YOUR CHARACTER AND NATURE:
SOURCE – DIVINE OR EVIL
By W. G. Guy
We will first look to the divine source, which obviously is from God and Christ our creator and redeemer. It is He who brings His character and nature back into the lives of we who are His redeemed: those of us who are restored to our original state as before the fall and introduction of sin that happened in the Garden.
2 Peter 1:2-4 – Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
We are told that, through the knowledge of Him (Christ), and the promises of His Word, that we receive all that pertains to godly life and living. Thus we receive His divine character and nature. Since these are referred to as promises that He has given, where do we find these promises? They are revealed by Jesus’ first recorded message that He preached; called the Beatitudes: The Sermon on the Mount on the Mount. These promises are the blessings of hearing and receiving what He described of the Kingdom, living in the realm of God as one of His children.
Matthew 5:2-12 – Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
We become a child of God when we believe in Jesus Christ and accept what He did for us on the cross; shedding His blood that cleanses us from our corruption and sins. This is known as being “born-again”, adopting us into God’s family as one of His children.
John 1:12-13 – But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
We are “born-again”, when we believe and receive the Spirit of Christ into our hearts: we actually receive His holy and divine character and nature – His Spirit.
Romans 10:9-10 – But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved (redeemed). For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Being “born-again” we receive a new life source that is patterned after His divine charater and nature; the character and nature that was lost due to sin that originally occurred in the Garden. Due to that loss of the His divine character and nature, God set about the means to restore what was lost, and that is only achieved through faith in Jesus Christ.
There is a term used in the Bible that describes this restored divine character and nature. It is known as the Fruit of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
This same Fruit of the Spirit is listed again in 2 Peter 1, but this time in reverse order. This Fruit is part of the substance bringing to us that ye might be partakers of the divine nature.
2 Peter 1:5-11 – And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
What many Christians fail to recognize is that this Fruit of the Spirit is the very fruit that our Heavenly Father is expecting to see produced in those of us who are now His “born-again” children.
John 15:1-5 – I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
What about those who do not abide in Christ or continue to be faithful and obedient to Him and His Word; those who fail to produce His desired fruit in them? Note also that this divine fruit is not man’s works or anything that a man can produce; for without me ye can do nothing. This fruit is only produced as the life of the vine (Christ) flows through the life of the believer.
There is also a special promise of being fruitful and productive for those in whom this fruit is produced. Then there is also a warning for those who do not show forth this divine fruit as a child of God.
2 Peter 1:8-11 – For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Now it is time to look at those who have the evil and corrupt nature of the devil: those who maintain or continue to practice the sin nature in order to gratify their fleshly carnal nature. These can be referred to as the children of the devil (Satan).
1 John 3:9-10 – Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
Notice that the primary Fruit of the Spirit is LOVE: love for God and love for your neighbor. This is also the Great Commandment that Jesus declared in Matthew 22:36-40, and is also what the Ten Commandments were all about – loving God and loving others.
Those with the evil, sinful character and nature, who remain unrepentant, show that they are not God’s children, and do not have a part in the kingdom of God. They relish in sin and seek to gratify their fleshly and selfish lusts.
Galatians 5:19-21 – Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
The truly “born-again” will follow after Christ, obeying His Word and walk in His blessed promises. They have put off the things of the flesh and seek after the the things of the kingdom of God. This involves denying the flesh with its lusts which the devil uses to entice people to sin and engage in corrupt selfish, gratifying behavior.
Luke 9:23-24 – But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
Galatians 5:24 – And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Walking in the Spirit is maintaining fellowship with the Lord in prayer, in the Word, and showing moral, upright, godly behavior.
Romans 8:1-9 – There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Many people identify themselves as Christians, just because they go to church, or at least once did, but still yield to the lusts of the flesh. Thus we see what the apostle Paul prophesied would be seen in the church in the last days, before the return of Christ.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 – This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
How could this happen?
1 Timothy 4:1 – Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
Even Peter dealt with this topic as we read further on in his second letter.
2 Peter 2:1-2 – But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
In addition to Peter and Paul warning us about numerous false preachers, prophets and teachers in the last days, even Jesus spoke strongly about this.
Matthew 24:4-5 – And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ (an anointed one); and shall deceive many.
Matthew 24:24-25 – For there shall arise false Christs (false anointed ones), and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before.
Paul’s warning is also recorded for us.
Acts 20:28-30 – Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them
What causes such ministers to teach contrary to the Word and Will of God. Again, it goes directly to the human vulnerability of the carnal nature – lust and self gratification.
1 John 2:15-17 – Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
James 1:14-15 – but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
What is it that so many of these false ministers what? Position, recognition and MONEY! To obtain what they lust after they will teach things that are not scriptural, or they will add their own false material to make it sound appealing to those listening.
1 Timothy 6:3-5 – If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is proud (pride is one of the carnal lusts), knowing nothing (ignorant of truth), but doting about questions and strifes of words (holding vain philosophies), whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain.
