“But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ predicted. They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God’s Spirit in them.” – Jude 17-19
It is interesting to note that this is not the first time false teachers have entered the spiritual arena, nor is it the first time the believers of that day had been warned of their coming. In fact believers down thru the ages have repeatedly been warned of those who would attempt to lead the faithful away from the one true God. There could be someone in your church right now who exhibits a spirit of divisiveness, seeking to create factions in the church. It happens all the time and if not wary of its possibility will result in their congregation fracturing and becoming ineffective.
These liars seek only to tear apart. They claim to have inspiration from the Lord, but in reality lack the Spirit of true inspiration. I repeat; it should not take anyone by surprise when this takes place. Warnings have been abundant. One way to identify those who pretend to be one of us is their selfish lusts or desires. They have a hunger for those things, especially those things that rest on the border of right and wrong. As believers in Christ we are to steer clear of questionable circumstances. The notion that what is being suggested hurts no one else is insufficient reason to engage in a certain activity. We are ambassadors of Christ, not rogue agents who use compromised tactics to advance the kingdom. God doesn’t need that sort of assistance.
Herein lies yet another reason to stay immersed in God’s Word. In addition to all the other things scripture provides, it is designed to warn and protect us. It is readily available to be studied, yet remains on the coffee table or bookshelf collecting dust. God can never be blamed for not providing help to his church. It’s just like the statement that ends in a question: If God seems far away, who moved?Lock in to the Lord and breathe in the peace of knowing that no matter what happens God is in complete and utter control and nothing will ever happen to you that is not within his grand design for you in a very personal sense. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!
Resources: The Life Application Study Bible; John MacArthur’s Study Bible; NIV Study Bible Notes; www.biblegateway.com.
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