Lesson 5: Overcoming Deception and False Prophets in the Last Days

 

Lesson 5: Overcoming Deception and False Prophets in the Last Days

Key Scriptures:

• Matthew 24:4–5 – "And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many."

• 1 John 4:1 – "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."

• 2 Thessalonians 2:9–10 – "Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved."

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Lesson Objective

To equip believers to discern truth from error, test all teachings by the Word of God, and remain anchored in Christ amidst growing spiritual deception.

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Teaching Content

1. The Increase of Deception in the Last Days

• Jesus’ first warning in His Olivet Discourse (Matt. 24) was about deception, showing its priority.

• Deception will not only come from false religions but also from counterfeit Christianity.

• Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14).

2. Characteristics of False Prophets

• They twist scripture to suit their agenda (2 Pet. 3:16).

• They often appeal to greed, ego, or comfort (2 Pet. 2:1–3).

• They produce bad fruit despite their outward charisma (Matt. 7:15–20).

3. Biblical Tests to Overcome Deception

• Test by the Word – Acts 17:11, like the Bereans, search the Scriptures daily.

• Test by the Spirit – 1 John 4:1–3, check if they confess Jesus Christ as come in the flesh.

• Test by the Fruit – Matthew 7:16, examine their character and lifestyle.

4. Guarding Ourselves from Deception

• Stay in daily fellowship with God through prayer and His Word (Ps. 119:105).

• Cultivate love for truth; without it, we become vulnerable (2 Thess. 2:10).

• Be rooted in a sound, Bible-believing community (Heb. 10:25).

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Practical Application

• Commit to memorizing key scriptures that affirm the deity and work of Christ.

• Avoid chasing sensational signs without scriptural grounding.

• Build a habit of verifying every teaching with the Bible before accepting it.

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Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think deception will increase before Christ’s return?

2. Can you give examples of modern teachings or movements that distort God’s Word?

3. How can a believer grow in discernment without becoming overly suspicious?

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Prayer Focus

Lord, anchor my heart in Your Word and truth. Give me spiritual discernment to recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd and reject every false way. Keep me steadfast in love for Your truth until the day of Your return.