THE COUNTERFEIT QUEEN By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: Matthew 7:21-23
"Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’"
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INTRODUCTION
There are many who present themselves as righteous, as chosen, as those walking in the light, yet their ways are false. They have adorned themselves with the appearance of holiness, but inwardly they are filled with self-exaltation, deception, and pride. Such individuals, who once knew the truth but abandoned it for worldly gain, are what the Lord calls "The Counterfeit Queen."
A counterfeit queen is one who was given the truth but chose to forsake it for the riches, fame, and praise of men. She projects an image of greatness, yet beneath the surface, she is empty and lost. She has built for herself a kingdom that is crumbling, and yet she refuses to acknowledge her fall. This message is a warning to all who prioritize self-glorification over divine obedience, calling them to repentance before it is too late.
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THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A COUNTERFEIT QUEEN
She Knows the Truth but Rejects It
Hebrews 10:26 – "For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins."
The counterfeit queen is not ignorant of God's truth; she was once part of His kingdom but chose to turn away. Despite knowing that God is the only way, she has embraced self-worship, forsaking the truth for lies.
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She Seeks Worldly Praise Over Divine Approval
John 12:43 – "For they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God."
The desire for human recognition has consumed her heart. She would rather be honored by men than be obedient to God. Her fame and success have become her god, and she measures her worth by worldly standards rather than by the righteousness of God.
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She Lives in Deception and Pretension
2 Timothy 3:5 – "Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people."
Outwardly, she appears to be in control, adorned in an image of wisdom and righteousness, but inwardly she is full of decay. She is a pretender, a hypocrite who speaks of faith but does not live by it.
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THE FOLLY OF HER SUCCESS
Her Achievements Are Meaningless
Ecclesiastes 2:11 – "Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun."
The counterfeit queen may have built a life of wealth and fame, but in the eyes of God, it amounts to nothing. Everything she worked for will crumble because it was not founded on the Rock of Christ.
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She is Slipping, Yet She Refuses to Repent
Proverbs 16:18 – "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."
Though she sees her kingdom fading and her influence waning, she clings to her pride. Rather than turn back to God, she persists in self-deception, refusing to acknowledge her fall.
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THE FINAL JUDGMENT OF THE COUNTERFEIT QUEEN
She Will Face the Lord’s Rejection
Matthew 25:41 – "Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.'"
There will come a day when she will stand before the Lord, and all her self-glorification will be of no value. The same Lord she rejected will reject her, casting her away from His presence.
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SUMMARY
The message of the counterfeit queen is a sobering warning to all who exalt themselves rather than God. No matter how much one achieves in this world, if their heart is far from God, they are lost. The pride, deception, and worldly success of the counterfeit queen will lead to her downfall.
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CONCLUSION
God is calling for repentance. He is giving a chance for those who have strayed to return. The question remains: Will you continue in deception, or will you humble yourself before the Almighty? The fate of the counterfeit queen is sealed unless she turns back to the truth.
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CALL TO ACTION
Examine yourself. Have you placed your own desires above God's will? Have you been seeking the praise of men rather than the approval of God? If so, it is time to repent. The Lord is merciful to those who humble themselves and turn back to Him.
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FINAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
There is hope in Christ. No matter how far one has strayed, God is willing to restore them. He calls for a return to righteousness, to humility, and to truth. Choose this day to forsake the vanity of the world and embrace the eternal kingdom of God.
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SALVATION PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
I acknowledge that I have sinned and strayed from Your ways. I confess my pride, my selfish ambitions, and my pursuit of worldly things. Today, I choose to turn away from all deceit and falsehood. I repent of my sins and ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died for my sins and rose again. I surrender my life to You and ask You to be my Lord and Savior. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and lead me in Your truth. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.