S238P11 – Difficult truths: today’s many faithful
1 Tim. 4:1-5
The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
By most accounts, he appeared to be just as committed as the others in the brotherhood. Of course, the group did not always get along perfectly for the few short years they were together, but they usually worked well together in advancing their mission. Those who knew the group knew that these men were a team and that their work was of a specific nature. No one else was doing what they were doing, so they were noticed. Then, the unimaginable occurred. It was during a trying and confusing time that one of the brothers would be unmasked as a traitor. For just a few shiny coins, Judas gave up his Lord to satisfy his selfish and evil desires.
Many who appear to be faithful today will show themselves in time to be enemies of God. This is a difficult truth to hear because it forces us to examine ourselves and our fellow brothers and sisters, but this truth is simple. Those who knock will find an open door. Those who seek God will encounter him. He will not hide himself from those who sincerely pursue him. The issue is whether we are pursuing the Lord sincerely. If we are, then we will measure all we hear against the word of God and our spiritual discernment. If we are not, then we have a greater chance of being deceived by half-truths and even clear lies that defy God but appeal to our own sinful desires.
No one wants to think that some of the people who worship God alongside us now might not be on our side on that day. No one wants to think that their own faith could be weak and fragile enough to buckle and break in time. This is a serious warning because it will happen. Those who take it seriously will ask these questions and search God to make sure that their faith is true and strong. Their hearts will break over the prospect of some seemingly loyal followers of Christ turning their backs on him. They will ask God how they can help keep today’s faithful still faithful tomorrow. Father, expose in us any foothold deception might have, and show us how to help others keep from being deceived.