The Power of Discernment in the End Times
Introduction
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come (Matt. 24:14)
The Bible is replete with teachings and parables that serve to guide believers in their walk with God. Among these teachings, Matthew 24:24 strongly reminds us of the need for discernment. This is particularly vital as we approach the end times. The verse warns of false Christs and false prophets. They will carry out great signs and wonders. Their aim is to deceive, if possible, even the chosen. This passage highlights the perils of deception and the importance of staying rooted in the truth of the Gospel.
The statement “be careful that no one deceives you” is a warning against being misled, particularly in a religious context. It emphasizes the importance of discernment and vigilance. This is crucial against those who try to deceive or lead others astray, as mentioned in Matthew 24:4-5. This verse specifically warns about false messiahs. It also warns about false prophets who will try to deceive people. They will try to make people believe they are God’s representatives.
“For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect”(Matt. 24:24).
The Context of Matthew 24:24
Matthew 24 is part of what is known as the Olivet Discourse. It is a conversation between Jesus and His disciples on the Mount of Olives. In this discourse, Jesus speaks about the signs of the end times. He warns His followers about the even the various tribulations that will precede His second coming. Among these warnings, He emphasizes the rise of false prophets and messiahs who will try to lead believers astray.
A Time of Tribulation
Jesus paints a vivid picture of the challenges that will confront humanity in the last days. Wars, famines, earthquakes, and persecutions are just a few of the tribulations mentioned. Amid these calamities, false prophets and messiahs add to the chaos. They carry out signs and wonders. These acts deceive even the most faithful believers.
The Power of Deception
The verse underscores the potency of these false prophets. It notes that their signs and wonders will be so convincing. They deceive “even the elect.” This serves as a sobering reminder. Deception can be incredibly persuasive. Believers need to stay vigilant and discerning.
Discerning Truth from Falsehood
In light of the warnings in Matthew 24:24, Christians are called to exercise discernment in their faith journey. But how can believers effectively discern truth from falsehood in a world filled with deception?
Grounded in Scripture
One of the primary ways to cultivate discernment is by being deeply rooted in the Word of God. Regular study of the Bible equips believers with the knowledge and wisdom needed to recognize false teachings. The Scriptures serve as the ultimate standard against which all teachings and claims must be measured. “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense. This comes from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world. It is not from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are whole through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority” (Col. 2:6-10).
Guidance of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding believers into all truth. By maintaining a close relationship with the Holy Spirit through prayer and meditation, Christians can obtain divine insight and discernment. The Holy Spirit acts as a beacon, illuminating the path of righteousness and exposing the shadows of deceit. “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future” (John 16:13).
Community of Believers
The Christian community also serves as a valuable resource for discernment. Engaging in fellowship with other believers allows for the sharing of wisdom and experiences. Mature Christians can offer guidance and support, helping to spot and counteract false teachings. The collective wisdom of the community acts as a safeguard against deception. “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” (Heb. 10:25).
The Role of Faith
Faith is integral to the believer’s ability to withstand deception. A strong and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ anchors the soul, keeping it steadfast in the face of falsehoods. “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we can’t see. “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise (Heb. 11:1)”
Faith in the Person of Christ
Central to the Christian faith is the belief in Jesus Christ as the true Messiah. This belief acts as a bulwark against the claims of false Christs. By focusing on the person and teachings of Jesus, believers can discern the counterfeit nature of false messiahs.
Faith in God’s Promises
God’s promises, as revealed in the Bible, give assurance and hope. These promises remind believers of God’s faithfulness and the certainty of His plans. Trusting in God’s promises helps to dispel the lies of false prophets and keeps the believer anchored in truth. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. Hebrews 10:20-22 reminds us that “By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. (Heb. 10:20-22 NLT).
Conclusion
Matthew 24:24 serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers that believers will face in the end times. The rise of false Christs and false prophets underscores the need for discernment and vigilance. We can navigate the challenges of deception by grounding ourselves in Scripture. We should seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Engaging with the Christian community is essential. We must keep a strong faith in Jesus Christ to stay steadfast in our walk with God. Let us heed these warnings. We should strive to uphold the truth of the Gospel in all aspects of our lives.
In Part 2 I will share some practical steps for staying vigilant in these critical times.
Blessings,
Minister A. Francine Green
Notes:
All Scripture references are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE) unless otherwise noted.
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