The prosperity doctrine has destroyed many lives while it has enriched those who preach it. No wonder there are so many preaching such a message. They are committing “Christian Extortion”, making merchandise of the gospel message.
2 Peter 2:3 – And through covetousness, (lust for money and gain), shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
Such preaching is very offensive to God who determined to freely give us all things that we need, So why do these prosperity preachers want to charge you for it; it is for their personal gain.
The apostle Paul addresses the difference between those who have received and live in God’s divine nature and those who hold on to the evil fleshly nature.
Romans 8:5-10 – For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Now we need to consider those who pose as leaders of churches; preachers, prophets, teachers who are charged as shepherds of God’s flock. Even in the Old Testament the prophet Ezekiel was told to address the leadership of God’s people due to their corruption and selfishness. Please read Ezekiel 34 for yourself.
The conclusion to this message is exactly what Jesus told us to look for in those who are preachers, teachers, prophets and leadership in His church.
Matthew 7:15-16 & 20 – Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
We must be able to recognize His true ministers. That recognition comes only by their “Fruit”: not their works, accomplishments, fame or fortune, but their godly character and nature – the Fruit of the Spirit.
Satan has some of his forces masquerade as prophets, preachers and teachers. But guess what kind of fruit is produced in their lives. Under the surface you will find CORRUPTION. They have Satan’s evil character and nature.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 – For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Jesus told us to look for His Fruit in those who minister to us. Those with the real fruit will be building His house (church) according to His directions. The false ministers will build a church their way, and it will not stand when the storms of life hit. Jesus will testify that He does not know them, nor did He appoint them or send them to build His house (church).
Matthew 7:21-27 – Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
In these last days DISCERNMENT is needed to recognize divine character and nature from evil and corrupt character and nature. Discernment comes from spiritual maturity, knowing His Word, as stated in Hebrews;
Hebrews 5:12-14 – For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Able to recognize what is of God and what is of the devil.)
And also fellowshipping in prayer with Him so you can know Him and His voice, or how and what He speaks.
Therefore do not be deceived! As proclaimed the apostles:
Ephesians 5:5-7 – For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
We are told that there is coming a time of great deception and many people will fall for it. Make sure that you are so grounded in the Word that you will not be deceived and fall away from the faith.
2 Thessalonians 2:3 – Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
1 John 3:7-8 – Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Your character and nature is the evidence that you are in Christ and that He is in you by His Spirit. This determines how you live now, and also determines your eternal future.
YOUR CHARACTER AND NATURE:
SOURCE – DIVINE OR EVIL
By W. G. Guy
We will first look to the divine source, which obviously is from God and Christ our creator and redeemer. It is He who brings His character and nature back into the lives of we who are His redeemed: those of us who are restored to our original state as before the fall and introduction of sin that happened in the Garden.
2 Peter 1:2-4 – Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
We are told that, through the knowledge of Him (Christ), and the promises of His Word, that we receive all that pertains to godly life and living. Thus we receive His divine character and nature. Since these are referred to as promises that He has given, where do we find these promises? They are revealed by Jesus’ first recorded message that He preached; called the Beatitudes: The Sermon on the Mount on the Mount. These promises are the blessings of hearing and receiving what He described of the Kingdom, living in the realm of God as one of His children.
Matthew 5:2-12 – Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
We become a child of God when we believe in Jesus Christ and accept what He did for us on the cross; shedding His blood that cleanses us from our corruption and sins. This is known as being “born-again”, adopting us into God’s family as one of His children.
John 1:12-13 – But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
We are “born-again”, when we believe and receive the Spirit of Christ into our hearts: we actually receive His holy and divine character and nature – His Spirit.
Romans 10:9-10 – But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved (redeemed). For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Being “born-again” we receive a new life source that is patterned after His divine charater and nature; the character and nature that was lost due to sin that originally occurred in the Garden. Due to that loss of the His divine character and nature, God set about the means to restore what was lost, and that is only achieved through faith in Jesus Christ.
There is a term used in the Bible that describes this restored divine character and nature. It is known as the Fruit of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
This same Fruit of the Spirit is listed again in 2 Peter 1, but this time in reverse order. This Fruit is part of the substance bringing to us that ye might be partakers of the divine nature.
2 Peter 1:5-11 – And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
What many Christians fail to recognize is that this Fruit of the Spirit is the very fruit that our Heavenly Father is expecting to see produced in those of us who are now His “born-again” children.
John 15:1-5 – I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
What about those who do not abide in Christ or continue to be faithful and obedient to Him and His Word; those who fail to produce His desired fruit in them? Note also that this divine fruit is not man’s works or anything that a man can produce; for without me ye can do nothing. This fruit is only produced as the life of the vine (Christ) flows through the life of the believer.
There is also a special promise of being fruitful and productive for those in whom this fruit is produced. Then there is also a warning for those who do not show forth this divine fruit as a child of God.
