Wicked people are deceived and perishing

 “…wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.” (2 Thes. 3:10-12 NIV)

Why are wicked people perishing?

According to the above passage, the ones who are perishing are perishing for a number of reasons! First, they are perishing because they are deceived by wickedness! Second, they are perishing because they have “refused to love the truth and so be saved.” It’s a personal decision with negative consequences. Their decisions lead them along a downward spiral until they become so wicked they openly reject truth and delight in wickedness. At this point God sends them “a powerful delusion” so they blindly believe the lies and are condemned. You can see this process happening to many in the entertainment world and the talking heads within the main stream media. When Christians see this open wickedness, they sometimes become discouraged, dismayed and confused. But don’t forget that God knows what’s going on and He has a plan. There’s hope!

Discouragement over wickedness is nothing new! Asaph felt the same way in Psalm 73

“They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others. They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth. And so the people are dismayed and confused, drinking in all their words. “What does God know?” they ask. “Does the Most High even know what’s happening?” Look at these wicked people—enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply. Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason? I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain.” (Psalm 73:8-14 NLT)

Asaph receives understanding

“Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction. In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors. (Psalm 73:17-19 NLT)

Asaph is encouraged

“Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.” (Psalm 73:23-26 NLT)

God’s people must pray

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chron. 7:14 NKJV)

“To open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ (Acts 26:18 ESV)

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Tim. 2:1-4 ESV)