Be aware that in these last days, there will be many, both inside and outside the church, who are scoffers and mockers of the ways of Jesus. Yes, even in the churches, many will hate the truth and the faithfulness of God’s people. The jealousy and the wickedness of their hearts will inspire them to desire control and dominion in these places so that the Word of the Lord is stifled.
Others will be hard to recognize as false because they will seem righteous on the outside but hold secret sins within. Men have taught them; they follow religiously and do not receive the instruction of the Spirit of the Lord. They may be full of Biblical knowledge but are devoid of His understanding and love. I warn anyone who will listen that you may seek the Lord Jesus Christ and His heart to receive His wisdom and discernment. May God open eyes to see and ears to hear.
But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, “In the last time, there will be scoffers following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people devoid of the Spirit. Jude 1:17-19
I am talking about those who claim to be Christians and even pastors, preachers, and church leaders. Some will scoff and jeer at the righteous and humble because they see their strength as a threat to their rule, afraid they may surpass them, and because they are not of God, they will persecute, demean, and even, at times, drive them away. They are not interested in genuinely obeying the commandments of God but in building up themselves.
But not everyone is like that. Some simply do not understand the truth of the Word because they have been listening to the wrong ones and have not been searching the Word on their own, seeking God’s instruction. If the Spirit of the Lord does not draw them, they can not understand. No wonder the church is weak in these last days because many of those in charge of teaching are not walking in the Holy Spirit, and they suppress His ways and refuse to teach anything that seems “too spiritual” to them. As the Spirit has predicted, they claim godliness but deny His power.
Having the appearance of godliness but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 3:5-7
Beware of this type of “believer” because they are not a servant of the Lord, claiming Christ and godliness yet secretly gossip, slander, and lust. They seek division for their own gain and are jealous of those given the true gifts from God. The Lord warns us to avoid them altogether.
It is time to be wise with whom you follow and who you listen to. Keep your eyes wide open and ask the Spirit of the Lord to show you who is trustworthy and false. You may be able to recognize them, but honestly, without the guidance of the Spirit, you will not. But once you do discover the truth, this is when it gets difficult. You may have to put away your fears and leave them behind. Rebuke them if necessary with the truth of the Gospel, but warn others not to follow their deceptive message and move on if they do not turn to the Lord with repentance. It is essential to protect yourself and others from the enemy’s deception.
Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. 1 Corinthians 15:33-34
But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. Titus 3:9-11
It is important to note that you are not at war against people. No matter what they do or say, they are not the main enemy. Pray for them that they may repent and turn to God. But the real enemy is the Devil. We are waging war against the spiritual forces of darkness, principalities, dominions, powers, and demons. We do this with prayer, the moving and power of the Holy Spirit, and by wearing the armor of the Lord.
You must understand that wicked spirits strongly influence most people and act out their commands because of their weaknesses. To have victory over demons and to save those tormented by them, you must walk in the Spirit of the Lord. To serve the Lord, you must cleanse your heart and mind, taking every thought captive. Speak with the power and authority that only comes from the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Cast them away from you, and they will have to flee.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:12-13
Have faith in God. Trust His Word and His instruction. Do not listen to all the smooth and fancy words of the teachers whom men have trained. The true man or woman of God obtain their teachings from the Spirit of the Lord and dare not speak a word they are uncertain of.
Do not allow your trust in men to blind you to the wolves leading the flock or among the congregations. Rise and flee from them before their condemnation becomes yours. The Lord is patient and merciful. Repent any sin you may have committed, whether idolatry or disobedience to the Lord and seek Jesus with all your heart. If you do this, He will reveal the truth and lead, guide, and protect you from the lies of the Devil.
But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. Jude 1:20-25
The Soul Sower 