Open Heavens Devotional by Pastor E.A. Adeboye
MEMORIZE: “And they shall turn away their ears from the
truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” (2 Tim 4:4).
READ: 2 Timothy 4:3-4
In His letter to the Church at Sardis, the Lord warned that
they should be watchful (Rev. 3:2). Believers in Christ must watch against satanic
wiles and temptations. Another area to watch against is false teachings and doctrines.
In Acts 20:29-30, Paul warned the brethren that after his departure, some false
teachers would rise up in their midst, targeting the flock. You would be amazed
to know that many who are spearheading erroneous doctrines today, used to be
sound in doctrine. They once wined and dined with genuine believers. They were
numbered among the disciples of Jesus Christ. So, what brought about the change
from truth to error? “For the time will come when they will not endure sound
doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers,
having itching ears;” (2 Tim 4:3). Those who go into error have their
individual lusts-personal secrets they frolic with. If you find it difficult to
accept the truth and instead of asking for grace, you decide to believe the
alternative, you will end up in error. Besides, if you want to constantly apply
common sense to interpret or understand God’s commands, you will end up with an
alternative notion that runs contrary to God’s Word.
“Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines:
for our vines have tender grapes” (SOS 2:15). The margin between truth and
error is very slim. Unable to see why God will put His children in the fire for
‘mere’ disobedience, some teachers and preachers that propagate common sense
refuse to accept the doctrine of hell fire as taught in Scriptures. Rather,
they say that after an individual dies, he or she goes into eternal sleep or
becomes extinct. Unfortunately, God will not recognize His eternal set-up based
on the opinions of men. Hell is real and people are there right now. More
people go to hell every day. If you do not repent, you will end up in hell.
There are some people who were told hell and Heaven exist only on earth, and
that the rich are in Heaven while the poor are in hell. After death however,
they found themselves in hell. They are now convinced, but sadly, when they
begin to repent and confess their sins, they were told it was too late. The
door of mercy is forever closed to them. Avoid anyone who adds to or subtract
from God’s Word. Avoid those who want to give you an easy gospel. The way of
Christ is narrow.
ACTION POINT
Teachers of the Gospel must be careful with what they are
teaching lest they mislead others. Thank God for seeing the end of this year.
Ask for grace to enter 2012 peacefully and victoriously.
Bible in One year: Gen. 20-22
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