The Rise of the Lawless One

Opening Verse

“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.”
2 Thessalonians 2:3 (KJV)

Introduction

A shadow moves across the world—one that many ignore, but Scripture warns of his arrival. He is called the Lawless One, the Man of Sin, the one who will deceive many before Christ’s return. The Bible speaks plainly about this time, yet confusion fills the minds of many because they do not rightly divide the Word of Truth. Will you be ready, or will you be deceived?

The Devotional Story

The city burned in chaos. Riots erupted overnight, leaders vanished, and a voice emerged through every screen, every speaker, every device. The voice was smooth, calming, powerful. “Peace is coming,” it assured, “but first, we must rid ourselves of the ones who stand in the way.”

Daniel clenched his Bible. He had read about this moment, but he never expected it to come so soon. The world was bowing to the Lawless One.

He remembered the warnings: false peace, lying wonders, a leader who would unite the nations, demanding worship. It had begun. Families turned on each other, churches compromised, and those who stood on the truth were labeled as the enemy.

One by one, he saw friends disappear—taken away under the claim of “public safety.” A single world order had formed, a system that punished those who refused to comply. The deception was complete.

But Daniel knew the truth. The Word of God was the only unshakable foundation. He saw many who once followed Christ now following the new leader. They had not studied the Word, had not prepared their hearts. They were deceived.

Then, the voice returned: “You must choose. Join us, or be cast out.”

Daniel opened his Bible and whispered, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

What This Means

The Lawless One is coming, and deception will be widespread. If you do not know the Word, you will be deceived. Jesus warned that even the very elect could be led astray (Matthew 24:24).

We must rightly divide the Word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:15). That means understanding:

  • Who the Lawless One is (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10)
  • The great falling away (1 Timothy 4:1)
  • The need for endurance (Matthew 24:13)
  • The danger of false doctrine (Galatians 1:8)

Think About This

  • Are you prepared to recognize deception when it comes?
  • Do you study the Word daily, or do you rely on others to tell you what it says?
  • If persecution comes, will you stand firm in Christ?

Prayer

Lord, open my eyes to the truth. Let me not be deceived by the Lawless One or the lies of this world. Strengthen my heart to endure and give me the wisdom to rightly divide Your Word. Help me to stand firm until the end. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

The Power of His Name

Opening Verse

“Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?”
— James 2:7 (KJV)

Introduction

The name of Jesus is powerful. It is the name above all names, the name by which we are saved, and the name that carries authority in heaven and on earth. Yet, throughout history, people have mocked, rejected, and blasphemed His name. James warns believers about those who dishonor the name of Christ, especially those who misuse power and oppress others while claiming to follow Him. This verse calls us to stand firm in our faith and honor the name of Jesus in all we do.

Devotional Story

A woman worked in an office where people frequently mocked Christianity. Every time she mentioned her faith, some laughed, while others dismissed her as “old-fashioned.” At times, she felt discouraged and even questioned whether she should keep speaking about Jesus.

One day, a co-worker who had remained silent pulled her aside and said, “I’ve been watching you. You never waver in your faith, no matter what they say. I want to know more about Jesus.”

At that moment, she realized that though many mocked His name, there were still hearts longing for truth. She shared the gospel with her co-worker, and in time, that person gave their life to Christ.

What This Means

The world may mock Jesus, but His name remains powerful and unshaken. As believers, we must never be ashamed of Christ, for it is by His name that we are saved. When others blaspheme or dishonor Him, we must stand firm, living in a way that reflects the holiness of the name we bear.

Think About This

  • Have you ever hesitated to speak about Jesus because of fear of ridicule?
  • Do your actions bring honor to the name of Christ, or do they reflect the world?
  • How can you stand firm in your faith when others mock or reject Jesus?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, Your name is above every name, and I will not be ashamed to declare it. Strengthen me to stand firm in my faith, even when others mock or reject You. Let my life be a testimony that honors Your name and draws others to You. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.”
— Philippians 2:9 (KJV)