* All is Not As It Appears

Watch ye therefore, and pray always , that ye may be accounted worthy to escape 

all these things that shall come to pass , and to stand before the Son of man.

Luke 21:36

Even though we see the world becoming darker and darker as a result of unparalleled sin and corruption, I believe we are also living in a time where people are realizing that there is a higher source; they may not know exactly what it is but they know it is something more powerful than their trust in man.

As the spirit of the antichrist sweeps across the world, we see those who are blinded to God; unable to recognize the truth from the deceit of the enemy.  

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 2 Corinthians 4:4

Thanks be to God who never leaves Himself without a witness.  There are those of us who do know what it is - the Almighty Sovereign God. In this seeking of and reverence of God, we have to be so careful that we stay firmly focused on what it is that we are seeking and to whom we are giving reverence. Namely we do this by getting to know God through His word, through our experiences and our relationship with Him. We cannot be successful in Him without the knowledge of and adherence of His word and His will for our life. 

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.  Joshua 1:8

We are all to study the word of God.  Though this admonition was given to Timothy by Apostle Paul, it applies to all of us if for nothing else other than our witness of Jesus Christ.

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  2 Timothy 2:15

The enemy himself, when he realizes that you are embarking on a new journey or that you are steadfast in your journey, will try to trip you up by sending people and situations your way to make you doubt the way you are taking or give up on the path you're on. These people and situations will come in the way of loved ones, friends and enemies to create stumbling blocks and path deterrents. And sometimes even strangers under the guise of 'trying to help you along your way.'

During this time, do not become discouraged or faint but remember God's word:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

Not only that, when people come to you with deceitfulness in their heart, their mouth and their actions remember if God didn't say it, i.e., you can't find it in his Word; don't be fooled by it.

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.  2 Corinthians 11:14

In this day and age, if you are standing on the word of God, the enemy will try everything in his arsenal to trick you up, to fool you, to deceive you. But God, in his infinite wisdom, has alerted us of that which we should be savvy. Namely, we have to know those that labor among us. When you see these things, we have to act to dispel the enemy quickly. Jude tells us expressly what to look for:

√   Their walk:

          A.      Crept in unawares                                        (verse 4)
          B.      Walking after their own lusts                     (verse 6)
          C.      Walking after their own ungodly lusts     (verse 18)

√   Their talk:

         A.      Speak evil of dignities                            (verses 8-10)
         B.      Speak evil of things they know not     (verses 8-10)
         C.      Murmurers                                               (verse 16)
         D.      Complainers                                            (verse 16)
         E.      Mouths speak great swelling words    (verse 16)
         F.      Mockers                                                     (verse 18)

√   Their doctrine:

        A.      Turn the grace of God into lasciviousness                   (verse 4)
        B.      Deny the only Lord God and our Lord, Jesus Christ (verse 4)
        C.      Have not the Spirit                                                            (verse 19)

√   Their conduct:

         A.      Ungodly                                                 (verse 4)
         B.      Filthy dreamers                                    (verse 8)
         C.      Defile the flesh                                     (verse 8)
         D.      Despise dominion                               (verses 8-10)
         E.      Corrupt what they naturally know   (verses 8-10)
         F.      Admire people because of the benefit they receive   (verse 16)
        G.       Separate themselves                           (verse 19)
        H.      Live sensually                                        (verse 19)

Thankfully, God always makes provision and also lets us know what to do when we see or experience the enemy in this form:

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling [them] out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.   Jude 1: 20-23

Apostle Paul tells us to be convinced in our walk:

For I am persuaded , that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:38-39

Hold fast to God and be fully persuaded in your faith and your relationship with God.

(Biblical Studies)

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