As we continue in this life it is becoming ever more noticeable that the culture and the world are attempting to not just silence the gospel of Jesus Christ but trying to change it. No matter where you turn we can begin to see the disturbing reports of “Millennials Leaving The Church” or “America is less religious now than in the 90’s.” Because of the ability of just about ANYBODY who has even a portion of a brain to express their bias it IS affecting the culture we live in. I know, I know “but you are able to do the same thing by writing here aren’t you?” Well yes & no. I am not trying to influence people to seek after that which you “desire” or the thing that makes you “feel good” but to alert you and to warn of the enemies device to weaken the believers will. Paul told us in his epistle to the Corinthian church “lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.” 2Co 2:11
It seems that quite possibly we have been ignorant to his schemes and devices as we have attempted to buy into the “New Gospel” he has been providing for the church. A device known as Apathy! Too many in the church has given into the lethargy of the world either in their service, giving, or just plain looking out for one another. It is possible that this is what the Apostle Paul was communicating to Timothy by warning him in his epistle to him.
2Ti 3:1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
2Ti 3:2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
2Ti 3:3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,
2Ti 3:4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
2Ti 3:5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
2Ti 3:6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts,
2Ti 3:7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
2Ti 3:8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith;
2Ti 3:9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.
The verse that seems pronounced in the church today is V:7 “always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Many today have taken their liberties to an extreme and some have listened to those who have become “online theologians” who have misdirected people away from their shepherds placed over them to join them in their “new knowledge” which really has become just a bias away from the leaders they have rejected. Either because of bitterness or rebellion, because they didn’t get their way with the leaders. Either way we still need the warnings of scripture if we intend to finish this race.
Admonition
To those who are called the “church” believers in Christ, we need an exhortation to return totally to the word of God. Not the online theologians interpretation but His word intended for His people. Submit yourselves to the shepherd He has placed in your life. The one who is there to lift up, counsel, correct, cry with you and hurt with you.
To the shepherds He placed over them, DON’T GIVE UP! Keep delivering His word to His people no matter how difficult they make it for you. Keep striving towards the goal that Paul spoke about to his Pastors in all the churches he planted along the way.
Conclusion:
The world is filled with doubters of Gods Word and we should not allow them to influence our thinking or developing our bias. We must adopt a biblical bias and not the one the world preaches. There is strength in Gods word and only when we receive it, be nourished in it and allow it to soak in our heart & get a steady dose of His Son will we be able to grow spiritually. Stand Firm In It! Grow more in love with Jesus than we do self!
(Taken from Sundays message “The Gospel Bias”)