1 Timothy 4:1-5 MKJV
(1) But the Spirit expressly says that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and teachings of demons,
(2) speaking lies in hypocrisy, being seared in their own conscience,
(3) forbidding to marry, saying to abstain from foods which God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
(4) For every creation of God is good, and nothing to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving.
(5) For it is sanctified through the Word of God and prayer.
Did you know that demons teach? Isn't that an interesting verse? If you were a demon (stretch here) what would you teach? What kind of people would you target? Would they be people of influence or common folk? Do you think they would get into the political affairs of men, or perhaps sit in the elementary classrooms of our children? Maybe both...
The Spirit expressly says that in the last days, some shall depart from the FAITH. Aha! So we at least know the demons are teaching in the 'church' arena. They are working to destroy the testimonies and faith of believers, or at least people who claimed at one time to believe. If there were a demon at work in your church, what kind of mischief would he create? Internal strife? Jealousy? Unforgiveness amongst the brethren? Unbelief?
Pray that God's light would shine in your church over the dark places. Yes, the enemy can stand a lot more scripture reading and praise music than a lot of Christians think. But what he cannot stand is the Presence of God. What he cannot tolerate is Love. Truth sickens and infuriates him. Make sure your church is saturated with these.
Showing posts with label 1 Timothy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1 Timothy. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Multi-dimensional Faith
If asked, an evangelical Christian would tell you that if you are a believer, then you are saved. John 3:16 is very clear. If you believe in the Son, then you shall have life ever-lasting. Few wrestle with whether or not God actually has the ability to do this. Paul said in his letter to Timothy that "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to guard that which I have committed unto him..." (2 Timothy 1:12). Paul didn't wrestle with the concept that God might not be able to save him.
Joh 10:10 KJV
(10) The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
This, we wrestle with.
We do whatever it takes to make this mean something other than what it says. "Yeah, well, it's talking about eternal life." "It's talking about 'spiritual' life, not life in the physical." "It's just another allegory."
Abundant life - something few have a concept of. The Greek word for 'abundant' is 'perissos', which means superabundant or excessive. Don't you like that? Excessive! For so long Christians have tried to separate themselves from 'excess' because they believe it's not of God. This is just not so. God IS excess. If you don't believe that, just try to go somewhere that He isn't.
This is a long-winded approach to saying that God is able to save you, but that He is also able to give you a life of excess - WHATEVER that means. Spiritual excess? Yes. Physical excess? Absolutely. Success in relationships, finances, health, business, recreation, ministry... you name it. If it does not serve to separate you from His plan for your life, then why don't you just assume He wants you to be excellent in what you're doing? Extend your faith into other areas of your life. Have multi-dimensional faith!
Questions always generate from a teaching like this. Can I be dirt-poor and still have abundant life? Absolutely! Jesus Himself said He had no place to lay His head. Obviously, coinage in the bank is not related to abundant life. But we can draw some conclusions as to what IS related. Anything that Jesus battled must also battle abundant life. Is this true or false?
He battled sickness - He healed when He had the opportunity. He battled worry - He said don't! He battled fatigue - He said rest in Me'. He battled religion - He said follow Me, my yoke is easy and my burden is light. If Jesus battled these things, then don't make peace with them. Abundant life is what Jesus came to bring you. Does your life reflect abundance?
Joh 10:10 KJV
(10) The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
This, we wrestle with.
We do whatever it takes to make this mean something other than what it says. "Yeah, well, it's talking about eternal life." "It's talking about 'spiritual' life, not life in the physical." "It's just another allegory."
Abundant life - something few have a concept of. The Greek word for 'abundant' is 'perissos', which means superabundant or excessive. Don't you like that? Excessive! For so long Christians have tried to separate themselves from 'excess' because they believe it's not of God. This is just not so. God IS excess. If you don't believe that, just try to go somewhere that He isn't.
This is a long-winded approach to saying that God is able to save you, but that He is also able to give you a life of excess - WHATEVER that means. Spiritual excess? Yes. Physical excess? Absolutely. Success in relationships, finances, health, business, recreation, ministry... you name it. If it does not serve to separate you from His plan for your life, then why don't you just assume He wants you to be excellent in what you're doing? Extend your faith into other areas of your life. Have multi-dimensional faith!
Questions always generate from a teaching like this. Can I be dirt-poor and still have abundant life? Absolutely! Jesus Himself said He had no place to lay His head. Obviously, coinage in the bank is not related to abundant life. But we can draw some conclusions as to what IS related. Anything that Jesus battled must also battle abundant life. Is this true or false?
He battled sickness - He healed when He had the opportunity. He battled worry - He said don't! He battled fatigue - He said rest in Me'. He battled religion - He said follow Me, my yoke is easy and my burden is light. If Jesus battled these things, then don't make peace with them. Abundant life is what Jesus came to bring you. Does your life reflect abundance?
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