2 Peter 1:8-11 – For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Now it is time to look at those who have the evil and corrupt nature of the devil: those who maintain or continue to practice the sin nature in order to gratify their fleshly carnal nature. These can be referred to as the children of the devil (Satan).
1 John 3:9-10 – Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
Notice that the primary Fruit of the Spirit is LOVE: love for God and love for your neighbor. This is also the Great Commandment that Jesus declared in Matthew 22:36-40, and is also what the Ten Commandments were all about – loving God and loving others.
Those with the evil, sinful character and nature, who remain unrepentant, show that they are not God’s children, and do not have a part in the kingdom of God. They relish in sin and seek to gratify their fleshly and selfish lusts.
Galatians 5:19-21 – Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
The truly “born-again” will follow after Christ, obeying His Word and walk in His blessed promises. They have put off the things of the flesh and seek after the the things of the kingdom of God. This involves denying the flesh with its lusts which the devil uses to entice people to sin and engage in corrupt selfish, gratifying behavior.
Luke 9:23-24 – But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
Galatians 5:24 – And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Walking in the Spirit is maintaining fellowship with the Lord in prayer, in the Word, and showing moral, upright, godly behavior.
Romans 8:1-9 – There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Many people identify themselves as Christians, just because they go to church, or at least once did, but still yield to the lusts of the flesh. Thus we see what the apostle Paul prophesied would be seen in the church in the last days, before the return of Christ.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 – This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
How could this happen?
1 Timothy 4:1 – Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
Even Peter dealt with this topic as we read further on in his second letter.
2 Peter 2:1-2 – But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
In addition to Peter and Paul warning us about numerous false preachers, prophets and teachers in the last days, even Jesus spoke strongly about this.
Matthew 24:4-5 – And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ (an anointed one); and shall deceive many.
Matthew 24:24-25 – For there shall arise false Christs (false anointed ones), and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before.
Paul’s warning is also recorded for us.
Acts 20:28-30 – Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them
What causes such ministers to teach contrary to the Word and Will of God. Again, it goes directly to the human vulnerability of the carnal nature – lust and self gratification.
1 John 2:15-17 – Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
James 1:14-15 – but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
What is it that so many of these false ministers what? Position, recognition and MONEY! To obtain what they lust after they will teach things that are not scriptural, or they will add their own false material to make it sound appealing to those listening.
1 Timothy 6:3-5 – If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is proud (pride is one of the carnal lusts), knowing nothing (ignorant of truth), but doting about questions and strifes of words (holding vain philosophies), whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain.
The prosperity doctrine has destroyed many lives while it has enriched those who preach it. No wonder there are so many preaching such a message. They are committing “Christian Extortion”, making merchandise of the gospel message.
2 Peter 2:3 – And through covetousness, (lust for money and gain), shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
Such preaching is very offensive to God who determined to freely give us all things that we need, So why do these prosperity preachers want to charge you for it; it is for their personal gain.
The apostle Paul addresses the difference between those who have received and live in God’s divine nature and those who hold on to the evil fleshly nature.
Romans 8:5-10 – For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Now we need to consider those who pose as leaders of churches; preachers, prophets, teachers who are charged as shepherds of God’s flock. Even in the Old Testament the prophet Ezekiel was told to address the leadership of God’s people due to their corruption and selfishness. Please read Ezekiel 34 for yourself.
The conclusion to this message is exactly what Jesus told us to look for in those who are preachers, teachers, prophets and leadership in His church.
Matthew 7:15-16 & 20 – Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
We must be able to recognize His true ministers. That recognition comes only by their “Fruit”: not their works, accomplishments, fame or fortune, but their godly character and nature – the Fruit of the Spirit.
Satan has some of his forces masquerade as prophets, preachers and teachers. But guess what kind of fruit is produced in their lives. Under the surface you will find CORRUPTION. They have Satan’s evil character and nature.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 – For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Jesus told us to look for His Fruit in those who minister to us. Those with the real fruit will be building His house (church) according to His directions. The false ministers will build a church their way, and it will not stand when the storms of life hit. Jesus will testify that He does not know them, nor did He appoint them or send them to build His house (church).
Matthew 7:21-27 – Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
In these last days DISCERNMENT is needed to recognize divine character and nature from evil and corrupt character and nature. Discernment comes from spiritual maturity, knowing His Word, as stated in Hebrews;
Hebrews 5:12-14 – For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Able to recognize what is of God and what is of the devil.)
And also fellowshipping in prayer with Him so you can know Him and His voice, or how and what He speaks.
Therefore do not be deceived! As proclaimed the apostles:
Ephesians 5:5-7 – For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
We are told that there is coming a time of great deception and many people will fall for it. Make sure that you are so grounded in the Word that you will not be deceived and fall away from the faith.
2 Thessalonians 2:3 – Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
1 John 3:7-8 – Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Your character and nature is the evidence that you are in Christ and that He is in you by His Spirit. This determines how you live now, and also determines your eternal future.
