The Holy Spirit (20)
By Abraham Eli
This study was first taught on September 25, 2012
Topic: Now That the Holy Spirit is in You (2.2): He Exposes Error (3)
No audio available for this study.Background
Last week, we saw that the Holy Spirit in us helps us to avoid error, by revealing to us the source, nature, and character of propagators, of error. We saw that all error originates from the devil, regardless of whether it is a teaching, a prophecy, a miracle, a sign, or a wonder! In the guise of the serpent, the devil deceived Eve, and brought all of mankind into bondage and captivity to sin; hence he is referred to as the 'old serpent'. We noted that as the devil deceived Eve, so he also tried to deceive the Lord Jesus Himself, albeit unsuccessfully. He continues still today, seeking to deceive men and women, by introducing error with a view to bringing confusion about truth, so that believers can turn away from truth unto falsehood.
The nature of error is to make light of serious spiritual matters; get God's children chasing after fables; set forth hypothetical cases that have no bearing on the truth, but which may excite the flesh; and, down play the power of God, and of the Holy Scriptures. The human agents who the devil use to propagate error are hypocrites (they say one thing, and do another), who live sinful lives (they are sin loving, sin laden, and refuse to be delivered from it), and, who are wholly given to sensuality, self-seeking, and pleasure-seeking ventures, and, who speak and live contrary to the word of God. These false apostles, false prophets, false evangelists, false pastors, false teachers, false ministers, and false brethren, promise what they are unable to live, lack sobriety in their lives, are full of pride and arrogance concerning things that they know nothing about, and, are not subject to God’s authority in any way whatsoever! These men and women, who are agents of the devil, may come to us as ‘ministers’ of light, and of the gospel, and may not be easily detected. However, when we yield to the leading and direction of the Spirit of truth, we are brought to the knowledge of who they truly are. Hence, once the Holy Spirit tells you to beware of any of such individuals, you would do well not to give heed, for another moment, to the words of such propagators of error, no matter how popular, renowned, and reasonable they may appear to be!
Scripture Text(s)
John 14:17; 1 Timothy 4:1-5
Tonight, we shall conclude on the ways by which the Spirit of truth exposes error to the believer in Christ. We trust that, as we learn, we shall avoid being taken in by every wind of doctrine propagated by seducing spirits, and satanic agents camouflaging as ministers of the gospel, in Jesus' name, Amen.
Our second scripture text for tonight is an extension of last week’s second scripture text. This has been so extended to enable us see another way by which the Spirit of truth exposes error: He reveals the error itself, and then gives the correct scriptural and biblical perspective or precept on the issue.
Genesis 1:28; 2:15-25; Matthew 19:3-12; 1 Corinthians 7:1-2, 25-40, 8-9, 10-11; Romans 7:1-3; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Romans 14:1-23; 1 Corinthians 6:12; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 2:9-16.
Conclusion
We have seen tonight that another way by which the Holy Spirit exposes error is to expose the error itself, by using the word of God to throw light on the subject matter of the error. For example, in our second scripture text, two issues were raised: the issues of celibacy, and, of what to eat or not to eat. In exposing error, the Holy Spirit would tell us what the error is, and then, go on to give the correct position of God through the scriptures on the subject matter. Where, however, a person is still unable to receive what he is being told by the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit counsels that such a person should walk in the light of the revelation that he already has from God; not the postulations of men (Philippians 3:15-16)! As such an individual becomes more spiritually mature, the light of God on the matter will become clearer to him.
The scriptures tell us that marriage is God ordained, and intended for procreation and as a means of eliminating fornication, among others. The Lord Jesus, however, noted that certain people cannot marry because they are eunuchs. Outside of these people, all others are free to marry. A person should not seek celibacy because of a bad experience, or for any other emotional reason. Only on account of the gospel should a person seek celibacy. And where a person had thought to be celibate, but discovers that he does not have the grace to remain so, he is free to marry; for it is better to marry than to burn. Also, the scriptures tell us that once married, a person should remain married, and not seek divorce or separation. Where, however, divorce or separation is unavoidable, remarriage can only be possible in the event of the death of either Party. Teachings on the issue of marriage should be taken seriously, as following erroneous practices could mean a severance from God, and the forfeiture of eternal life.
On the issue of food, the bible warns that we should not impose religious or dietary regulations on anyone. Rather, each person should be fully persuaded as to what to eat! Where, however, people are offended by what we eat, we should not eat such things, so as not to offend them. Where foods have first been offered to idols, it is obligatory on those who have knowledge as to the vanity of idols, to act in a manner that will not offend those who do not know, or cause those believers who are weak in faith to go astray. Discretion and avoidance of offence should guide us on the issue of food!
In general, when an issue arises that seem to confuse you, you should seek God’s counsel, and the Holy Spirit will give the correct position of God on the matter in the light of the Scriptures. Hence, the word of God is indispensible to a believer in Christ, as is the Holy Spirit, Who reveals what God has freely given to us. Indeed, every issue in life that may arise is set forth in the bible; hence, when we study the word of God with the Holy Spirit as our Teacher, we are enlightened, and will not be deceived (Psalm 119:130)!
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