Word of God and False Teaching

(this is an unedited chapter)

God’s Word must be made available. Making the Word of God available is one of the reasons the Church was instituted by God on earth.

            “…the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.”

– First Timothy 3:15

We have been entrusted with the Word of God to make it available and teach it clearly to men:

“I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to  the saints.”                                                                         - Jude 3

“This grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery…His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms….”  - Ephesians 3:8-10

If the church fails to read, preach and teach the Word of God that was entrusted to them, then God’s word is not as readily made available to men. Understandably, if the Word of God is not set forth before men as paramount, they will replace it with something artificial. A man who seeks God in a church where there is no teaching will be forced to choose something inferior which will prove to be destructive for his spiritual maturity.

A man in a church where the reading, preaching and teaching the Word of God is not the principal purpose will have to embrace some other form of spiritual nutrition.The New Testament warns against these pseudo-nutritional additives, enhancements and sweeteners that replace the pure Word of God:

·         traditions of men

·         myths

·         hollow and deceptive philosophies

·         empty rituals

·         religious regulations

·         every wind of teaching

·         deceitful, scheming of men

- (Ephesians 4:14; Colossians 2:8, 21-23; 1 Timothy 1:3-4; 4:1-3, 7)

Our wills can seek God but without the opportunity to hear and understand the Word of God, first for salvation, and second, for maturity, we would be left to pursue some cheap substitute for God’s glorious Truth.

False teaching that comes from the worldly philosophies of vain human imagination or demonic doctrines that come from deceiving spirits have been made available since Satan first question and misquoted the Word of God in the Garden of Eden. (Genesis 3:1) The very first act of evil and betrayal recorded in scripture was an attack on the veracity of the Word of God and the denial of its accuracy. (Genesis 3:4) The very first thing we see Satan doing in Scripture is adding to the Word and claiming that God’s Word did not accurately reflect the true character of God. (Genesis 3:5) The very first time Jesus encounters Satan in his earthly ministry he quotes verses from the Word of God three times to counter Satan’s twisted use of Scripture and warped will. (Matthew 4:1-11) When Jesus publicly teaches about the importance of the seed of the Word of God, he is quick to point out that Satan comes immediately to steal that Word. (Matthew 13:3-9; 18-23) Satan knows that if the Word is allowed to grow to fruition it will produce thirty, sixty and one hundred fold in the life of the believing heart. (Matthew 13:28)

If today these philosophies and doctrines are allowed to be substituted in the mind of a believer their spiritual growth will be stunted and their chance to produce eternal rewards will be squelched. They will have lost their inheritance (rewards) in the Kingdom of God. Even though they have a true understanding of salvation through faith in Jesus so they may be saved from eternal damnation, they will lives that are virtually spiritually unproductive in time on earth. They may be religiously busy, but they will lead a life of vanity and emptiness.

The Scripture identifies several imitations, alternatives and artificial sources that replace the Word of God in the pulpits of the church and in the heart of a believer:

1.    “Weak and miserable forces… observing special days and months and seasons and years” – Galatians 4:9, 10. Refers to returning to the observation of a former religious belief system that had already proven to be ineffective and useless. Paul questions their judgment saying, “Now that you know God – or rather are known by God – how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? You are observing special days, and months and seasons and years!”

2.    “Infants tossed back and forth by the waves.” – Ephesians 4:14. Refers to the churches current crisis in time in contrast to the ultimate result of good evangelists, pastors and teachers which describes the ultimate destination of believers in threefold terms in 4:13: unified in doctrine and knowledge, mature and producing the fullness of Christ in their lives. But, until then the church will have to deal with a three headed attack on its doctrine and knowledge. The first is “the waves” that toss the immature Christians back and forth. The Christians are on the waves attempting to make progress to the goal of maturity.

3.    “Blown here and there by every wind of teaching” – Ephesians 4:14. Refers to the second of the three headed attack on the church’s unified faith and knowledge. As the Christian struggles to a destination of maturity there are ever changing winds of doctrinal teaching which moves the waves in different directions completely stopping the Christian’s progress towards the truth.

4.    “Cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming” – Ephesians 4:14. Refers to the third of three heads that besiege the church throughout history. Not only are the Christians on the rolling waves trying to progress toward the goal of maturity, and the variety of winds of teaching cause chaos on the waves, but men (and, Satan) are intentionally scheming to twist and warp the teaching to reflect their position and lead the Christians to man’s (and, Satan’s) desired position, which is not unity in doctrine, nor is it maturity.

