The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12)
If sin is the secret activity of Satan at work in the soul, what does it produce in a person’s life?
1. Deception. Evil deceives; that is its nature. Where you find sin attractive that is where Satan deceives.
2. Perishing. For those outside of Jesus Christ there is an unraveling of life going on, a taking down, a becoming less. By nature we are perishing.
3. Refusing. The greatest barrier to faith lies not in the doubts of the mind, but in the desires of the heart.
4. Pleasure. “Had pleasure in unrighteousness” explains why they “did not believe.” Where the heart loves wickedness, the mind cannot embrace the truth.
5. Delusion. When a person keeps resisting Christ and pushing him away, God eventually gives him or her over to what he or she desires.
6. False Belief. When a man feels that he is his own god, his own law, and that he stands on his own goodness, you know he has swallowed the lie.
7. Condemnation. This is why we need a Savior, and why we rejoice in these words: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1)!
Where do you see evidence of Satan’s activity in you or around you?
