When you read II Timothy 4:2-4, one can’t help but wonder why anyone who wants to go to heaven and wants to continue to worship God, turns to false teaching? Even though the apostle answers that question by saying that people will turn their away from the truth and turn aside to fables (vs. 4), we are still left wondering why anyone would do that?

I realize that there isn’t any good reason why people would leave the truth and cling to anything else. Even though the following just doesn’t seem right, here are some possible answers as to why someone would leave the truth and follow lies:

1. There is comfort in numbers and that’s what the majority does (Matt. 7:13-14).

2. The gospel is considered foolishness and there is no desire to be connected with foolishness ( Cor. 1:23)

3. The gospel message doesn’t allow for “enjoyment” of the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, or the pride of life (I Jn. 2:16).

4. The preaching of the gospel demands that one make changes in their life, and there is a desire to stay the same (II Pet. 3:18).

5. The preaching of the gospel doesn’t make one happy playing the hypocrite (Matt. 15:7-9).

6. Standing fast in the gospel can cause one to be at odds with their own family (Matt. 10:34-35).

7. Practicing what the gospel teaches will prevent one from gaining the praise of men (Lk. 6:26).

8. Rejecting the gospel will be upsetting at first, but soon the lies will seem like truth once the conscience is seared (I Tim. 4:1-2).

9. By preaching a “different gospel” you will have more success since it will be more appealing to the masses (Gal. 1:6-9).

10. Since the gospel can’t be changed, if one turns to fables, they will feel like they have more control and not be governed by limitations (Col. 3:17).

11. Without hearing the gospel, a person can now favor foolish flattery and empty praise (Prov. 7:5).

12. Leaving the gospel will be much easier and it will take very little effort to go down another road (Jn. 14:6).

13. Following the gospel involves church discipline. By leaving it, you can go where it isn’t done (I Cor. 5:1-10).

14. By not appreciating those who preach the gospel and point the finger, one can leave and go where it isn’t taught. Then you can point the finger at those who do teach it (II Cor. 11:5-15).

15. One can leave the gospel and believe lies because it makes them “feel” good. But it will be temporary (Heb. 11:25).

Chuck

The book of Jude contains a description of the behavior of those who have fallen away but are determined to influence the faithful.  If we look at how they are described, we can clearly see how those who walk in righteousness stand out. Here is what Jude wrote:

“These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage. But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit,” (Jude 16-19).

It is naïve for children of God to think that those who depart from the Lord will do so quietly. The fact is, those who leave believe they are in the right. Thus, it becomes their mission to convince others to follow them. This is why they may use flattering speech. This is why they appear to have your best interests in mind. The wicked do not actually care about your relationship with God though – they are ultimately more concerned with how they are viewed (3 John 9-10).

How can Christians counter the evil influences of such people? Jude provides the answer: “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life," (verses 20-21).

It is the love of God that dwells in us and causes us to value how our Creator wants us to act rather than merely seeking to fit in with the world. By always listening to our God, we will walk by faith. Listening to people who claim to speak about God is not the same as listening to God directly via His scriptures. Yes, God’s faithful will stand out for this. Are you willing to stand out as one of them? Do not trade the acceptance of God for the acceptance of those around you.

Chuck

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 

Handling brethren like Diotrephes

Local churches can face all kinds of hardships. Sometimes, a member will feel like the church should revolve around them. This is a person who elevates themselves above the rest of the members and wants the preeminence. This is not a theoretical situation – it is described in the Bible! In III John 9-10, we read about a man named Diotrephes conducting himself this way.

This article’s focus is not so much about recognizing the ungodly behavior as it is about learning how a congregation should deal with a person like this. In our text, we are told that such a person needs to be confronted. Letting a person continue with that kind of behavior helps no one. John said he was going to deal with this man when arrived (verse 10). Interestingly, the local church did not have to wait until John showed up. The verse stated, “And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church” (verse 10).

The fact the John used the word “brethren” indicates that there were some brothers and sisters who stood against Diotrephes. As a result, they were put out of the church by this man. While Diotrephes prevented them from assembling with their brethren, keep in mind that no man can remove you from the spiritual church which the Lord added you to (Acts 2:47).

Whenever a brother or sister transgresses, our goal is to act in love to try and get them to repent (Gal. 6:1; James 5:19-20; I Cor. 5:1-7). Those who stoop to the level of the transgressor are also guilty of sin. Saints must know how the Lord wants them to conduct themselves. This can be a genuine challenge when dealing with a self-righteous man like Diotrephes, but the faithful still have a responsibility to “take the high road” and not return evil for evil (Rom. 12:21).

We all need to remember that the church belongs to Jesus (Matt. 16:18). Let us all seek to put Him first both when things are going well in the local church and when challenges arise.

                                                                                               Chuck

Overcoming a struggle

Struggles come in all shapes and sizes. Some are very addictive, which makes it even harder to stop. But for those who want to go to heaven, one of the best ways to cease doing that which is wrong is to admit what it really is – sin! Calling sin “a struggle” can lessen the severity to some degree. Moreover, it also conveys the idea that quitting is not controlled by the individual.

The sooner people see what sin really is, the sooner they can understand how to properly deal with it. Every person I know who drank alcohol, smoked or used hard drugs and now does not had to decide to quit! Unless one makes up their mind, they will continue to give in to “that struggle.”

In writing to the Ephesian brethren, Paul stated that we should not give place to the devil (Eph. 4:27). By that, he specifically mentioned, “put away lying…be angry and sin not….let him who stole steal no more…let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth….” (verses 25-29). One does not overcome anything if they do not repent, which means to turn away from (Luke 13:3). By turning away, measures are put in place to help one not do it again. In the Ephesians text, Paul said instructed the reader to not steal and instead begin labor with hands. For those who spoke corrupt words, Paul admonished them to begin speaking words that edify. In essence, the audience was to told to replace their bad, sinful habits with good ones.

I realize that people who become addicted to something will genuinely struggle to overcome it. However, all sin can become addictive. Some people cannot seem to stop being jealous or envious. Other cannot seem to stop lying to themselves and making excuses for not serving the Lord as they should. Every sin is serious and causes people to be separated from God (Isa. 59:1-2; Rom. 6:23).

Everyone struggles with sin, but everyone has also been commanded to STOP sinning (I John 2:1). May we grow in the desire to never sin as the first step in turning away from those sins we personally struggle with.

 Chuck