Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, November 20, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-11-20-2017

This is devotional thought number 17 in our devotional series, “The Protest is Not Over: Transformation is Key to Reformation.”

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:12–15).

I am encouraged as I read Paul’s exhortation to Timothy. In the days and times in which we now live, we can all use a bit of encouragement, especially if we are awaiting the Second Coming of Jesus with eager expectation.

In context, Paul is cautioning Timothy about those who have a form of godliness, but it’s really a counterfeit. There are many who dress nicely, speak many of the right words, know Bible verses backwards and forwards, and may even teach the Bible. Some may write books of doctrine or daily devotional readings like these, but when the life and commitment to all of Scripture truth are compared to what God has actually revealed in His Word, some are exposed as denying the power of truth. The seeds of doubt, error, false revival, misguidance, etc. takes the unwary by storm, and the result is deception of the highest order. This is why it is every individual's privilege to pray, study God’s Word, submit to His will, and receive the Holy Spirit for ourselves. This is why we have the privilege of surrendering to God and testing the spirits to know whether they are of God. We are living in a time when even among professed believers few will endure sound doctrine, but don’t be discouraged.

I am happy to echo Paul’s exhortation on this point. Although we should not become complacent or listless regarding the state of things among professed people of faith, we must understand that as long as we are faithful to God, we will suffer persecution. Jesus suffered persecution. His ancient followers suffered for His sake. The apostles suffered. The church reformers suffered and, most lost their lives at the hands of professed believers who denied the power of truth. But continue, Paul says, in the full assurance of faith in God and the teachings of Scripture. They will give light to the simple and make us wise unto salvation. When these things increase right before Jesus puts an eternal end to it, we must not faint or become weary in well doing. Jesus said it this way: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” (Matthew 5:10–14).

Hold fast in full assurance of faith in God. Receive sound doctrine. Pray for the infilling of the Holy Spirit. Seek to help as many as possible and guide into the love of God and His Word for our day, in Jesus’ name.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

#theprotestisnotover