IN TIME LIKE THESE – 1 TIMOTHY 4:1-3

 

 

In the last few hours, we have grieved and wondered why we are passing through a time like this. Sometimes we ask questions, the answers to which are either not forthcoming or satisfactory. Brethren, this time calls for sober reflections, right attitudes and utterances such that in it all,we shall not offend God. If there beany revelation, any dream, insight or specific instructions from God, we will be doing God’s bidding if shared and prayerfully handled rather than pocket discussions and expression of guilt where there is none. No doubt, we all have a call to wake up, gird our loins and with concerted efforts in prayers, encouragement and godly counsels we move forward in fulfilling the purpose and plans of God. Thus far, and sometimes, prophecies and revelations are share more privately than making them all inclusive.

 

It is no doubt that year in year out time is becoming tougher and challenges are increasing on all sides. The Spirit of God does not however leave us in the dark hence He speaks expressly that in the latter times, certain things will begin to feature.

-         Departing from the faith.

-         Giving heed to seducing spirits.

-         Imbibing the doctrines of the devils.

-         Speaking lies in hypocrisy.

-         Having conscience seared with a hot iron.

-         Forbidding marrying and commanding to abstain from meats which God created.

-         Marriages will collapse.

-         Men marrying men, women marrying women – Romans 1:27.

-         All manner of sexual perversion even in the church.

-         Doing all things that are not convenient – Romans 1:28.

-         Filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness, full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, maliguity, whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, unmerciful.

-         Young ones will be privy into captivity of and bondage of occultic societies.

What then should be our response and attitude in time like this?

 

Our theme: “I will build my church…” – Matthew 16:18

As we begin to build one another in the faith, we are building the church of God. The plan of God for the church in the midst of all these is “That He might present her a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing but that she should be holy and without blemish.” – Ephesians 5:27. A glorious church is definitely a product of glorious homes and individuals.

 

The church today is beclouded with problems in homes such that the real business and purpose of God establishing the church have been lost. The church is plagued with so many problems and difficulties such that it appears there is no other business for the church other than prayers about breakthroughs, wealth, riches and such like. “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation. “ 1 Peter 1:15.

 

1 Peter 1:13&14 – “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance.”

 

Read – 2 Timothy 3:1-5

 

As the children of Israel journeyed through the wilderness to the Promised Land, one word kept occurring sending a warning note – “Take Heed.” In a simple language – Take Heed – means “Be careful”, “Pay careful attention to somebody’s advice or warning. Be certain. Be obedient.  God who knew that the people for any reason could easily veer off the right path and forsake His covenant, He kept warning them – Deuteronomy 4:23 – “Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the Lord your God, which He made with you…”.

 

On and on in the scriptures, this warning re-echoes – 2 Kings 10:31 – Jehu did not take heed to walk in the law of God of Israel in all his heart – so he made Israel to sin. God warned the prophets, the kings, teachers, the apostles, the pastors and indeed every labourer in His service. 1 Corinthians 3:9-15To take Heed – Be certain – Be obedient – Be on guard.

 

What matters to God is the quality of service/work done for Him. In building His church, God needs men, not because He cannot accomplish His task but because He wants men to be pertakers of His divine nature and glory and that men should be beneficiaries of His manifold blessings here and hereafter. God told David that his children should take heed so that they would have perpetual right to rule – 1 Kings 2:4; 8:25. At various times, in the New Testament Jesus warned men to take heed even in giving alms – not to be hypocritical – Matthew 6:1 and to beware of the corruption of the Pharisees and the Sadducees – Matthew 16:6, not despising the children – Matthew 18:10 – Deception of the people – Matthew 24:4 – Watching and praying – Mark 13:33.

 

Those who think they are standing should also take heed. 1 Corinthians 10:12. Take heed brethren – Hebrews 3:12, Luke 21:8,34. Paul in admonishing the saints, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine ….But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry” 2 Timothy 4:3-5. Comedians have taken over many pulpits!!! Take Heed. Saul – partial obedience – 1 Samuel 15:24 – obeyed the voice of the people.