5.    “Mutilators of the flesh” – Philippians 3:2. Refers to dead, religious rituals with no reality. In this verse Paul exclaims, “Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh.” The phrase “watch out” is “blepete” which indicates that this is an intense warning against this group of men that are harassing the church with their false doctrine. They are identified by a set of three negative descriptors: “dogs,” “men who do evil,” and “mutilators of the flesh.” These words identify a group of teachers who were trying to enforce the doctrine of circumcision on the church in order to obtain what they considered a more “complete salvation.” Dogs were not kept as pets by the Jews, nor were they cared for in Jewish homes. Dogs were despised and considered unclean. Paul is warning the Philippians of a group of teachers that he despised and mocked as mutilators instead of honoring them for keeping some rich religious ritual. In Galatians Paul sarcastically tells this same group of false teachers to “apokopsontai” (apokopto) themselves which according to the Lingustic Key, page 430 means “to cut off; here, to castrate. Paul expresses the wish that his opponents would not stop with circumcision, but would go on to emasculation.” This is how the NIV and the ESV translate. Paul considered their teaching as evil and said so.

6.    “Fine-sounding arguments that deceive” – Colossians 2:4. Paul tells the saints in Colosse concerning the people he is trying to reach with the Word of God:

“My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.”                                - Colossians 2:3, 4

Paul is stating that the ultimate purpose of his ministry occurs when believers are encouraged and united. From that position they would “have the full riches of complete understanding” that would result in their knowing the mystery of God. Paul then warns them that he is trying to prepare them so they are not “deceived” by “fine-sounding arguments.” The word “deceived” is “paralogizetai” which means “to reckon wrong, to cheat by false reasoning.” This is in reference to the false teachers presenting faulty information for the students to reason with. The false teachers are stacking the deck and then dealing the cards to the students. There is an example in the ancient Greek documents of papyri where this word is used of a librarian in charge of the state library. The librarian willing miss used documents in the library to manipulate a government situation. This word “paralogizetai” (deceived) focuses on the wrong, erroneous conclusion made by a student that is based on the erroneous information and twisted doctrine presented by the teacher. The phrase “fine-sounding arguments” comes from one Greek word “pithanologia” which means “persuasive speech.” In the ancient Greek papyri this word is used to describe the speech of those who argued their case eloquently in court in order to convince the judge to allow them to keep the goods they had stolen. An English equivalent of this word is found in the phrase “to talk someone into something.” (Linguistic Key, p. 463) By putting these two words together Paul is saying:

“I am telling this so that no one will be able to intentionally present inaccurate information which will lead you to believe the lie they are presenting with their persuasive speech and smooth words.”

7.    Hollow and deceptive philosophy based on human traditions that take people captive – Colossians 2:8. Paul writes here:

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive, through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human traditions and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.”

In the previous verse (2:7) Paul had urged the Colossians to continue in the Word of God (Gospel, Christ) being rooted, built up and strengthened. Now in this verse (2:8) he warns them of the dangers of philosophy and traditions. These evil forces desire to replace the Word of God that has saved them and holds the power to build them up. Paul begins verse 8 saying “See to it” which has also been translated as “Be on your guard!”, “Look Out!”, “Beware!” This warning indicates the enemy of the Word of God and the destroyer of phase two of the Christian’s life is about to be identified. The enemy is identified as men who want to take the Colossian saints “captive.” The word “captive” is “sulagogon” which comes from the base word “sulao”, which means “to strip” and the word “ago”, which means “to lead, bring or drive.” Together “sulao” and “ago” (“to strip” and “to lead”) mean “to lead away and strip,” or, as it is used in the Greek, to carry off a captive for booty. This word means to kidnap or abduct someone. Paul says, “Christians, be on your guard! Some people want to spiritually abduct you.” Who are these people? Where do they live? What is the candy they use to get us into their car? The bait in the trap is called “hollow and deceptive philosophy.” First, in this image that Paul is portraying, these abductors are not trying to sell you drugs, encourage loose, immoral behavior, or urge you to wear a suicide vest. The abductors are the presenters of information. They are teachers of philosophy instead of teachers of the Word of God. The abductors want you to base your spiritual understanding and your worldview on a philosophical system rather than on God’s revelation. This philosophy is described four ways in the NIV:

·         “Hollow” –

·         “Deceptive”

·         “Human tradition”

·         “Basic principles of this world”

But, in the Greek the word “philosophy” stands alone as the first of the four “candies” that lure the children into the abductor’s car. The ESV captures the Greek better than the NIV:

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of this world, and not according to Christ.”

So the four “candies” are:

·         “Philosophy” – “philosophias” – This word means philosophy and is built on the  two Greek words “philo” (love) and “sophia” (wisdom) which together mean “love of wisdom.” The word refers to the science that studies facts and principles of reality and our natural human experience. The information and knowledge collected and organized in this study can be then called a philosophy such as a philosophy of life, or a philosophy of history, or a business philosophy. Clearly these spiritual abductors in Colosse in 62 AD were not trying to replace the knowledge of Christ, or the Word of God, with a philosophy of medicine or a philosophy of education, but instead were presenting a philosophy of religion, or a philosophy of God, or a philosophy of Christ. This errant philosophy stood in contrast with Paul’s teaching, and was being used to replace the Word of God or interpret New Testament revelation. The challenge that the saints in Colosse faced was that this philosophy of God was attractive, sounded logical and appealed to the religious craving common to man. It was not some weird science fiction alien plan to resume the construction of the pyramids nor did it involve drinking Kool-Aid. This philosophy simply made the Christian faith seem more in line with what the Colossians already held to be true. In addition, these philosophers of the Christian faith were most likely trained in the popular skill of rhetoric and could argue their position brilliantly and leave the Word of God looking confusing, contradictory and useless without their philosophical system of interpretation.

