Strange Paths and Strong Delusions
Humans are attracted to the supernatural. The reason is that God created man with a
spiritual nature. For this reason he has a longing for spiritual things.
This is where the problem comes in. Through the fall, Adam lost his ability to
fellowship with God on an inward spiritual level. He died spiritually to God and became
a man of the flesh. Since that time all of mankind enters this world with an
incompleteness of their spiritual make up. This is why people must be born again. The only
remedy for this disrepair is to come to God’s Son, Jesus Christ.
Of course no one knows this more than Satan. Satan works to keep this process of being born
again from taking place in man. In this study we will view how Satan deludes and
clouds man’s thinking concerning the things of God. The Bible especially warns us
that the end of the age will be a time of strong delusion.
I – The Lie
Satan is a liar. A deception is a lie at work. While the Bible says that God cannot
lie, Jesus tells us that Satan’s primary calling card is lying. Cf. Hebrews
6:8; John
8:44.
The first recorded deception we see Satan using in the Scriptures can be termed "the
Lie." It was the godhood lie. Cf. Genesis
3:4-6.
The godhood lie is found in one form or another in the history of the human race. Roman
Emperors were worshipped as gods. The Pharaohs considered themselves to be gods.
Hinduism is a major player in the godhood lie as is Mormonism and new age teachings. Even
certain charismatic groups are being fed this lie.
[A recommended web site for viewing materials on this study is: http://www.bible.ca/tongues-audio-video-documentation.htm]
II – End Time Delusions
The Lord and the apostles warned of strong deceptions to take place in the end times.
Jesus said these deceptions would happen in His name.
Cf. Matthew
7:13-15,21-23; 24:4-8,11,23-26.
2
Thess. 2:3-4.
Paul said a hallmark of anti-Christ workings would be false signs and wonders, that is,
an activity of error allowed by God.
Cf. 1
Tim. 4:1-3; 2
Tim. 4:3,4; 2
Thess. 2:5-13.
The apostle also said that those who follow after these false signs would be people
without a love for the truth.
Cf. 2
Thess. 2:11-12. (Verse 12; "took pleasure in wickedness." [Greek
‘adikia’: disregard for divine law; disregard for respect and obedience due
God.]
III – Things to Watch For
People with an arrogant boastful spirit. Self-exaltation. Pride is always a
major working factor in a demonic deception. Cf. Daniel
7:11; James
3:15,16.
Counterfeit gifting. Sorcery manifests itself as a form of spiritual mind control. Cf.
Acts
8:9-11; Matthew
7:21-23.
Sensual and fleshly exhibition with no true reverence or respect for holiness. 2
Pet. 2:2,3.
The preaching of a false Jesus that does not Biblically agree with true
character of the Son of God. Cf. 2
Cor. 11:4,13-15.
The preaching of a false gospel that is not in full accord with God’s
testimony as given in the New Testament. Cf. Gal.
1:6-9; 1
Tim. 6:3-6.
Lifting up personalities who claim to be modern-day apostles and prophets, and, who, in
turn, claim authority equal to that of the Bible apostles and prophets. Cf. Eph.
2:19,20; 2
Cor. 11:12; 1
John 2:6.
Conc: John said that every true believer has the ability to test spirits to see if they
are from God. (1
John 4:1)
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