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)
In part 1, I shared that the Bible is replete with teachings and parables. These teachings 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. In part 2, I will discuss practical steps. These steps are for staying vigilant. This is crucial in a time of great deception. Deception and false teachings have infiltrated the Church and many are being deceived by false teachings and ideologies.
Practical Steps for Staying Vigilant
Additionally to cultivating discernment and faith, there are practical steps that believers can take to stay vigilant against deception. “Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. This is how we know if they have the Spirit of God. A person claiming to be a prophet must acknowledge that Jesus Christ came in a real body. The prophet’s acknowledgment of Jesus Christ coming in a real body shows they have the Spirit of God. But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, they are rejecting the truth. They refuse to acknowledge the truth about Jesus. Such a person is not from God. They have the spirit of the Antichrist. You heard this spirit is coming into the world and indeed is already here. But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people. The Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. Those people belong to this world, so they speak from the world’s viewpoint, and the world listens to them (1 Jn. 4:1-5).
Regular Prayer
Prayer is a powerful tool for seeking God’s guidance and protection. Through prayer, believers can ask for wisdom and discernment to recognize and resist false teachings. Regular communication with God strengthens the believer’s spiritual defenses.
Accountability Partners
Having accountability partners within the Christian community provides an extra layer of protection. These partners can offer support, encouragement, and correction when needed. Accountability helps to guarantee that one’s beliefs and actions stay aligned with the truth of the Gospel.
Continuous Learning
Continuing to learn and grow in one’s faith is essential for staying vigilant. Attending Bible studies, reading theological works, and participating in church activities all contribute to a deeper understanding of the faith. This continuous learning process helps to fortify the believer against deception.
Discernment is key during this time of great upheaval.
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires (Heb. 4:12).
Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong (Heb. 5:14).
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.
I pray that your love will overflow more and more. I also hope that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return (Phil. 1:9-10).
Blessings,
Minister A. Francine Green
Notes:
All Scripture references are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE) unless otherwise noted).
afrancinegreen.com 