Lesson 193 – When the Spirit Expressly Says

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 thanks-giving by those who believe and know the truth"

When the Spirit expressly says. While it may sound like it, I'm not comparing God's voice to a game of "Simon Says", where what we hear is not really what is to happen, unless the magic words are said. When God speaks by the Spirit, it is expressly for our warning and obedience.

In this text, the Spirit expressly gives voice to a warning, one which still applies to the church today. Whereas most recognize the obvious effects of sin's deceptions, few understand when they're just as surely deceived by religious practices within the church. So the Spirit gives expression to such a warning.

God tells us that when the church gets caught up in having more concern for religious practices than it does for doctrines of the faith, we are being deceived by demons. When the church is more concerned about what to wear, or what to eat, or forbidding women to marry than it is in following after Jesus Christ, we've been deceived. When we don't see the reality of our sins, but are quick to see when others don't follow our rules, we've been deceived.

Sure, we put on the trappings of faith, even claiming to do certain things like these to honor Christ, but in doing so, we've become disobedient, and we're not hearing the express warnings of the Spirit.

I'm trying hard not to alienate anyone by pointing out specific churches for these types of practices, but you probably know of them. Their pastors aren't allowed to marry. Their unmarried women are instead married to married to Christ. Their parishioners may only assemble to worship wearing clothes which reflect society's standards for Sunday dress. They teach against a whole list things intended to protect from sin.

And while some of these practices may be good in themselves, to these churches, the Spirit gives warning. This is a departure from the faith. And while this departure may not be in the form of apostasy in denying Christ, basic doctrines of our Lord are being overshadowed by religious practice.

Every church is constantly in danger of this, especially in allowing traditions become the standard for how one must worship.

LORD JESUS

Lord, I thank you for the truth of your word and I ask for your Spirit to weigh heavy upon me so my life not become deceived by he deceptions of religious practice over a faith in you. Amen.