Singapore Moses Messenger of God, CEO in IT industry, Astronaut, Scientist

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2Tim. 3:5)

Their religion is only in their creed and formal confession of faith, not in their hearts 

Denying the power of godliness (2Tim. 3:5). Destitute of godliness, having no faith that one can be godly in this life. From such turn away

If we indulge in the works of the flesh, we are sure to miss the leading of the Holy Spirit. Sensuality and spirituality are opposed to each other and the battle goes on constantly in our hearts (Rom 8:12-14). We may read the Bible, say our prayers and go through all the disciplines of Christian life. But if we don't learn to say no to sinful desires, we cannot say yes to the Spirit's directions in our life. Our sinful nature cannot be eradicated from us but we can be emancipated from it by the Spirit of Life (Rom 8:2). We must constantly reckon our old man as dead. This is more than an occasional meditation. Rather it's a conscious moment-by-moment assertion. This inner victory is fundamental to fight other battles outside of us.

The "good and acceptable and perfect will of God" is made known only to those who refuse to be conformed to the fashions and pattern of the world (Rom 12:2). Those who choose the line of least resistance and swim along the tide will be going against the will of God whether they realise it or not. The trend of the world never aligns itself with the ways of the Lord, because "the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one" (1 Jn 5:19). So wrote an apostle in the first century! Imagine the depth of corruption, the height of iniquity and the breadth of wickedness into which the world has rolled itself during the centuries that have followed. It's hard to imagine further deterioration.

The love of the world and the craving for the things of the world is spiritual adultery. This sets us opposed to the love of God and makes us actually His enemies (Js 4:3,4; 1 Jn 2:15). This does not mean we cannot possess any material goods or enjoy them. The question is whether we possess them or they possess us. It is the attachment to things and overindulgence in pleasures which are condemned (1 Cor 7:29-31). God is not against our legitimate enjoyment of life on earth. But the true test is how we feel when we are called to forsake the earthly blessings or they are culled from us. The stronger the grip the more difficult it is to give up and follow God's guidance.

When your basic needs are more than met where you are in the will of God, beware of "praying about" offers for more salary and comfort! What the world calls as opportunities may actually be traps! "If I earn more I can give more to God's work"—Many justify their materialistic ambitions this way. But the poor God gets the same old 10%!

July 30 2014 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report