A Nugget from New Life Network
Scripture for the Day – April 27, 2020
But the [Holy] Spirit explicitly and unmistakably declares that in later times some will turn away from the faith, paying attention instead to deceitful and seductive spirits and doctrines of demons, [misled] by the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared as with a branding iron [leaving them incapable of ethical functioning], (1 Timothy 4:1-2, AMP)
The Apostle Paul in his mentorial letters to Timothy (a young evangelist) included words of encouragement plus words of warning to follow in Timothy’s ministry. There is a recurrent theme in these letters of things to be aware of. The following are the related scripture warmings:
..stay on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain individuals not to teach any different doctrines, nor to pay attention to legends (fables, myths) and endless genealogies, which give rise to useless speculation and meaningless arguments rather than advancing God’s program of instruction which is grounded in faith [and requires
surrendering the entire self to God in absolute trust and confidence]. (1 Timothy 1:3-4, AMP)
But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. (1 Timothy 4:7)
If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. (1 Timothy 3-5)
Remind the people of these facts, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God to avoid petty controversy over words, which does no good, and [upsets and undermines and] ruins [the faith of] those who listen. (2 Timothy 2:14, AMP)
For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction [that challenges them with God’s truth]; but wanting to have their ears tickled [with something pleasing], they will accumulate for themselves [many] teachers [one after another, chosen] to satisfy their own desires and to support the errors they hold, and will turn their ears away from the truth and will wander off into myths and man-made fictions [and will accept the unacceptable]. (2 Timothy 4:3-4, AMP)
The Apostle Paul was instructing Timothy to stay with the Word. Don’t get off track, like so many do. The Word is our guide, not fables, vain babblings, endless genealogies, or doctrines of demons and deceiving spirits. Preach the word [as an official messenger]; be ready when the time is right and even when it is not [keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome]; correct [those who err in doctrine or behavior], warn [those who sin], exhort and encourage [those who are growing toward spiritual maturity], with inexhaustible patience and [faithful] teaching. (2 Timothy 4:2, AMP)
