DEEPER LIFE DECEMBER RETREAT BIBLE STUDY WARNING AGAINST LATTER-DAY DECEPTION

1 .The pertinent disclosure about the future 2 Thessalonians 2:1,2 Apostle Paul’s purpose was to correct the erroneous, alarming teaching of false prophets pertaining to the Second Coming of Christ. False teachers spread rumours about the coming of the Lord, some suggesting that the day has already come. These false teachings confused the brethren in Thessalonica. Paul pleaded with them to stop listening to such teachings, doctrines, dreams or revelations that lead astray. In our days also, false teachings abound on the internet, social media, etc. we must stop listening to or reading about them.

2. The predicted departure from the faith 2 Thessalonians 2:3 Some people will depart from the faith before the day of Christ’s coming. This prophecy of great and general departure from the faith is being fulfilled today. Today, many people profess religion and church-going, but few possess righteousness and real Christianity. It is of great importance for each Christian to watch so that he is not deceived.

3. The perverse deceiver in his falsehood 2 Thessalonians 2:3-5 The Antichrist (also called, “man of sin”, “son of perdition”) will be the very embodiment of sin, lawlessness, rebellion, blasphemy, wickedness and apostasy. He will oppose every form of true worship, and persecute all who want to remain faithful to Christ. He will claim to be God and demand worship. Those who refuse to worship him will be severely tortured and many will be martyred.

DISCUSSION

QUESTION 1 What errors were being taught in the church in Thessalonica? 2 Thessalonians 2:3 2 Timothy 2:18a

QUESTION 2 Give some examples of deceptions in the last days. 2 Peters 3:3,4 2 Peter 2:1-3

QUESTION 3 What effects do false teachings have on the believer and the church? 2 Thessalonians 2:1,2 2 Timothy 2:18b

QUESTION 4 What character traits can be found in those who depart from the faith? Isaiah 30:8-13; 1 Timothy 4:1,2 2 Timothy 3:1-7 2 Timothy 4:3-5

QUESTION 5 Who is the Antichrist? 2 Thessalonians 2:3 Daniel 8:23-25 1 John 2:18

QUESTION 6 How can the believer guard against errors, false teachings, and the spirit of Antichrist? 1 John 4:1  2 John 7 - 11 Luke 21:36

CONCLUSION False teachings are intended to deceive, discourage, destroy and damn men’s souls. They produce fear and false security, giving attention to them will destroy the faith of the believer. Ministers, like Paul, should be careful to teach the truth and set things right. Many shall depart from the faith before the coming of Lord. Let’s beware! The Antichrist will be a great deceiver, and today, antichrists deceive multitudes and drive them to perdition. The believer must watch, pray and study the Scriptures so that he/she is not deceived.