1 Timothy 4:1-5 NLT
Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead. They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer.
In light of eternity, I would guess that we are ”in the last times.”
Only God knows the time, but I am called to be ready and prepared, keeping my eye on His coming.
Paul writes that some will turn away from the true faith. This is written as a fact, not simply a possibility. ”…some will turn from the true faith.” The word ”will” in this verse is definitive.
Those who fall away ”will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.”
How do we keep ourselves from falling prey to this deceitful teaching and deceptive spirits?
This can only be accomplished by reading and studying the Word of God with a humble and submitted Spirit.
When we let the Word dwell richly in our minds and hearts, we will know this when our behavior starts to be influenced by the Spirit, and we will be given discernment by the Spirit that will make this deceptive teaching evident to us.
Ephesians 4:14 NLT
Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.
The only way for us not to be ”swayed” is to have the Word of God dwelling richly in our minds and hearts with a willing, humble, and submitted heart to God’s Word.
Reading the Bible is not a one and done event, this book is a living, breathing revelation that we will never fully grasp until the day that Jesus returns.
Our reading should be consistent and should be coupled with sound biblical teaching, preaching, prayer, and meditation.
Joshua 1:8 NLT
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
With continual study and meditation, day and night, watch this… ”you will be sure to obey everything written in it.”
You’ll know it when you do it.
How will this affect the people and the world around us?
As people see the change in us, this will affect those around us in a compelling way that only the Spirit of God can do.
With consistent study, we will have God-inspired answers that should point them back to the true source of life-changing information, and that is the Bible.
1 Peter 5:2-4 NLT
Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly-not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.
”…but lead them by your own good example.”
If people see us wavering in our faith due to our shifting circumstances, being up when things are good and down when things are not so favorable, this doesn’t provide a good example.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
This is the example that we should strive to be living in the presence of others.
And this is only possible with a consistent study of the Word of God.
Heavenly Father, I am grateful for Your Word; I pray that You give me the willingness to stay consistent in my study of Your Word.
Letting it move my mind and heart, affecting my behavior and attitudes. Helping me to stay in Your will with more and more consistency.
Let this be an example and provide a picture of hope to those around me, understanding that in the end, Your will be done.
I am to plant the seed, provide an ever-increasing picture of what a life submitted to You looks like, while gently and patiently encouraging those around me to seek You, leaving the outcome fully in Your hands.
I pray this in the loving name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!! Amen!! 🙏🏻❤️
