Introductory Thoughts
Today's verse deals with a period of time prophesied to shortly come to pass called the time of Jacob's trouble. Fortunately, if you are born again by the grace of God, you will not be here during any part of this period (1 Thessalonians 4:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:9) when the Antichrist will have his way on this earth. Although Christians will be absent, we still remain responsible to study the word of God concerning this future time. In doing so, we learn from Daniel chapter 11 that the Antichrist will use flattery to obtain his kingdom. As a “vile” leader, he will come in peaceably and say nice things to other leaders in order to get them to agree to associate with him. Ultimately, he plans to take full control. Since we are told that the Antichrist of the future will use these methods, we should consider that the Devil likewise devours believers today using the same modus operandi.
Devotional Thoughts
-
(For children): One of the key ways that Satan uses flattery involves telling man what he wants to hear. He furthers his lie by convincing people to go against what God says. He offers really convincing arguments that sound so good and plausible. For instance, Eve wanted to eat the forbidden fruit so badly that she believed his lie (Genesis 3:4). Ultimately, we end up miserable as we go against Gods word.
-
(For everyone): Flattery serves as one of the Devil's most effective tools. What are some ways he can use flattery to rob believers of their joy and peace? What are some ways that he uses flattery to ruin a persons testimony?
-
What should we think about leaders who use flattery to gather a following? From what we have just learned, whose tactics are they implementing? How should we pray in these situations?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to give us godly leaders who do not use flattery.
- Ask God to show us the Devils tactics at work in our lives.
Song
YE SONS OF GOD, THE TEMPTER FLY
