EHP Day 53-Sound Teaching Discarded
1 Timothy 4:1-5
Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.
“We BELIEVE!” The playoffs in American sports often generate a sea of such signs, flags, and banners waved by a rabid, eager fan base. The more who have faith, the greater the chances for the team’s success. Or so it is believed. Even when crushing losses happen in crucial games, die-hards still…believe.
Beliefs can be tenaciously held, but they also can be surrendered. “I don’t believe that anymore,” someone admits. “I used to. My parents believe that way. And I did for a while. But not now.” Of course, it’s one thing to change from being a “Cub fan” to a “Cards fan.” It’s another thing to switch one’s spiritual allegiance and core philosophical convictions. The former may cost the price of changing out a logo cap and sweatshirt. But the latter has eternal consequences. Even destructive consequences.
It may surprise, and it surely should sober, to understand that those who have believed and walked in the truth can take a major wrong turn. The Holy Spirit’s word is, “Don’t be surprised.” It happens, and it will happen more as our current age heads into its final stages. The dark side of the spiritual world offers powerful, attractive (mostly prohibitive) substitutes for what God’s Word teaches. Stay Biblical and stay positive. Receive all that God gives you thankfully.
Journal Notes