·         “Empty deceit” – “kenes apates” – “kenes” (kenos) means “empty” which would indicate that whatever is empty obviously holds nothing of value since it is hollow. “apates” (apate) refers to a delusion or something that gives a false impression. The Bible lists several things as being delusions that give false hope or security: money (Mt. 13:22) and sin (Heb. 3:13). Here “kenos” is combined with “apate” emphasizing the emptiness of delusions that give a false impression. The appearance of false teaching is delusional and will always be empty when compared to the fullness of the Word of God. We “have been given fullness in Christ.” (Col. 2:9)

·         “Human tradition” – paradosin twn anthropon” (“traditions of men”) - “Tradition,” or “paradosin” means “a handing down” and refers to information handed down from one generation to next, year after year. The Rabbis handed down the teaching this way as did the Pagans and, even, the Christians (1 Co. 11:2; 2 Th. 2:15; 3:6). Here it refers to the Pagan religious teaching and rituals that were falsely believed to have a divine origin and a to serve a divine purpose.

·         “Elemental spirits of the world” – “stoicheia tou kosmou” – The Greek word “stoicheia” has at its root the meaning “things in a row.” From this root there arise several usages including the basic building blocks of a system such as the letters of the alphabet, the elements of the world, namely earth, air, water and fire, the stars and planets the make up the universe and, finally, the angels, spirits and demons that make up the spiritual universe. Paul’s criticism of this religious philosophy then would be aimed at the focus of this Colossian heresy which was the angelic and spiritual beings that impressed the Pagans, the Jews and these early Christians. Paul is saying this philosophy that organizes the information concerning the spiritual dimension is simple, foundational, elementary and, thus misses the entire point of the revelation of the Word of God, which Paul immediately goes on to define in the next verse:

“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.”                                                             - Colossians2:9

The empty philosophy had diminished, but not rejected, Jesus, since he had been seen physically. They instead returned to their more familiar Pagan pursuit of spiritual beings or demons. 

8.    “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!...based on human commands and teaching...their self-imposed worship, their false humility, their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value” – Colossians 2:8, 20-23 – refers to a some form of asceticism that is perceived as spiritual to those watching and feels spiritual to those ignorant of the Word of God as they refrain from basic functions of life. In reality it amounts to nothing. There is nothing spiritual here and this is not a sign of maturity. Instead, it is a sign of ignorance and immaturity.

9.    “false doctrines” – First Timothy 1:3; Second Timothy 2:18 – In First Timothy 1:3 Paul writes: As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God’s work…” 

The word “urged” is “parakaleo.” It is a strong word that means “to beg, entreat.” (Wuest, v. 2, p.27) Timothy had wanted to go to another location (possibly with Paul) or had a different plan for his ministry. Paul wanted him to stay in Ephesus and “command” or (“paraggeiles”) certain men to stop teaching. The word for “command,” “paraggeiles,” is a technical term used in the military that referred to the passing on of orders that are understood as having come from a superior authority and are to be obeyed with no questions asked! Paul has given Timothy apostolic direction to order that this false teaching stop now. These “certain men” who had caused doctrinal confusion and had been identified by Paul as a problem, where to be commanded not to teach false doctrine (heterodidaskalein”) nor to pay attention to tales (“muthois”), nor pay attention to unending genealogies (“genealogiais aperantois”). These men most likely included Hymenaeus and Philetus “who have wandered away from the truth” and “say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.” (2 Tim. 2:17-18) Two other men from Ephesus that Paul wants ordered to stop teaching could be Alexander (who probably was not a Christian), who Paul tells Timothy to “be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message” and caused Paul “a great deal of harm,” (2 Timothy 4:14-15) and Demas, who “deserted” Paul “because he loved this world,” (2 Timothy 4:10) Some of these men were Christian teachers who taught Christian doctrines, such as the resurrection and eschatology, but they did it in such a way that made their teaching conflict with the Truth of the Word of God. Indeed, they used Christian terms and used Scriptural references, but they did it in such a way that it was a Christian teaching of a different kind. The Greek word that captures the thought of “another of a different kind” is “heteros.” This word for is found in the Greek word used here for “false doctrine” - “heterodidaskalein.” It is made up of two Greek words “heteros” which means “another of a different kind” and “didasko” meaning “to teach.” The word then means “another of a different kind of teaching.” This word does not refer to just any religious teaching other than Christianity such as the teachings of Buddha or of atheism. In this case, “heteros” doctrine refers specifically to twisted Christian doctrine. (Thus, we get our English word “heterodoxy” from this.) 

