CLOUDS AND WIND WITHOUT RAIN While it is true that many false teachers been effective in proclaiming a deadly salvation message, many have also been successful in teaching faith as a means to manipulate both God and man,. Peter testifies that, “These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage ... These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever (2 Pet 2:17-19; Jude 12,13). We must understand that if Satan cannot stop us from receiving a false faith, he will seek hard to make us presumptuous in the exercising of our faith. Peter describes those who fabricate such damnable teachings as ministers of hype. What I mean by hype is, many of their teachings incite deep emotional responses and thats how far it goes. It does nothing to change the life because the end of their teachings is not focal on the glory of God, but rather on the self fulfilling desires of man. These teachers are skilled in motivating crowds through their carefully constructed false teachings and many are successful in their deception(s) because they appear to be instruments of life (Jude 16). The Holy Spirit warned Paul that in the last days demonically inspired doctrines would be floating in massive numbers throughout Christendom (1 Tim 4:1,2). These doctrines of devils possess the sinister ability to captivate the unlearned and unstable in Christ (Please read 2 Pet 2:14-19, 3:16). One of the chief reasons they are able to captivate their hearers is because their teachings appear to hold a measure of validity/truth to them. In other words, because many false teachers possess a variety of things; drive the most expensive cars and wear the latest fashions, it’s easier to convince their audience that the Lord desires this for them also. Their worldly treasures give the appearance of Gods favor and approval, and many are enticed by this. Unfortunately some have mistaken money, prestige, education, position for fruit and because they are attracted by the outward shine, they are blinded and oblivious to the inward character. The scriptures are clear, 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, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, 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. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses (1 Tim 6:6-12). If the Lord desires us to be rich, there is no evil in that; the evil comes when our pursuit of God has an underlying agenda to get rich (Pro 23:4; 1 Tim 6:9). Another reason why false teachers have been known to rise to fame is because their teachings incite the hype (clouds and the wind) but always stop short of producing genuine life (rain). Peter said that these individuals speak with great swelling words of vanity (emptiness). The word swelling seems to denote, that the messages proclaimed by these teachers are words of arrogance. This denotes that they will speak words that God hasn’t spoken, but will try to sell them to their audience as words directly inspired from the mouth of God. In other words, they specialize in spewing lies on a grandiose level and by doing so, mesmerize their audience. These false teachers target the soulish realm of individuals and allure (entice) them through the desires and lusts that already passionately reside within the hearts of their followers. Many of these teachings come through the manipulation of the grace of faith. They use faith in an attempt to pimp God. They say, if we had faith like they do, we should be living as lavishly as they do. They further state, if one exercises their faith, then God is obligated to do anything we ask Him to. Sadly, many have followed this folly and have felt betrayed by God because these unbiblical methods never worked. In this hour we must be discreetly aware of the subtle temptation to become presumptuous when it comes to faith. We must guard against mimicking the error of the ungodly by trying to use or exercise our faith to somehow circumvent the sovereign will of God. A true faith in Christ doesn’t seek to dominate/dictate Gods will, but humbly submits itself to whatever the Lord desires to do. Many have tried to place their faith in self-composed/motivated dreams but have fallen short of Gods true intention for this vital grace. Faith was never intended for us to fulfill OUR dreams; but rather to fulfill Gods vision. Presumption and faith look a lot alike, but their outcomes are completely different. Presumption ends in great disappointment while faith receives Gods promises (Heb 11:2). May the Holy Spirit prepare our hearts to receive what He allows in this hour.
Posted on: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 13:17:04 +0000
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