FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27
John 14:24-26
2 Timothy 4:1-5

“…so will I keep thy precepts.”

THE SPIRIT TEACHING (III)

Perilous times are upon the Church. Great deception and subversion of the Bible’s vital doctrines are undermining the faith of many. But the true Church and faithful believer shall be preserved, for the Holy Spirit is not unmindful of their well-being. Dangers and pitfalls abound but He has adequate warnings and safeguards for His people.

The Spirit’s warnings concerning false teachers are plentiful. Two of these are: “… in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy…” (1 Tim 4:1-2). “But there were false prophets also 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…” (2 Pet 2:1).

We are clearly warned of the appearance of false teachers in the church who are like thieves and robbers, or like “grievous wolves… not sparing the flock” (Acts 20:29). What must we do in such a situation? Our Lord says, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matt 7:15). Be wise and alert, then, dear reader. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). Do not believe every preacher but put their message to the test. Is the pure Word of God being preached?

The blessed Holy Spirit lovingly exhorts us. “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ … But refuse profane and old wives’ fables... Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them…” (1 Tim 4:6-7, 16). “…mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrines which ye have learned; and avoid them” (Rom 16:17). “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers … come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord … and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you…” (2 Cor 6:14, 17-18).

THOUGHT: The Holy Spirit is our infallible Teacher.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to be attentive to Thy words.