From: Mrs Ngozi Obodefuna
2 Timothy 2: 15 (KJV)
THE WORD OF GOD AND THE END TIME BELIEVER
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” The word of God is core to the life of every believer as clearly exemplified in scripture (Psalm 119:104-105, 130; Proverbs 4:20– 23). In the end time this is even more critical. We are encouraged to study the word and rightly divide the word of truth. This implies that there can be incorrect division or application of scriptural principles, which can lead to believers being deceived or even led away with godless heresies in the end times. (See 1 Timothy 4:1-2 below)
“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; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron”
Therefore what should be our approach when we hear of doctrines and are uncertain of their scriptural backing? Simple – go to the word of God and see if the principle stands up to the whole counsel of God’s word. Be like the Berean Jews in Act 17:11 – test everything to scripture. The bible gives many examples of what the end time environment will be like (Matthew 24, 2 Timothy 3: 1-17). It is not sufficient to say this “man of God said so”. As our Lord Jesus Christ made it crystal clear that there will be false prophets that come in His name and also warned us to watch out for them – see and we have read already Matthew 7:15-29. By their fruit, we shall know them.
An example is the so called “prosperity gospel” that is prevalent now days. Is this really Scriptural? See Matthew 6:19-34, in particular verses 24 and 33. Any spirit that does not acknowledge Christ came in the flesh is antichrist and we must be careful not to misled by any antichrist ideologies. Our defence is in the word of God. 1 John 2:22 – Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. 1 John 4:3 – And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that [spirit] of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
In conclusion, our focus should be on pleasing God and doing His will above all else. Concluding scriptures: Ecclesiastics 12:12-14 and Luke 10:27 Ecclesiastics 12:12-14. And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of
man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
