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)