Be aware that in these last days, there will be many, both inside and outside the church, that will be scoffers and mockers of the ways of Jesus. Many will hate the truth and faithfulness that is within you. The jealousy of your boldness will overtake them.
There will be others who will be hard to recognize as false because they will seem righteous on the outside but hold secret sins within. They have been taught by men and do not have the instruction and Spirit of the Lord. They may have a head full of Biblical knowledge, but they are devoid of His understanding. I am warning you to seek the Lord for your wisdom and discernment. May He open your 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 them as a threat to their rule. Because they do not believe nor want to believe in what God is doing through His servants.
Yet others simply do not understand the truth. They can not because they are not of God. They may have grown up in a weak church that suppressed the Holy Spirit and refused to teach anything that seemed “too spiritual.” Afraid of going too far past what religious men have taught them in one direction and then they fell back into falsehood in the other direction.
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.” They claim Christ and godliness yet secretly gossip, slander, and lust. They seek division for their own gain and are jealous of those given great gifts from God. Avoid them.
They become jealous and envious of the strengths that the Lord has given His faithful servant. Keep your eyes wide open and ask the Spirit of the Lord to open your eyes to see. You may be able to recognize them, and as hard as it may seem, you may put away your fear and leave them behind. Rebuke them and warn others not to follow their deceptive message. In this way, you may protect others from falling victim to their 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 and the power and armor of the Lord.
You must understand that most people are strongly influenced by wicked spirits 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. You must cleanse your heart and mind, taking every thought captive, to serve the Lord. 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 who have been trained by men. 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. Rise up and flee from them before their condemnation becomes yours. The Lord is patient and merciful. Repent and turn to the Lord your God to lead, guide, and protect.
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 