Standing Firm in a Godless Society

7/17/24 – 07/24/24

Be on Guard

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  07/18/24

Cults and heresies flourish because sincere people are looking for answers. Many are willing to turn to anything other than God. As a believer, you have been given the source of all Truth through God’s Word. However, we must be on guard when it comes to Satan’s deception.

If a pastor or preacher teaches something contrary to the Bible, disregard it. In Matthew 24:4-5, Jesus warned His disciples, “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.”

Satan is the source of all deception. He wants us to wander off course by compromising the convictions God has taught us. At first, we may wander just a few steps to the left or the right, but before we know it, we have fallen into sin.

Satan strives to cause us to distrust God, His leadership, His authority, and His Word. When we reject His Truth, all we have left to stand on is a handful of lies.

Paul reminds us that judgment is coming and calls us to stand firm in the Truth of Christ:

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. (2 Timothy 4:1-2).

Life is hopeless without Christ. But He is alive, and He is willing to fill every void in your life. You can look to Him for all the right answers to your every question. Jesus will meet you right where you are. God knows you, and He loves you. He knows your deepest needs. Keep His Word close to your heart, and you will not be deceived.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your Scripture that leads me into all Truth. Help me to hide its words in my heart that I might not sin against You (Psalm 119:11). I know You love me and care for me. Remembering this, help me to exercise my faith in You today so that I will not be deceived. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Resist [the devil], standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings” (1 Peter 5:9).