10.  “devote themselves to myths” – First Timothy 1:3 – The word “myths” is proceeded by the Greek “prosechein” which has literal meaning of “to hold to” and means here “to give assent to” or “believe” or “put their trust in.” These false teachers were basing their Christian doctrine on “myths.” The Greek word “muthos” that is translated “myths” has a general meaning of “word, speech, conversation,” but as the Greek language developed “muthos” began to mean fictional talk as opposed to a historic fact. (Wuest, v.2, p. 27) “Muthos” could also be translated “fable, legendary stories, fiction.” (Lingustic, p. 187) It may be worth mentioning that Paul refers to “Jewish myths” in Titus 1:14 which was written to Titus on the isle of Crete between 12-36 months later. These myths appear to have had two possible sources: One, fictional Jewish legends built around the scriptural account and recorded around 150 BC in the Jewish Book of Jubilees (NAC, Lea, 1, 2 Tim., p. 67). These entertaining legends would easily capture the minds of the listeners, but the sensational speculation would provide no basis for spiritual growth; two, cultural Greek legends that explain the origins of men and their ancient history which eventually contributed their philosophic seed which would become the gnostic heresies of the second century AD. These Pagan myths easily adjust to Christianity and willing bent to form false Christian teaching.

11.  “devote themselves to…endless genealogies” – First Timothy 1:3. The use of speculation in teaching of the myths combined with the allegorical practice of interpretation created an endless flow of new information and new ideas. Many people enjoy teaching allegorically where they spiritualize all the historical facts and terminology to represent or symbolize some deeper, mysterious hidden meaning. In Ephesus during Paul and Timothy’s day (62  AD) the false teachers were doing more than spiritualizing the Truth of the Word of God, but where developing allegorical insights from fables, myths and legends that they had made up. It is ignorance to teach a myth as truth, but to use the allegorical approach of interpretation to explain the myth to add chaos to the myth. Again, the word “devote,” “prosechein” literally means “to hold to,” but as it is used here it means “to give assent to.” These teaches actually believe and follow their allegorical interpretations of the fables they have made up. “Endless” is from the word “aperantos” which is a compound word from “peras” which means “a limit or terminus” with the negative prefix “a-” which means “not.” So, to describe these “genealogies” as “aperantos,” or, “not a limit,” “without limits” means the false teachers lists of genealogies never ended. This confirms the erroneous concept of spiritualizing, or allegorizing, the Word of God in order to reveal a deeper truth. (Allegory is a form of writing, so when the writters of the Bible say they are using an allegory or their writing is allegorical, then it is appropriate to interpret that portion of the Bible allegorically. But, even then, realize most of the symbolism of Scripture is repeated and consistent in its interpretation. There is still no room for endless chaos. When the Bible is written historically or to communicate doctrinal truths, there is no need to dip into the imaginative allegorical interpretation.) The word “genealogies” that are described as being “endless” come from the word “genealogiais” and refers to the genealogies that are traced back through history. It appears that the myths and their endless allegorization was using long lists of genealogies to fuel their teaching. Paul ends this comment by saying this kind of teaching does not promote the Word of God, but instead produces “controversies” (ekzetesis). “ekzetesis” is from “zeteo” meaning “seek” and the prefix “ek-” meaning “out.” Together they mean simply “seek out.” But, as it is used here this compound word means “useless speculation, out-of-the-way-research, seeking out” (Linguistic, p.487) and “an investigation, a laborious inquiry or dispute, an exhaustive investigation.” (Wuest, v.2, p.28). The result of this false teaching based on allegorical interpretation of myths is ekzeteo, or produces more questions, opinions based on endless speculation that lead the people to more questions and controversial opinions. There is no growth with this kind of teaching since there is no truth to understand. As mentioned before it is hollow.

12.  “Deceiving spirits and things taught by demons…forbid people to marry…order them to abstain from certain foods.” –First Timothy 4:1-3 – Paul also writes Timothy,

“Some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods.”                        - First Timothy 4:1-3

Again we see the two options: The first, is the faith which is the collection of true doctrine from the Word of God; the second, is deception which originates in the spiritual realm, just like the Word of God does, but this time it comes from deceiving spirits and demons. These deceptive doctrines and teachings come through hypocritical, lying men, but they originate in the demonic realm. The evil spirits work through men who speak for them. Paul says some people will abandon the faith. The word abandon is the Greek word apostesontai and means “to go away, to withdraw, to fall away, to become apostate.” The evil spirit’s doctrine establish religious regulations that project an evilness to marriage and certain foods. While the Word of God attributes good things such as marriage and food to God and as part of his plan, in stark contrast the demonic doctrine is the opposite and leads men away from the goodness of God into an ascetic religious observance. Notice which side is devoted to some religious ritual or standard in this case – the deceiving spirits. It is worth mentioning that these false teachers, who are the human agent s of the evil spirits, are called hypocritical liars would have been men who knew what was true, but choose to speak the lie. They are not called “deceived liars” which would indicate they had been taken captive to do Satan’s will, but “hypocritical liars” who willing followed the practice of lying. Their consciences had been “sear” and were hardened with scar tissue which made them insensitive to the urging and calling of the Holy Spirit. “Sear” is really from the Greek word “kekausteriasmenwn” in the perfect passive form which means “having been branded on” (Wuest, v.2,p.67) or “to brand with a red hot iron” (Linguistic, p493). This is the word used to refer to the branding of slaves as property (criminals were branded on the fore head) (Wuest, v.2, p.67) This could refer to Satan branding them as his own slaves, or it could mean the sensitivity of their conscience has been seared resulting in being calloused. Something outside of them has branded them or seared them to finalize the hardening process. The perfect tense means this branding, or searing, is a completed action with lasting results. The passive means this “branding” has been done to them, not by them. What these men had done to themselves before they were branded is identified in scripture as “hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality” (Eph. 4:19), and then “grieved the Holy Spirit” (Eph. 4:30) which resulted ultimately in putting out the Spirit’s fire. (1 Thes. 5:19)

