Avoiding Deception
A.W. Tozer warns of the dangers of deception and the importance of discernment in these times of moral and religious confusion.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the critical need for discernment in a time of moral and religious confusion, warning that the faithful Lord has provided us with guidance to avoid the pitfalls of deception. He highlights the increase in religious fervor and the rise of false prophets, urging believers to remain vigilant against those who claim to be Christ. Tozer reminds us that amidst wars, famines, and societal turmoil, many will be misled by false teachings and signs. He calls for a close examination of God's words to navigate these turbulent times and to protect ourselves from being deceived. The sermon serves as a clarion call to remain steadfast in faith and discerning in spirit.
Text
These are times of moral and religious confusion and it is sometimes hard to distinguish the false from the true. Our faithful Lord has tried to save us from the consequences of our own blindness by repeated warnings and many careful instructions. It will pay us to give close attention to His words. Toward the end of the age, we are told, there shall be a time of stepped-up religious activity and frenzied expectation, growing out of the turbulent conditions prevailing among nations.
The language is familiar to most Christians: Wars and rumors of wars . . . nation shall rise against nation . . famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. . . .
Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations . . and then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. Concurrent with this state of affairs will be a great increase in religious excitement and supernatural happenings generally. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. . . . And many false prophets shall rise. . . . Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Sermon Outline
- The Times of Moral and Religious Confusion
- The End of the Age
- Wars, Famine, and Pestilence
- Persecution and Hatred
- Increased Religious Excitement
- Supernatural Happenings and False Prophets
Key Quotes
“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” — A.W. Tozer
“Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.” — A.W. Tozer
“For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We must be careful and discerning in these times of moral and religious confusion, lest we be deceived by false prophets and false Christs.
- We must test the spirits to see whether they are of God, and not believe every spirit.
- We must be prepared for persecution and hatred, and not be surprised when these things come to pass.