THE SON OF PERDITION

DATE: TUESDAY 13TH MARCH 2018

THEME: THE SON OF PERDITION

MEMORISE:

While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. John 17:12

READ: John 4:1-6; 

1When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,

2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)

3 He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.

4 And he must needs go through Samaria.

5 Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

6 Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.

Psalm 55:12-21.

12 For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him:

13 But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance.

14 We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.

15 Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them.

16 As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.

17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

18 He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.

19 God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.

20 He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant.

21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.

MESSAGE:

In 2 Thessalonians 2:3, the term “son of perdition” is used as a code name reserved for the man of sin, the beast, who is also known as the Antichrist. Interestingly, in today’s memory verse, the Lord Jesus Christ also used the same name in an obvious reference to Judas Iscariot, who was one of His disciples. Jesus used this term to describe Judas Iscariot because he was an embodiment of the spirit, character and essence of the Antichrist will be possessed by the devil himself, so also was Judas Iscariot possessed by Satan (2 Thessalonians 2:9, John 13:27). It is food for thought that such a person could be seated with Christ at the same supper table. As it was in the time of Christ, so it is even now in the Body of Christ; which is the reason why we are warned in 1 John 4:3 that the spirit of the Antichrist is already at work. Without any doubt, dangerous personalities working in the spirit of the Antichrist should be correctly identified and isolated in order to curtail their evil activities in the Body of Christ. In order to achieve this, these questions come to mind: who is the son of perdition? What are his characteristics? How can he be identified and how should I relate with a person walking in this spirit? I pray that every agent of Satan hiding around you will be exposed in Jesus Name. 

In the verses of Psalm 55 which we read today, much is said about the characteristics of the Antichrist. Amongst other things, the Antichrist works as a rebel leader against God’s authority. He is a covenant breaker, and he wages war against those who are at peace with him without provocation. Although the words of his mouth may be smoother than butter, war is in his heart. The Antichrist is a smooth talker, an expert in the art of deception and pretence. Most importantly, the Psalmist reveals that a person working in the spirit of the Antichrist may not be a total stranger or an outsider (Psalm 55:12-14). Such a person may not be perceived as an enemy, because his or her hatred will be camouflaged and therefore hidden. The spirit of the Antichrist may operate through people we consider acquaintances. It could be someone we trust with our innermost secrets; someone we regard as a true born again child of God and a faithful partner in our spiritual walk with God. Judas Iscariot conformed to all these characteristics. He chose to rebel against the Lord despite his exposure to the truth. For this reason, the Lord Jesus Christ correctly identified him as the son of perdition. Brethren, check to ensure that you do not share in any of these evil traits. Do not join anyone to do such things, and distance yourself from evil doers. I pray that you will not become lost forever in spite of your interactions with the Lord Jesus’ Name. 

PRAYER POINT:

Father, grant me grace to discern the workings of the spirit of the antichrist around me. 

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Number 26-27; 2 Corinthians 10

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE 

HYMN 15: NEARER MY GOD TO THEE.

Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!

E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me,

Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer to Thee!

Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down,

Darkness comes over me, my rest a stone;

Yet in my dreams I’d be nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer to Thee!

There let me see the sight, an open Heaven;

All that Thou sendest me, in mercy given;

Angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer to Thee!

Then, with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise,

Out of my stony griefs Bethel I’ll raise;

So by my woes to be nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer to Thee!