20 Feb March 5th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S SECOND LETTER TO THE  CHURCH AT THESSALONICA

FORWARNED IS TO BE FORARMED

2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 “The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing.”

Let’s start today’s devotion discussing the word forearmed.  The word means “prepared in advance for danger, attack, or another undesirable future event.”  Even a casual reading of today’s devotional verses  makes it quite apparent you need to make advance preparations for Satan’s attacks.  Since words like “lie” and “deceives” are included in the words of these verses it means you need to pray God for the gift of discernment as you live your daily life.  This means you need to carefully examine whatever is happening.

To be forewarned is to be informed in advance.  Is this not what the Holy Spirit is doing through the pen of St. Paul here in 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10.  The message is there is no doubt that Satan is going to attack your faith and Christian life with lies and deception.  He is going to try to make evil appear good, tell lies as if they are truth, try to make bad things appear as helpful and right.

How will you be able to find the truth and not be deceived?  How will you discover what is evil , false, and destructive?  The only way to find absolute truth is in the Holy Scriptures. Jesus prayed in His High Priestly prayer that God would “sanctify” you and all Christians (sanctify means to make and keep holy . . . that is, without sin. . . knowing the truth from lies, good from evil, etc.) He prayed God would do this with His Word of truth.  (See John 17:17)

To see through Satan’s lies, half-truths, misrepresentations and evil of all kind by using God’s word to examine everything you are told, read, and see you will know the truth.  There is no other way!  It is His word that forewarns you to be discerning.  It is His word that provides you with all you need to overcome the evil one.  (see Ephesians 6:10ff)

Prayer:  Thank You Lord for Your Word of truth that forewarns and forearms me regarding Satan’s devious schemes to steal me away from You.  Keep me in the true faith to life everlasting.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

A mighty fortress is our God, A trusty shield and weapon;

He helps us free from ev’ry need That hath us now o’ertaken.

The old evil foe Now means deadly woe;

Deep guile and great might Are his dread arms in fight;

On earth is not his equal.

With might of ours can naught be done,

Soon were our loss effected; But for us fights the valiant One, Whom God Himself elected.  Ask ye, Who is this?

Jesus Christ it is, Of Sabaoth Lord, And there’s none other God;

He holds the field forever.

Though devils all the world should fill, All eager to devour us,

We tremble not, we fear no ill; They shall not overpow’r us.

This world’s prince may still Scowl fierce as he will,

He can harm us none.  He’s judged; the deed is done;

One little word can fell him.

The Word they still shall let remain Not any thanks have for it;

He’s by our side upon the plain With His good gifts and Spirit.

And take they our life, Goods, fame, child, and wife,

Though these all be gone, Our vict’ry has been won;

The Kingdom ours remaineth.

(LSB 656)