13.  “a form of godliness but denying its power.” – Second Timothy 3:5 – In the book of Second Timothy Paul has already mentioned false teachers who “want to be teachers, but they do not know what they are talking about (2 Tim. 1:6-7), and those who practiced a religious form of asceticism as they followed demons (2 Tim. 4:3). Now, Paul says they have a “form of godliness but denying its power.” This “form of godliness” probably referred to the fact that they had all the trappings of the Christian religion like teachers, doctrine, regulations, self-denial as seen above, but no real power. Why? Because, that power only comes from the Truth, the Word of God. The word “form” is “morphosis” and can be translated “bringing into shape, embodiment, outline, outward form, resemblance.” “Godliness” is not the word “godlikeness” which could indicate a holy, righteous character. Instead, “godliness” refers to a reverence for God. These false teachers have an outline, or resemblance or an outward appearance of reverence for God, but in reality their appearance is hollow and void of any power. In fact, the word “deny,” “ernemenoi” from “arneomai,” means “disavow, reject, abnegate.” It is use to disown Jesus (Mt. 10:33; Lk. 12:9; Acts 3:14; 2 Tim. 2:12; 2 Pet. 2:1; Jude 4, etc.) Yet, in Romans 1:16 the gospel is said to be “the power of God for salvation.” These false teachers have an appearance of reverence for God, but have actually denied that there is any hope of saving people and empowering them for productive lives through the teaching of the God’s Word. Thus, they give an appearance but really have no Truth and thus no power to help. Timothy is then told to “have nothing to do with them.” (2 Tim. 3:5) They are a waste of time, and also, dangerous!

14.  “destructive heresies” – Second Peter 2:1 – Peter writes in 65 AD:

“There will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them.”

– Second Peter 2:1

The word “heresies” is the Greek word “hairesis” that has the basic meaning of “choice”. Here it refers to the particular teaching of a school of thought within the large body of teaching it was associated with. A heresy is a choice, or a new opinion, on points of doctrine within the large body of Christian truth. Simply said, a heresy is “the choice of an opinion contrary to that usually received.” (Vincent, v.1, p. 689) This new choice is then transferred into the accepted doctrines of a certain sect of Christianity. The introduction of these new choices and opinions of the false teachers will challenge the established doctrine revealed by the apostles. These false opinions (heresies) will not go away, but will instead “spread like gangrene (or, cancer),” (2 Timothy 2:17) and “bring the way of Truth into disrepute.”

“Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.”                                                           - Second Peter 2:2

The word “destructive” is “apoleias” in the genitive of product form which indicate that the heresies produce this destruction. This is referring to the destruction of the Truth, unity, maturity and fruit of righteousness in the individual believer and in the church universal by the presences of these heresies. False teaching and heresy are the church’s biggest problem today, no, throughout the 2,000 years of church history. But, how can we identify it, isolate and remove it?  

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

Will of God vs. Will of Man

Chapter Four:
Will of God vs. Will of Man

Humans have a will that must be brought in line with God’s will in order to manifest the fullness of what God has willed. Humans must respond to God’s will as it is revealed in natural revelation and special revelation.

God has revealed himself in written form through the Christian Scriptures, but God, the creator and rule of the universe, has also revealed himself through natural things and events such as nature, history, mankind, and sciences such as math, music, chemistry. His very nature, power and desires are revealed in nature and can be seen, known and understood by all men. This is called natural or general revelation:

“What may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made so that men are without excuse.” – Romans 1:19-20

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”    - Psalm 19:1-4

So, even today, God’s creation continues to be explored and studied as man continues to unravel the natural revelation of God that is given to humanity through general revelation. At times our ideas and opinions are locked in with God’s ideas and opinions due to this natural revelation. Things like gravity, the need for food and the need for sleep are universally followed either willingly or by sheer natural force. Man in a sense willingly follows these “rules,” “laws” or the natural will of God. But, there are also some aspects of God’s natural revelation (“rules,” “laws,” principles,” “common sense,” etc.) that man can choose to live in harmony with or he may willfully choose to rebel against.

