithfulness
The battle against Satan’s tricks is not just a personal one; it is a battle for our families, our children, and our communities. As the prayer points reflect, we must pray for our children in schools to be vigilant against the cunning and advances of cult groups, which are modern-day expressions of satanic deception. These groups often use promises of power, wealth, or belonging to ensnare young and vulnerable people.
In the midst of this spiritual warfare, we can rest in the assurance of our faith. The hymn for today reminds us that we have found a friend in Jesus, who is the “fairest of ten thousand to my soul.” He is our lily of the valley and our bright and morning star. He is our comfort in sorrow, our stay in trouble, and our mighty tower in temptation. Though the world may forsake us and Satan may tempt us, through Jesus, we will safely reach the goal. His promise is to never leave or forsake us.
So let us be vigilant, but not fearful. Let us be discerning, but not cynical. Let us stand firm on the rock of our salvation, which is Jesus Christ, and let us be filled with the Holy Spirit, who is our guide and our protector. The devil’s tricks are real, but our God is greater.
PRAYER POINTS
- Lord, I receive the discerning spirit, that I may never be caught in the web of Satan’s tricks, in Jesus’ name.
- Father, may I not be ignorant of Satan’s devices so that he won’t be able to take advantage of me.
- Lord, help our children in schools to be sufficiently vigilant against the cunning and advances of cult groups and all other satanic ploys, in Jesus’ name.