Daily Bread 1-10-17
1 Timothy 4:1,2
1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
ref. - John 16:13 - Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you in all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
2 Peter 2:1 - But there were false prophets among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
Eph 4:19 - Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
The Spirit of God speaks in truth. There is nothing false when the Spirit of God is in control. In this scripture we read about how good men, once filled with the Holy Spirit, will give themselves over to other spirits. Spirits that show them favor and promise them things. Seducing spirits that seem attractive at the surface but are ravening wolves from the inside. They give place to these spirits and soon they no longer have feeling of the difference between right and wrong. In turn, they only teach what they think will advance them. This is why we need to, each one of us, spend more time in prayer and devotion to God. Seeking for the gifts of the Holy Spirit and remaining in these gifts until the Lord takes us home. These false prophets are all around us. They were once good men but no longer feel anything for the Lord. They no longer feel his presence so they have to try to manufacture it through different deceitful ways of the world. They no longer feel right from wrong because the true Spirit of God has left them so they speak great swelling words of vanity trying to win over people to their favor instead of prophesying God's will to the people. These men will cause division inside and outside the Church as to what is the truth and who is giving it. We could tell each other listen to this one or listen to that one, but who really knows the truth if the Holy Spirit is not in us? Who knows when we are being deceived by doctrines of devils? The answer lies in not only who preaches and teaches with the blessing of the Church, but they who teach from the word of God, not perverting the Gospel to please the hearer, but preaching the truth so that the hearers may turn and be saved from the destruction that is to come. If it is a tradition, a ritual, or a new rule(Or old one for that matter, but that would lie in the realm of tradition) that is not supported by the Gospel of Christ, then it is safe to say that it does not belong. It is a damnable heresy, which should be heard but not followed. We have these men today that have chosen to let their consciences be seared and no longer follow sound doctrine. This is the very thing that Paul was warning Timothy of and we are warned of today. Our time is limited so we must strive to enter in at the strait gate, there is only one way to God and there is only one way to heaven that is Jesus Christ. Let us learn more about him today and make an honest effort to become obedient to what he taught and what he brought. Soon we will know who will stay and who will go, will that someone be you? Have a great day!!!