April 11, 2012 (1 Samuel 11-12; 1 Chronicles 1; 2 Corinthians 11)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed.” 2 Corinthians 11:4 NLT
Observation: The Corinthian church had been infiltrated by the current culture. The leaders of the church had openly accepted and embraced religious heresy and justified it by touting the credentials of the false teachers. They were Hebrews, Israelites, and descendants of Abraham, and this is how they justified their authority. Paul told them, “You think you are so wise, but you enjoy putting up with fools! You put up with it when someone enslaves you, takes everything you have, takes advantage of you, takes control of everything, and slaps you in the face.” The true gospel of Jesus Christ sets people free; however, a false gospel simply keeps people enslaved. We are freed from sin, and religion, through our sincere faith in Jesus Christ. Every preacher and teacher, every doctrine and gospel, and every spirit must be examined and approved by God’s Holy Word. If it don’t line up, it’s false!
Application: Throughout history culture has infiltrated the church. Too many times the traditions of men have caused the gospel of Christ to be placed on the back burner. We think we are so wise when we elect leaders that have laundry lists of personal achievements. But in reality, we are just enjoying the company of fools. In our current culture a man called of God without a worldly theological degree, very seldom gets a second look of consideration when it comes to pastoral work. We believe and accept what a person with a “doctrinal degree” says even if it’s clearly contrary to God’s Holy Word. In our corrupt culture what the local news paper prints is believed and trusted more strongly than God’s Holy Word. We must commit ourselves to seeking God’s truth. We must cast off our false god’s and tear down the walls satan has built through twisted doctrine. We must acknowledge that the source for true biblical understanding is not a University, but rather the Holy Spirit.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. Thank You for Your truth that teaches and instructs in the ways of righteousness. Keep me unspotted from a corrupt culture. Cleanse me and make me fitting to serve You in the beauty of holiness. Lord, help me be a vessel of honor to You. Use me in ways that bring You glory, in Jesus name, Amen!