Teaching for Tuesday
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. 1 Timothy 4:1
If we look carefully at today’s text, we can surely believe that we are indeed in the latter days. Never in the history of the world have so many been enticed by seducing spirits, those flowery and exciting demonstrations of the charismatic movement, which claims to be operating in the power of the Holy Spirit but is instead operating in the power of seducing spirits of evil and error. The doctrines of devils is also becoming more and more commonplace around us as we see the false cults that deny the position and power of the Lord Jesus while raising up base and sinful men to the positions of prophets and demi-gods. We are not ignorant of much of this activity. However, We are unaware of how pervasive this evil has become in the world about us, and how much it affects even those of us who have trusted Christ.
Seducing spirits would have us believe that the end justifies the means, and that entertainment is a good way to draw people to meetings. Seducing spirits would have us believe that evil such as homosexuality and immorality is actually not all that bad. Seducing spirits would have us believe that the Moslems maybe do have some good ideas and it’s OK to let their leaders share the teaching of spiritual things to our young people. But God says the preaching of the cross – not the pounding of drums and twanging of guitars – is the power of God unto salvation. God says sin is just as sinful as it ever was, and homosexuality and immorality are still as abominable as they ever were. As for the Moslems, their doctrine is truly that of devils, with their vile prophet Mohammed having been one of the most satanic people who ever lived, preaching a god who bears no resemblance to the God of the Bible but is instead that old dragon, Satan.
Paul tells us that in these days, some shall depart from the faith because they give heed to these seducing spirits and devilish doctrines. Giving heed to these evil and godless things will lead to giving in to them; surrendering to the satanic. How we need to search our thoughts and attitudes to make sure we are not being softened to accept that which is from these spirits and doctrines!
Note that Paul says some will give heed. That suggests to us that some will not. Some will stand firmly on what the Word of God says concerning sin and evil. Some will stand firm on the proclamation of the Gospel. Some will stand firm for the principles of scripture concerning the gathering of the Lord’s People. Some will not deny the faith. Let us be among those who stand for God. -Jim MacIntosh