Sermon Central
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Upholding The Truth In The Last Days
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 18, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: The last days will be marked by deception, compromise, and persecution of those who uphold the truth. However, as believers, we are called to stand firm, discerning between truth and error, and boldly declaring God’s unchanging Word.
UPHOLDING THE TRUTH IN THE LAST DAYS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text:
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables." – 2 Timothy 4:3-4
Supporting Texts:
Matthew 24:10-13, John 8:32, 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12, 1 Timothy 4:1-2, Jude 3
INTRODUCTION:
We are living in a time when truth is being distorted, compromised, and outrightly rejected. The Bible warns that in the last days, people will turn away from sound doctrine, embracing teachings that suit their desires rather than the truth of God’s Word. False teachers, deception, and a growing resistance to biblical truth characterize this era.
Jesus prophesied that deception would be a major sign of the end times (Matthew 24:4-5). Many will abandon the faith, follow false teachings, and conform to worldly ideologies. This makes it crucial for believers to remain steadfast, discerning, and unwavering in upholding the truth of God’s Word.
To stand firm in these perilous times, we must know the truth, defend it courageously, and refuse to compromise, no matter the cost. In this study, we will examine why the truth is under attack, how to discern falsehood, and how to remain steadfast in the last days.
1. THE ATTACK ON TRUTH IN THE LAST DAYS
The devil’s primary weapon in the last days is deception.
a) The rise of false teachers (2 Peter 2:1-3).
Many will distort the truth for personal gain and lead others astray.
b) People will reject sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
Many prefer teachings that accommodate sin rather than convict them of it.
c) The spirit of the Antichrist is at work (1 John 2:18-22).
The world is being conditioned to reject Christ and His teachings.
d) Sin blinds people to the truth (Romans 1:18-25).
People suppress the truth because they love sin.
e) Biblical Example: The Fall of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:1-6).
Satan deceived Eve by distorting God’s Word, leading to humanity’s fall.
2. DISCERNING FALSEHOOD IN THE LAST DAYS
Believers must sharpen their spiritual discernment to avoid being deceived.
a) Test every spirit (1 John 4:1).
Not every preacher or prophecy is from God; we must test them by Scripture.
b) Examine teachings by the Word of God (Acts 17:11).
Like the Bereans, we must verify all teachings with Scripture.
c) The fruit test: Every true minister must bear good fruit (Matthew 7:15-20).
False teachers often display greed, immorality, and pride.
d) The Holy Spirit leads into all truth (John 16:13).
The Spirit of God helps us discern between truth and deception.
e) Biblical Example: Paul Confronting False Apostles (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).
Paul exposed deceitful workers disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.
3. STANDING FIRM IN THE TRUTH
To uphold the truth, believers must be deeply rooted in God’s Word.
a) Know the truth personally (John 8:32).
A deep relationship with God’s Word prevents deception.
b) Be ready to defend the faith (Jude 3).
Contend earnestly for the faith delivered to the saints.
c) Put on the full armour of God (Ephesians 6:13-17).
The belt of truth holds everything together.
d) Do not conform to worldly ideologies (Romans 12:2).
Stand firm even when society pressures you to compromise.
e) Biblical Example: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3:16-18).
They refused to bow to falsehood, even at the risk of their lives.
4. THE COST OF UPHOLDING THE TRUTH
Upholding the truth in the last days comes with challenges, but God rewards faithfulness.
a) Persecution will arise (Matthew 10:22).
Those who stand for truth will be hated.
b) Some will fall away due to pressure (Matthew 24:10).
Many will abandon the faith because of trials.
c) God’s approval is greater than man’s acceptance (Galatians 1:10).
Our goal is to please God, not people.
d) The truth sets us free (John 8:32).
Living in truth brings liberty.
e) Biblical Example: Stephen, the First Martyr (Acts 7:54-60).
He stood for the truth even unto death and saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
5. THE REWARD OF STANDING FOR THE TRUTH
Despite opposition, God honours those who remain faithful.
a) Eternal rewards await (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
A crown of righteousness is reserved for those who stand firm.
b) God’s protection is assured (Psalm 91:14-16).
He preserves those who hold fast to Him.
c) The Church will triumph (Matthew 16:18).
No power can destroy the true Church of Christ.
d) The truth leads to eternal life (Titus 1:1-2).
Holding on to the truth secures our place in eternity.
e) Biblical Example: Paul’s Final Words (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
Paul endured hardships but remained faithful to the end.
CONCLUSION:
The last days will be marked by deception, compromise, and persecution of those who uphold the truth. However, as believers, we are called to stand firm, discerning between truth and error, and boldly declaring God’s unchanging Word.
