Deception, Delusion, and the Great Falling Away

Main Text:

2 Thessalonians 2:9–12 “The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

Big Idea: Before Christ returns, a powerful wave of deception will sweep across the world and even touch the Church. Only those rooted in truth will endure.

Connection to Today: Truth is being redefined in every area: gender, morality, theology, even identity. Deception isn’t just coming—it’s here.

1 Timothy 4:1–2 ESV

Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared,

Matthew 24:11–12 ESV

And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.

Isaiah 5:20 ESV

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!

Expose how deception functions in the last days.

Teach how to recognize delusion when it disguises itself as enlightenment.

Call the Church to stand firm in truth, not cultural trends.

I. The Spirit of Deception Will Intensify in the Last Days

2 Thessalonians 2:9–10 “The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.”

A. Deception is not always obvious—it imitates truth

Satan works through false signs, emotions, and pseudo-revelation.

People will follow what feels spiritual but isn’t anchored in Scripture.

1 Timothy 4:1 “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,”

B. Some will depart from the faith…

Apostasy means “The abandonment or renunciation of a religious belief or faith.”

Apostasy begins with subtle compromise.

Departing from the faith doesn’t always look rebellious—it often looks progressive.

C. Application

Examine what voices you are allowing to disciple you—media, influencers, or Scripture?

Don’t assume something is true because it’s popular or passionate.

D. Tension Statement

“The most dangerous lies are the ones that use religious language.”

II. Cultural Delusion Will Replace Absolute Truth

2 Thessalonians 2:11 “Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false,”

A. Delusion is God’s judgment on persistent rejection of truth

God doesn’t just let deception happen—He allows delusion for those who refuse truth.

You can get to a place where you’re convinced that a lie is righteous.

B. Isaiah 5:20 – “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil…”

Today’s culture celebrates confusion:

Gender redefinition

Marriage deconstruction

Moral inversion

The Church must speak truth in love—but never bend to delusion.

C. Application

Don’t just stand for truth—know it intimately.

If you’re not daily in God’s Word, you’re open to being slowly reprogrammed by the world.

D. Tension Statement

“When people reject truth long enough, God will let them have what they want—until it destroys them.”

III. Love for Truth Is What Keeps Us Anchored

2 Thessalonians 2:10 – “…because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.”

A. Truth must be more than something you believe—it must be something you love

People don’t fall away from the faith because they don’t know truth—they fall because they don’t value it.

The truth isn’t just a doctrine—it’s a Person (John 14:6).

B. Matthew 24:11–12 – “Many false prophets will arise and lead many astray… the love of many will grow cold.”

Delusion drains spiritual passion.

Only those who endure in love and truth will be saved.

C. Application

Ask: Do I love truth enough to be unpopular for it?

Pray: “Lord, grow my love for Your truth even if it costs me.”

D. Tension Statement

“What you don’t love, you will eventually leave.”

IV. The Church Must Stand as a Pillar of Truth

1 Timothy 3:15 – “The church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.”

A. We are not just called to believe truth—we are called to embody it

Truth in word, lifestyle, doctrine, and love.

The Church must be clear, compassionate, and courageous.

B. We must call people out of deception—not cancel them, but confront them

Truth without love is harsh.

Love without truth is hollow.

C. Application

Be the one in your family, friend group, or workplace who lovingly stands for truth.

Raise your kids in the Word—don’t let TikTok and culture train them.

D. Tension Statement

“If the Church is silent now, she will be irrelevant then.”

Conclusion: The Great Divide Is Already Here

Deception is no longer future—it’s now.

The line between truth and delusion is becoming clearer by the day.

You can’t remain neutral—you’re either being formed by truth or deformed by lies.

“Choose this day whom you will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)