7
Now, for the second time in this discourse found in Matthew twenty four Jesus is relating the serious condition of false prophets. Mt. 24:11 He previously had talked to them about whom these false prophets would come and how they would come. Their attempt to deceive would be against the church, ìwhich come to you.î No need to deceive the ungodly, they are already deceived. So it is the child of the Lord who will be under attack. Therefore it is absolutely necessary that we arm ourselves with knowledge. That is a true knowledge of the Word of the Lord and to know exactly how the Lord has outlined these events. They come, clothed as sheep. Drifting in among the sheep without the sheep discerning them. They have nothing more than a form of religion. In spite of their docile attitude and sheep like outer appearance, inside they are frothing at the mouth, ready to run amok among the sheep to injure and destroy as many of them as possible. Mt. 7:15.
This developing situation is by no means a small subject and must be considered very carefully for it is a case of life or death for the deceived. The voice of the Spirit concerning this deception is very distinct and clear. Lying spirits are used by Satan to come against the believer causing them to depart from the faith. 1 Tim. 4:1 Have you ever come across someone who when confronted with their experience of salvation dismissed the whole matter by considering it just an emotional moment of their life, perhaps a teenage emotional trip. Yet, you know that they had a real encounter with the Lord. They have been robbed, defeated and left by the roadside bleeding and broken but do not realize their pitiful condition. They were attracted to these false prophets by their smooth words and perverted ideas. These doctrines very distinctly are warped and twisted, outright lies but sugar coated and easy to swallow. We are urged to stick closely to the truth and as a matter of fact to buy it, not for resale but to benefit by it. Rev. 3:18.
Every Christian, when confronted by a person or a spirit with which we are not familiar should do exactly as instructed by the Word. Try or put a test to the spirits (note plural) whether or not they are of the Lord. If it is a false spirit, when questioned sufficiently it will uncover itself and manifest the nature and spirit which is within. 1 John 4:1 A wrong spirit is quickly angered while the true Spirit will bear witness of His truthfulness. There is a spirit of compromise charming the church of today. Standards of holiness and righteousness which were closely adhered to in the past have been watered down, altered or just plainly removed. The standards of purity established by the Lord do not change from generation to generation. The Lords call to the church today is to be sanctified and holy, even as He is holy. Lev. 20:7 1 Peter 1:15.