“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.” – 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10
Not everyone who appears on the scene saying and doing amazing things is on God’s team! We should absolutely expect remarkable individuals with massive followings to appear who are actually servants of Satan. We should anticipate that these individuals will borrow much of the language and appearances of faith, even of Christianity. They may sound, to the casual listener, very godly, and perhaps even very Christian. But if they don’t proclaim Jesus as Lord, as Christ come in the flesh, they are an agent of Satan, not God! If they teach a false gospel, they are of Satan, not God.
Such an individual may be a popular preacher, a wildly successful silver-tongued politician, or a transcendent social media influencer. We should anticipate much media hype surrounding them. We should expect debate within the church over whether they’re perhaps “good” because they interest people in spiritual matters. They aren’t good!!!
Such people should be expected. Many will fall for them – don’t be one of those! Be discerning. Look carefully for the fruit of the Spirit: if that individual isn’t exhibiting love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, he or she is unlikely to be from God. If he or she isn’t acting like Jesus in the everyday way of compassion, sacrifice, and love, it’s quite likely he or she is serving Satan rather than God. Expect them and be prepared!