You’re a false alarm, you drive me plumb weary.”
–Charles A. Seltzer (The Boss of the Lazy Y)
“Yet these men are defiling their bodies by their filthy fantasies in just the same way; they show utter contempt for authority and make a jest of heavenly glories.”
“Yet these men are defiling their bodies by their filthy fantasies in just the same way; they show utter contempt for authority and make a jest of heavenly glories.”
–Jude 8 (Phillips)
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How to Live in a Pagan, Apostate, and Foolish World
Key Verse: “We know that we are children of God and that the whole world around us is under the power and control of the evil one.” –1 John 5:19 (NLT)
I trust that the verse above is being etched in your heart and mind. First, that you are a child of God, and second that this world is under the control of the devil. He will try any method to thwart God’s will, and yet, God uses his vain efforts and turns them into good. Remember, the devil has only so long a lease. He cannot do anything that God does not allow him to do. Yet…it seems that he, at times, is winning.
Jude warns us about “filthy dreamers. Those who defile the flesh, reject proper authority, and speak evil of the glorious beings of God’s creation. There are many in the world who possess to know the “real” truth. Some say they are bringing a new truth. I remember a church I attended who was “enjoying” a phenomenon. They called it the “new wine.” I responded by saying that I thought the “new wine” had already been poured out at Pentecost. What is this then, a new, new wine? Beware of those who claim to receive revelations; remember they must align with the Bible. These people “defile the flesh,” or as the NIV states, they “pollute.” Their new ideas belong in the garbage. They are out of touch with reality, therefore, they make up their own reality. Polluting the flesh they have developed “new” genders, they accept the abomination of homosexuality, and they pollute the very creation of God. Paul Cedar writes, “Those who walk in the flesh rather than the Spirit are actually involved in defiling or polluting their own bodies.”
These individuals despise angels, they reject proper authority, especially that of God’s Word. The authority of Scripture actually hinders their teachings. They have a different view of Jesus Christ and His work on the cross. Jude reminds them of the argument of Michael and Satan over the body of Moses. Satan is always scheming, always ready and wanting to deceive and he tried his best with Michael. Notice that Michael did not fall into his trap. Michael did not rebuke Satan; instead he said, “The Lord rebuke you!” If Michael had done it under his power, the devil would have smiled, and Michael would have fallen into the trap laid by him. Michael understood his place, his role, and what Satan was trying to do.
Michael was not about to take the place of God. Only the Lord Almighty has the rightful power to control the schemes of the devil. Those who can think they can defeat the devil under their own power have come under the delusion of the devil. They can only defeat him by the Word of God and by abiding in Christ. Do not listen to all the voices out there. Even the secular ones can be deceiving and enticing (look at the power of Disney). Be careful to what you listen to from so-called prophets, apostles, and bishops that come from within the church. Guard the truth! And before you can guard it properly you must know the truth and study it. Walk this life with wariness, but trusting in the Lord.
——————————–
How to Live in a Pagan, Apostate, and Foolish World
Key Verse: “We know that we are children of God and that the whole world around us is under the power and control of the evil one.” –1 John 5:19 (NLT)
I trust that the verse above is being etched in your heart and mind. First, that you are a child of God, and second that this world is under the control of the devil. He will try any method to thwart God’s will, and yet, God uses his vain efforts and turns them into good. Remember, the devil has only so long a lease. He cannot do anything that God does not allow him to do. Yet…it seems that he, at times, is winning.
Jude warns us about “filthy dreamers. Those who defile the flesh, reject proper authority, and speak evil of the glorious beings of God’s creation. There are many in the world who possess to know the “real” truth. Some say they are bringing a new truth. I remember a church I attended who was “enjoying” a phenomenon. They called it the “new wine.” I responded by saying that I thought the “new wine” had already been poured out at Pentecost. What is this then, a new, new wine? Beware of those who claim to receive revelations; remember they must align with the Bible. These people “defile the flesh,” or as the NIV states, they “pollute.” Their new ideas belong in the garbage. They are out of touch with reality, therefore, they make up their own reality. Polluting the flesh they have developed “new” genders, they accept the abomination of homosexuality, and they pollute the very creation of God. Paul Cedar writes, “Those who walk in the flesh rather than the Spirit are actually involved in defiling or polluting their own bodies.”
These individuals despise angels, they reject proper authority, especially that of God’s Word. The authority of Scripture actually hinders their teachings. They have a different view of Jesus Christ and His work on the cross. Jude reminds them of the argument of Michael and Satan over the body of Moses. Satan is always scheming, always ready and wanting to deceive and he tried his best with Michael. Notice that Michael did not fall into his trap. Michael did not rebuke Satan; instead he said, “The Lord rebuke you!” If Michael had done it under his power, the devil would have smiled, and Michael would have fallen into the trap laid by him. Michael understood his place, his role, and what Satan was trying to do.
Michael was not about to take the place of God. Only the Lord Almighty has the rightful power to control the schemes of the devil. Those who can think they can defeat the devil under their own power have come under the delusion of the devil. They can only defeat him by the Word of God and by abiding in Christ. Do not listen to all the voices out there. Even the secular ones can be deceiving and enticing (look at the power of Disney). Be careful to what you listen to from so-called prophets, apostles, and bishops that come from within the church. Guard the truth! And before you can guard it properly you must know the truth and study it. Walk this life with wariness, but trusting in the Lord.