Common-sense & Counterfeit!

By -
"Don't get involved in foolish and ignorant arguments that only start fights" (2 Tim 2:23)

We have so far looked at three means God has given us to discern the spirits. We will conclude this study today, looking at the fourth means of discernment.

More often than we think, common sense is a surer safeguard than many others. Someone wisely said, "When common sense makes sense, don't look for any other sense!" Sometimes we are told, "Don't rationalize. Don't try to understand these things through human intellect. These are supernatural things," and so on. But this argument is absurd. Because, God has given us a spirit of "sound mind" (2 Tim 1:7). In Christian dedication we are not called to "remove" our mind but to "renew" it (Rom 12:1,2). Mature believers are defined as those "who by reason of practice have their sensesexercised to discern both good and evil" (Heb 5:14). The thinking faculty is a gift from God. Christians must be good thinkers.

Paul rebuked the Galatian believers as "foolish" Galatians, because they embraced another gospel and were "bewitched" (Gal 3:1a). They began in the Spirit but started going after fleshly excitements (v3). The deceived are supposed to "come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil" (2 Tim 2:26). Peter's description of the false teachers in 2 Peter 2 is the strongest and lengthiest picture of them in the entire New Testament. In the previous chapter and the next he was "stirring up the minds" of the believers (1:13; 3:1). Therefore letting the mind into a state of neutrality is not spirituality but stupidity!

In some of the so-called revival meetings, people reportedly are roaring. It is justified as the voice of the Lion of Judah! The latest is barking. There are books which expound these as the "animal sounds of the Holy Spirit!" Christians, where are we heading? Now there is crawling and hissing. What next? We may soon need warning boards in our Churches as, "Beware of Dogs and Cobras!" Are we without "understanding" (Mt 15:16,17)? Does not "nature" itself teach us (1 Cor 11:14)?

Friends, these so-called new move and new revelations won't satisfy or edify your inner man. They are "wells without water"—deep but dry; "clouds without rain" — dense but no downpour (2 Pet 2:17). Return to the "old" paths; you will find rest to your souls! (Jer 6:16).

The Pauline instruction in 1 Thessalonians 5:21,22 is conclusive:
Analyse — all things!
Accept — only good things!
Avoid — all questionable things! Amen!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Utter Confusion!

By -
"They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.  But you keep your head in all situations" (2 Tim 4:4,5) I am an ardent fan of John the Baptist. There is no harm in admiring him because all who started as John's fans became Jesus' followers. A comparison of John with many Christian ministers of today makes me hang down my head in shame and sorrow.  John was filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb (Lk 1:15); but the modern prophets communicate with the spirits of men who have gone to the tomb.  The Word of God came to him (Lk 3:2); but many of their revelations contradict the written Word of God.  He was a desert-dweller, dead to the lust for popularity (Mt 3:1); but they are city-lovers, hunting for recognition and lusting limelight.  John was a voice from God (Jn 1 :23); but the modern preachers are an echo of someone of similar brand.  He did not seek pulpits but people sought him and...
Read more

Talents and God's work

By -
 Luke 19   26  “He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away. Per Paul, we are God's co-workers. God has Blessed us with talents and gifts so that we can be a Blessing to others. When He assigns a work to us , could be small or big always give your best. See how you can constantly improve and complete it successfully. Never remain stagnant or give excuses and not do the work. Matthew 9 :    37  Then he said to his disciples,  “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few;   End days are nearing and Gospel message has to be taken to all people. Fresh revivals should occur  in every place, every family, every individual.  So joyfully and prayerfully join hands with God and be part of His wonderful work. Sharing Gospel message doesn't always need to be public speaking. It can be as simple as a blog like this or sharing a Bible verse or ...
Read more