Consider these words that Paul spoke to Timothy, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in the latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their 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.” (I Tim. 4:1-3).  

Notice how Paul warned Timothy of those who would command people to abstain from eating certain foods. They even have those who teach in their organization that they must remain celibate. Do we not see that those are the very things that Timothy was told concerning those who have fallen away?

Oh it can’t be a religious organization that is large and has many followers that Paul was talking about. Well, the truth is, the apostle said it was going to happen. The Catholic church didn’t even come into existence for close to 600 years after those words were penned to Timothy. Keep in mind, there are other groups that have been guilty of forbidding foods and marriage since then.

The point is, the scriptures will never be outdated. Something that was right or wrong for the church in the first century is the same today. If we know of anyone or any group that fits any of the descriptions in our text, you can be confident that they are not following the Lord. It matters not how long a religious organization has practiced something. If it is in violation of God’s word it is WRONG!

I think it is vital that pointing out error never gives anyone the right to be arrogant and self-righteous. The main reason one points out error is to help (Mk. 16:15; Jas. 5:19-20). It also helps keep the church pure since it is to remain unspotted from the world (II Cor. 11:2; I Tim. 3:15). Even though individuals want to create a grey area so as to muddy the waters. Right and wrong are clearly seen for those who have their eyes open.

                                                                                             Chuck 

How do we do that?

Jesus was very much concerned that His followers not cause each other to stumble. “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea,” (Matt. 18:6). Knowing this, we need to make sure we are aware of what not to do, so we do not cause a fellow Christian to stumble.  Here is a short list:

1. Encouraging brethren to do anything that is against their conscience (Rom. 14:20-21).

2. Provoking brethren to anger instead of love (Heb. 10:24).

3. Considering certain members as less important (I Cor. 12:23).

4. Teaching things contrary to the gospel (II Pet. 2:1-2).

5. Playing the hypocrite (I Tim. 4:20.

6. Speaking things that are destructive rather than edifying (Eph. 4:29).

7. Only thinking of self (Rom. 15:1-2).

8. Rebuking a brother while you are walking in sin (Matt. 7:1-4).

9. Acting as if you are the head of the church (III Jn. 9-10).

10. Taking on the role of an elder, deacon or evangelist when not qualified (I Tim. 3:1-13; II Tim. 4:1-5).

11. Not helping to bear the burdens of your brethren (Gal. 6:2).

As we enter 2017, let us all focus on building up our fellow Christians (1 Thess. 5:11). Satan’s attacks have not slowed (1 Pet. 5:8), but our Lord remains in control (Heb. 1:8).

                                                                                              Chuck