God has given each man has his own will (Genesis 2:16) but since the fall of Adam man’s will now exists in rebellion to God’s will since it was corrupted by the sin nature (Ephesians 2:1; Romans 5:12). At times our human wills can follow God’s natural order by their own free volition, but often, very often, we rebel against what God has naturally established: things like marriage, a work ethic, civil obedience and moral behaviors such as honesty, courage, respect, generosity, kindness, etc. Man’s sin nature is only united with Satan and the world system (kosmos) in the sense that they are all three in rebellion to God’s will as it is revealed and empowered by his Word.

Man is responsible to know, understand and follow God’s general revelation of himself as seen in the natural world.

“Gentiles (Pagans) who do not have the law (written Word of God), do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts (by creation; created in image of God), their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.” – Romans 2:13-15

But, God has also chosen to reveal himself through prophets and apostles. These prophets and apostles came primarily through Israel, Jesus Christ, and then the church.

“In the past God spoke to our forefathers (Israel) through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son (Jesus Christ)…This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord (Jesus), was confirmed to us by those who heard him (Apostles of the church).”        – Hebrews 1:1-2; 2:3

Our human wills need to respond positively towards the message from the special revelation that is recorded in the written Word of God. The Apostle Paul writes concerning this revelation from God that was recorded in the written Word of God in the New Testament:

“I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness – the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generation, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”                                             – Colossians 1:25-27

“This grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.”                   - Ephesians 3:8-9

Peter confirms this apostolic revelation given to Paul and recorded in his letters when Peter writes:

“Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.”                              - Second Peter 3:15-16

           

The means of salvation and deliverance from sin, death and eternal damnation is not revealed in general revelation, but in the special revelation we call the Word of God (Bible). The Gospel, or “Good News,” concerning salvation through faith in Jesus Christ is not clearly seen by mankind through the study of math, chemistry, psychology, geology or history. These areas of study can reveal God’s character, power and his general will, but God’s Gospel of salvation is only found clearly in God’s Word.

“You also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.”   - Ephesians 1:13

“We have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints – the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you.”    - Colossians 1:3-5

“I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved.”  - Romans 15:1-2

“This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher….What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you.”   - Second Timothy 1:9-14

Once we hear, understand and believe the words of special revelation we must continually discipline ourselves to continue in these Words of God. Our advancement into spiritual maturity as a believer is based on our hearing, knowing, understanding, remembering, and doing (walk in) the words of special revelation (God’s Word). The Words of God that showed us the means of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ are the same Words of God that will lead us to a mature productive life. A mature believer in Christ will produce a life filled with the fruits of righteousness (good deeds) that he will not be ashamed of as he stands blameless before Jesus on the Day of Judgment.

The need to continue in the Word of God that we began in can be seen in these examples:

“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to (Greek: remain in, continue in, abide in) my teaching (Greek: “my word”), you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”        - John 8:31

Above, in John 8:31, the word “believed him” indicates these Jews had placed faith in Jesus. The word “believed” in the Greek is perfect active. The perfect tense suggests “the lasting effects of the past action.” (Linguistic Key, p. 202-203) The active voice means these Jews had of their own volition chose to believe Jesus’ words. The phrase “hold to” is the aorist subjunctive active of the Greek word “meno” which means “to remain.” The aorist tense here* means a point of action, the subjunctive is the mood of potential and the active voice once again means these Jews will be the ones who make the decision to continue in the Word of God. So, if those who had believed on Jesus wanted to continue their spiritual growth they would have to take advantage of the potential they had of choosing to always continue in Jesus Word. If they did then they could know the Truth and, by that Truth, be set free. (* “For instance, outside of the indicative mood it is often customary to use the tense that implies a 'simple occurrence', the aorist tense. The aorist places no emphasis on the progress of the action, but only shows a simple occurrence (or summary occurrence), the action viewed as a whole. If the writer does not wish to emphasize or focus on the progress of the verb's action (whether continuous or completed) he will use the aorist tense. The term 'aorist' means 'unspecified' or 'unlimited'. It signifies nothing as to the progression or completeness of an action, it just indicates 'happenedness' or simple occurrence. If one has the mistaken concept that aorist tense means past time, many passages of the New Testament will be very confusing if not altogether nonsensical. Only in the indicative mood does the aorist indicate past time. Many times the action of a verb in the aorist subjunctive or aorist imperative forms, for instance, will actually take place at a future time, not a past time.” – from http://www.ntgreek.org/learn_nt_greek/inter-tense.htm )

Paul and John also explain the importance of continuing in the Word of God that saved the believer’s spirit for the “salvation” (renewal) of the believer’s soul or mind:

“I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.”    - First Corinthians 15:1-2

“Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.” – Galatians 1:7

“That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.”   - Ephesians 4:20-21

“As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father.”  - First John 2:24

After being saved (phase one) we must continue (phase two) in the original word that provided us the knowledge and understanding for that salvation. We must avoid counterfeits and false teaching that lead us away from the source of salvation. Losing the salvation (phase one) is not the issue, but failing to grow and produce the fruit of that salvation is a daily possibility. Good deeds, godly character and fruit of the Spirit are the production from the seed of the Word of God. The same seed that produced the new birth will also produce the fruit of righteousness.

