We live in a world today where countless people prefer to listen to lies rather than the truth. They call good evil and evil good. I want to share a lesson plan with you that will shed light on the danger in rejecting God's truth.
The Danger In Rejecting God's TRUTH
by Pastor Carlton Barnett
"and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie".
2 Thessalonians 2:10
Introduction:
In this particular passage, we are dealing with a sobering warning from the Apostle Paul. This passage is not one to gloss over—it is a wake-up call to all who hear the Word of God. Paul is writing to the church in Thessalonica, reminding them that the end times will be marked by deception, rebellion, and a falling away from truth.
And he says something chilling: "Because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved... God shall send them strong delusion." So let us examine what this means for us today.
I. The Power of Truth and Our Response to It
The Word of God is truth. Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." And in John 8:32, "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
But Paul says there are some who "received not the love of the truth."
Not that they didn’t hear it, but that they didn’t love it.
You can attend church and still not love the truth.
You can hear the gospel and still harden your heart.
You can know what's right and still choose wrong.
Loving the truth means embracing it, obeying it, and letting it transform you. It’s not enough to hear it—it must take root in your heart.
II. The Consequence of Rejecting the Truth
Paul says that those who reject the truth will be overcome by "all deceivableness of unrighteousness."
When people turn away from God’s truth, they don’t stand still—they open themselves up to deception. They are left vulnerable to lies, counterfeit miracles, false teachings, and worldly philosophies.
And then comes the most terrifying part:
"For this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie."
Why would God allow that? Because when people consistently reject the truth, God gives them over to what they have chosen (Romans 1:24). It is a form of divine judgment—not because God is cruel, but because He is just.
III. The Love of the Truth is Our Protection
In a world full of lies, truth is your greatest defense. When you love the truth:
You won’t be swayed by popular opinion.
You won’t fall for false prophets and false doctrines.
You’ll be rooted and grounded in the Word.
The Holy Spirit, who is called the Spirit of Truth (John 16:13), will lead and guide you when your heart is committed to loving and obeying God's Word.
IV. The Call to Examine Ourselves
Paul’s message should cause us to reflect:
Do I love the truth?
Do I let it correct me, even when it hurts?
Do I live by it, or do I only listen to what’s convenient?
Don’t be a hearer only—be a doer. Love the truth. Cling to it. Obey it. For in it is life, liberty, and salvation.
Conclusion:
Let this passage be both a warning and a call to action. The days are evil, deception is increasing, and the only safe place is in the truth of Jesus Christ. Don’t play with the Word. Don’t toy with grace. Don’t gamble with your soul.
Receive the love of the truth—hold fast to it—so that you might be saved.
As the Scripture says in Proverbs 23:23, “Buy the truth, and sell it not.”