Perilous Times Breakdown (Part 1) 10-9-23
· After posting the message yesterday about “We’re living in perilous times” I felt that words need to be broken down for the readers to have a clearer understanding and to take heed to what is being said. I will share what each word or sentence means so the readers can take heed to what the Spirit of God is saying. The scripture relating to these words are found in 1 Timothy 4:1-3).
· Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth (1 Timothy 4:1-3).
1) People departing from the faith - they started in the faith but they were influenced/ seduced by demonic spirits. Some were saved and got off track.
Paul warned the church of Galatia
· O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? This is the only thing I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? (Galatians 3:1-3).
· I use caution in judging who is saved and who is not. However, I do say this, “They don’t act like they are saved.” This is to be an eye-opener and a warning to those who are saved.
2) Giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils – the spirits inspire false teaching and people are influenced by demons.
3) Speaking lies in hypocrisy – they begin to speak against what they know is right.
Example
· Some preachers know what they are doing is wrong but are deceiving people for the wrong reason (selfish gain).
Example
· Their political preference was greater than God’s sovereignty. Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God (Romans 13:1). They changed the truth to a lie, by saying that God said this person or that person was going to be the next leader.
4) Having their conscience seared with a hot iron – they begin to go against their own conscience – their conscience will line up with their faith. Their faith will shape their conscience. The more one goes against the Holy Spirit the less they will be able to hear from Him. The Spirit will still be speaking, but the hearing gets dull. Your conviction get less sensitive.
· Jesus said, they have ears. Therefore, I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says:
· Hearing you will hear and shall not understand and seeing you will see and not perceive; for the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them (Matthew 13:13-15).
I must stop now, come back tomorrow; there is more!
~ Betty A. Burnett ~
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