“For you have been born again (phase one), not of perishable seed, but of imperishable through the living and enduring word of God…And this is the word that was preached to you….Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation (phase two).”                                                                 - First Peter 1:23-2:2

Peter is encouraging the early Christian to realize their salvation is a result of the Word of God being planted in their lives. These believers had heard and believed “the word that was preached.” Now, that they have been born into the kingdom of God (“newborn babies”) by the seed of the Word of God they should “crave” more of that same Word. The Greek word for “crave” is “epipothesate” is aorist imperfect active and means “to long for, to desire, to crave. This preposition in compound indicates intensive desire directed toward the object of the word. (Lingustic p. 570) The actual desire in this word is seen in Psalm 42:1-2, 

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.”   - Psalm 42:1-2

“pure” is “adolos” which means “without deceit, unadulterated, uncontaminated. The word is commonly used in this sense of corn, wheat, barley, oil, wine, and other farm products. (Linguistic, p570)      

“may grow” is “auxethete” is aorist subjunctive passive and means “to cause to grow.” These words could be translated “in order that you might be nourished up.”

This verse ends by saying that this craving for the pure spiritual milk of the Word of God will result in the believer making progress in their salvation. Please notice, it is the healthy baby that hungers, and even cries, for milk. So it is with a Christian. A spiritually healthy Christian hungers for the hearing, teaching and instruction that comes from the Word of God. Also, note the use of “milk” in First Corinthians 3:2 and Hebrews 5:12-13 is a metaphor for the basics of faith. Here the use of the word “milk” is a metaphor for the nourishment that comes from the Word of God. There is no negative reflection or immature connotation on the concept of the milk of the Word here in First Peter. In First Corinthians 3 and Hebrews 5 the negative imagery is aimed at the believers who had entered into salvation (phase one) but had not progressed in their salvation (phase two). The believers being addressed in Corinth and in the book of Hebrews where quenching their spiritual hunger on things that were NOT the Word of God. They had lost their appetites like children who eat candy before dinner. These believers’ growth had been stunted by false teaching, legalism, worldly philosophies, religious rituals and mysticism. The very fact these believers were not seeking God nor craving his Word would be a symptom of an unhealthy spiritual life.

“Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly – mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly.”                                       - First Corinthians 3:1-2

These Corinthians were producing the fruit of the worldly religious life: jealousy and quarreling (3:3)

The author of Hebrews is equally disappointed in the believers he is addressing when he writes:

“We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk being still an infant is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting we will do so.”                                                                     - Hebrews 5:11-6:3

The writer of Hebrews says he has “much to say about” the subject he is writing about which is the priesthood of Jesus Christ. The teacher says it is “hard to explain” or “difficult to explain” to his listeners because he says they “are slow to learn.” The phrase “slow to learn” is the word “nothros” in the Greek and it does NOT mean these Christians are dumb, academically challenged or have some type of first century learning disability. Nor, does it mean the writer of Hebrews is struggling with his teaching gift or with his ability to communicate his thoughts.

The problem is seen in the word “nothros” which is translated here “slow to learn.” “Nothros” means “dull, slow, sluggish.” It is also translated as “slothful” or “lazy” in Hebrews 6:12 where it says, “We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy (nothros), but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” The word “nothros” is used to refer to the numbed limbs of a sick lion. (Linguistic, p. 526) The lion in this example had been hit by poison tipped darts that numbed the feeling and the use of the limbs. The word “nothros” is also used in an ancient Greek story to describe the vain hopes of a foolish wolf who had heard a child’s nurse threaten to throw the child out to the wolves. The wolf had an opinion and an interpretation of the nurse’s words, but since the wolf’s doctrine was wrong so was the hope he had based in the false understanding. “Nothros” can refer to the intellect as in this statement by Polybius around 150 BC: “There was not one who was foolish enough or stupid (nothros) enough to hope ever to return to his country by fleeing.” (Polybius, 3.63.7) But, “nothros” is also used to describe the actions and achievements of the “nothros” person: “Aratus, in every undertaking and in all combat operations, showed timidity and indolence (nothros).” (Polybius 4.60.2) A Christian inscription from 250 AD by a man named Aureliuis Lykidas reads this way: “I call God to witness that I built this tomb at my own expense, since my brother Amianos was negligent (nothros), and I order that Phronime and Maxima, my sisters, be placed in it.” (Tehological Lexion of the New Testament, vol. 2, Spicq, p. 553)

The Hebrew believers had drifted from the Word of God, became nothros, and now their lives reflected this lack of spiritual vigor and competitiveness. This is a two-fold problem of cause and effect. The failure to have the inhale of Bible doctrine is followed by the inability to exhale a mature (spiritual) life. These Hebrew believers are not hearing and believing the Word of God which means their faith is not growing. The result of this spiritual malnutrition is the collapse of their confidence and the loss of their hope. This problem is reflected throughout the book of Hebrews.

