Central Truth

False prophets will attempt to deceive us and challenge our spiritual discipline, discernment and biblical foundation.

Reflections

My work in the family car business exposed me to some interesting personalities. I particularly remember an experience with a salesman who had an uncanny ability to sell cars. This person was engaging, self-confident but not arrogant, persistent and also pleasing. He was able to connect with me on a personal level. In spite of logic, reason, truth, intuition and lack of need his message convinced me that I had to have what he was selling.
 
I knew that bypassing processes and events routinely completed before entering into an agreement could invite a disastrous outcome.  Even so, I was already totally committed to what he was offering, and “standing at the finish line.” Reflecting on this experience I realized that in the presence of this salesman I was powerfully tempted to abandon the discipline I normally exercised in conducting business.  Something in this man’s personality made me inclined to act without waiting for prerequisite events needed to ensure the outcome I  desired. 

How easy it is for me to see a parallel with Paul’s concern that the Thessalonians “. . . not become quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.” (2 Thessalonians 2:2) Paul’s admonishment “Do you not remember that while I was with you, I was telling you these things?" (2 Thessalonians 2:5) reminds me of my father’s persistent efforts in instructing me about the necessity of completing certain events and business processes prior to entering into a commitment. 

Today I continue to be bombarded by all forms of communications that tempt me to believe the future is now. Absence of spiritual discipline, biblical knowledge, and discernment can cause us to misperceive reality. This is a real threat.  Daily I ask God to keep me strong in the Spirit, live within the boundaries of the Word, and make me equal to whatever challenges may come my way.  

Discussion Questions

1. Describe a time when circumstances influenced you to ignore spiritual discipline and jump to an incorrect conclusion.
2. Why is it important that we weigh messages concerning spiritual things against biblical truth?
3. Why would God send a “deluding influence” (2 Thessalonians 2:11) to non-believers so that they will believe falsehoods?  What would be accomplished for the Kingdom by this action?