JUN 22

1 John 4:1-4
Memorise 1 Thessalonians 5:21
“… for many deceivers are entered into the world…”

Being in the fellowship and in the midst of believers is really a blessing. It is such a comfort and one can really feel a difference in the spirit when we are in the fellowship of saints. It is therefore not surprising to hear the often repeated phrase “heaven on earth”. However, the reality is that, it is not truly heaven, at least not yet. We are still on earth and we are not free from sin in ourselves or in others around us. Even though we are sometimes tempted to put down our guard, Scripture frequently warns us not to do so. We are tempted to just accept everything whenever we are in the fellowship of saints, including what is taught over the pulpit. This is not wise and Scripture tells us that we should really be doing the opposite. We are taught to prove all things. This means that we are to test, discern all things to ensure if they are correct. Not just some things, but all things. Even if your pastor is most trusted, or if you have known him for years, God’s Word still instructs us to prove all things.

How do we go about doing so? We are to compare what is taught against Scripture. God’s Word as found in the Bible is our final word of authority. We are to compare God’s Word to what we hear and check if it is consistent or not. Thank God that He has given us the perfect Bible. If not for the Bible, we will have no way of telling if something is true or false. The threat is real. 1 John 4:1 tells us that there are many false prophets that are gone out into the world. False prophets do more damage than any other. They are Satan’s agents. They create confusion and falsehood. In 1 John 4:3 we are told that the spirit of the antichrist is already in the world. Just as we are in the midst of saints, we must not forget that the devil is also in our midst, seeking to destroy us. 1 Peter 5:8 tells us that the devil is as a roaring lion that walks about seeking whom he can devour. This description is very severe and real. A lion is ferocious and strong and he means to devour believers and non-believers alike. Eph 6 describes the walk of the believer as a warfare in which we must be well prepared and protected against. Without the right spiritual weapons, we are defenseless. In other words, the Christian walk is never “a walk in the park”. We should enjoy unity of brethren in Christ and godly fellowship among saints, but we must always remember the necessity to prove all things whether they be of God.

Thought: Do you know of those who have failed to prove all things faithfully?
Prayer: Father, help me always to be vigilant.