2 Timothy 3:13-15 (NKJV): But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise...
The epistle (letter) of 2 Timothy is widely believed to be the last epistle written by the apostle Paul before he was martyred in the year AD67. The above was some of his last words to his spiritual son, Timothy.
The word 'deceiving' or 'being deceived' here is 'planao' in Greek, which means 'causing (a person) to go astray from the truth (or from safety)'. Indeed, this is a picture of the end-time we are living in now. And the apostle Paul wrote that evil men and impostors (i.e. persons pretending to be somebody else, usually in order to deceive others) will grow worse and worse.
In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, the apostle Paul described the last days in detail. He wrote, 'But know this, that in the last days (i.e. in the end-time) perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power...'
Note: The words 'perilous times' here can also mean 'difficult times, dangerous times, furious times, or fierce times'.
But praise God! Know that no matter what happens on this earth in these last days, we need not fear, because an antidote has already been given to us the believers! Back to 2 Timothy 3:13-15, the apostle Paul urged his spiritual son, Timothy to 'continue in the things which he had learned and been assured of'. So, what are 'the things' that the apostle Paul talked about here? The Holy Scriptures! The Word of God! And he wrote 'these' are 'able to make you wise'! By the way, the word 'wise' here is 'sophizo' in Greek, from the word 'sophos' which means 'to be clear', i.e. knowing 'what is right, and what is wrong', or 'what to do, and what not to do'.
Note: 'Antidote' is defined as 'substance that acts against the effects of a poison (or a disease)'.
Interestingly, right after these verses in 2 Timothy 3:13-15, the apostle Paul wrote, 'All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work' (2 Timothy 3:16-17). See what the Holy Scriptures can do for you here? The Bible says 'that you may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work'! As a matter of fact, there's really nothing else on earth that makes you 'complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work', except by the Word of God!
As I was seeking the Lord (as we cross over the half-way mark of this year 2015), I heard these words:
"My people shall not be deceived! This is a key time to watch and pray, to hear and see in the spirit!"
People of God, may the light of God shine in your heart in a very special way as you enter the second half of this year 2015. This light shall in turn enlighten your spiritual ears and spiritual eyes, so that you will be able to hear and see in the spirit clearly. This is also a season for many dreams and visions for many of you in the Body of Christ. He who loves you will also direct you and guide you. I declare that you will never run out of revelation from the Lord in this second half of the year 2015. In Jesus' name. Amen.
By faith, believe also that the Lord can protect you from any form of deception, whether from the evil one, or from men who may have impure motives (even false teachers, false prophets, or false businessmen with offers that seem too good to be true).
To shepherds who are overseers of the sheep entrusted to you, this is an important time to meditate on 1 Timothy 3:1-7 again. As shepherds for the Lord, we should never take advantage of (or make use of) the sheep for our own selfish gains.
Here are the 5 keys to your protection from deception in this end-time:
1. The Word of God
Every word of man, every teaching of man, and every prophecy released through man is to be 'screened' with the Word of God, simply because His Word is truth, and this truth shall set you free (John 8:31-32).
2. Humility
The Word of God says, '...be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God...' (1 Peter 5:5-6). The word 'grace' here can also mean 'supply', even supply of His wisdom (in living in this end-time).
3. The fear of the Lord
The Word of God says, 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom...' (Proverbs 9:10). The word 'fear' here is 'yirah' in Hebrew, which means 'reverence', and the word 'wisdom' here is 'chokmah' (pronounced 'khok-maw') in Hebrew, which means 'being wise (in mind, word, and act)'.
4. Keep looking to Jesus
The Word of God says, 'Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle' (Psalm 24:7-8). 'Gates' here speaks of 'your mind', whereas 'doors' here speaks of 'your heart'. Notice Psalm 24 comes right after Psalm 23 (that He is your Shepherd)? Indeed, the sheep hears the Shepherd's voice, and the Shepherd knows the sheep (John 10:14, John 10:27). Therefore, set your mind and your heart on Him (your Good Shepherd), and as a result, no one will be able to snatch you out of His protective hand (John 10:28-29).
5. Trust in His mercy
The Word of God says, 'For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need' (Hebrews 4:15-16). Trust that even at times when you may be 'a little careless' or 'off-guard' (we all have such times, don't we?), He is still sovereign in His mercy towards you. Be rest assured that your Abba Father in heaven who loves you (His beloved children) is also faithful, and He will deliver you from every evil work and preserve you for His heavenly kingdom (2 Timothy 4:17-18). Amen.
