Scripture:
(NIV) [1] The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. [2] Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.
Observation:
1) Paul lets Timothy know that this is not just his opinion but came to him through the Holy Spirit.
2) The end times are near – stay focussed on the truth of Christ and be very aware of, and not to be fooled by, false teachers.
3) False teachers will become widespread in the end times and there is no turning them around – their consciences seared as with a hot iron.
Application:
It seems more and more lately that we are hearing men call evil good and good evil. If we pay attention, we will see that as a huge warning.
It feels like the world is seemingly leaning more and more to a sort of subjective morality and it’s not just the secular individuals and leaders causing the shift. There are plenty of false teachers who claim to be Christians but are controlled by deceiving spirits, distorting God’s word to suit their own sinful purposes.
This is certainly not the only place in Scripture warning of the increase of false teachers and false prophets in the end times and we know what will finally happen to them. Check out Rev 22:18-19 [18] ..If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. [19] And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City..
We know the end of the story and what will happen to false teachers but until then, they are dangerous. Dangerous to us and especially to others who may not be immersed in the Word. We need discernment in what we hear.
1 John 4:1
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Test the spirits to see whether they are from God. Here are a couple basics..
* Do the teachers truly believe believe in the Trinity as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
* Do they teach that we have salvation through the Grace of God though faith and not by works? That is, Jesus + nothing = salvation, not Jesus + some sort of works = salvation.
* Does their teaching line up strictly with Scripture?
* Can their teaching be validated through other Spiritual advisors?
Prayer:
Lord you are so good. Thank you for choosing me. Thank you for my salvation, knowing that I have not earned it and yet you sent your Son do die for my sins that I may live eternity with you. Lord I live to glorify you. Keep me focused on your will and truth. Help me not be deceived by satan’s lies and most of all, stop me from spreading any gospel message that is not true to your word. In Jesus’ holy name I pray. Amen.