Besides the interesting meaning of the word “nothros” (“slow to learn”) it is very insightful to look into the original meaning of the word translated “are" in the English NIV translation. This word  “are” is used like this in the NIV: “it is hard to explain because you ARE slow to learn.” The word “are” in the Greek is “gegonate” which is the perfect tense (complete action in the past with abiding results), indicative mood (the mood of reality), active voice (the subject causes the action, or these “dull” Christians had made themselves dull) of “ginomai” giving it the meaning “you have become.” These believers had at one time heard and understood the teaching of the Word of God, but they had been distracted by some other form of teaching, ritual or philosophy. The perfect tense of “gegonate” in 5:11 and again in 5:12 implies that these believers have not only failed to grow at a reasonable rate in their Christian maturity, but they have begun regressing in their spiritual capacity. This is confirmed in Hebrews 6:10 and 10:32-34 which mentions their previous growth and production. Their previous spiritual heights included good works, love, helping others, standing faithful in the face of a variety of persecutions and supporting other persecuted believers in prison while they looked forward to eternal rewards in heaven. These fallen believers were at one time strong and active, but when they drifted from the Word of God and turned to myths, rituals and human opinion they became ineffective and non-productive. This dull, sluggish, unspiritual, immature condition was an acquired one.

The diagnosis of the Hebrew’s problem leads the author to prescribe this remedy: “someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again.” “You need milk.” The milk here is the elementary truths of God’s word that are so necessary that we should never lose track of them nor allow them to escape our understanding. The author wants to build on these foundational truths. He says that these Hebrews must not only know these truths but become skilled in using them in their daily lives to make decisions and determine right from wrong and good from evil. Study his words:

“Solid food is for the mature who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”                                                   - Hebrews 5:14

“Solid food” is the teaching that is built upon the basic elementary truths of God’s Word. It is necessary for the Christian to progressively be hearing, learning, knowing and understanding the Word of God. The “mature” believer is the one who constantly uses this Word of God (“solid food”) to lead their lives, make decisions, motivate good behavior and produce good works. By using the Word of God over a long period of time to make decisions and to determine a correct world view the believer will find that they have “trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” The acquired technique of a mature believer is the ability to use the Word of God to “distinguish good from evil.”

The ESV translation captures the Greek words better than the NIV:

“Solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”     - Hebrews 5:14 (ESV)

“Mature” is “teleion” meaning “perfect, mature” referring in this case to those who are able to assume adult responsibilities and are able to produce the fruits of righteousness.

“Their powers” is “hexin” means “habits” referring a developed and finished skill developed from experience and practice such as is used in a craft, sport or dance routine. This is the final product of hours, days, years of practice and drills. It is the result of past exercise that forms the body and its routine to perform this way. In this case it is the disposition of the character.

“Discernment” is “aistheteria” means “organ of perception, faculty” or the organs of the senses such as seeing, tasting, smelling and hearing. This refers to the faculty of perception.

“Trained” is “gegumnasmena” (“having been trained”) is perfect passive of “gumnazo” which means “to practice naked in the gym or during the games.” The concept is to exercise or train by exercise. It is an athletic term referring to training and practicing in the Greek gym. It began to take on the meaning that also included the training and exercising of the mind. Paul uses this word in First Timothy 4:7 in a warning to Timothy to avoid the false doctrines and distracting philosophies and to continue in the Word of God which will produce godliness:

“If you point these things (teaching of the Word of God) out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up (“nourished”) in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.”

The writer of Hebrews has already used this word in Hebrews 12:11: 

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”   

- Hebrews 12:11

But, Peter also uses it in reference to false teachers having exercised the hearts in covetousness:

“They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed.”                                     - Second Peter 2:14 (ESV)

            

“Distinguish” is “diakrisin” means “distinguishing, deciding, making a judgment between two things. The issue in focus in this book is to tell the Hebrew readers that they should have been able to discern that returning to temple worship instead of continuing to grow in Christ was a bad choice. The fact that they turned away from New Testament revelation to resume the practice of the Old Testament law indicated that they could not yet discern right from wrong and good from evil.

“Good” is “kalou” (kalos) means “good” in the sense that something is beautiful, valuable, virtuous in a useful way. It is something beautiful to see. It is something excellent that suits its purpose or mission. It is the word used by John the Baptist to define the “good” fruit produced on the “good” trees (Matthew 3:10); used by Jesus to also describe the “good” fruit and “good” tree (Matthew 12:33); Jesus called the ground “good” which produced the thirty, sixty and a hundred fold crop (Matthew 13:8); the “good” fish are separated from the bad fish at the judgment (Matthew 13:48); Paul said every creature of God is “good” and should be received with thanksgiving (First Timothy 4:4); Paul calls the minister of the word “good” and his doctrine “good” (First Timothy 4:6)

“Evil” is “kakou” (kakos) means “worthless.” Just as the word “good” above indicated something that was useful for its purpose, this word means “worthless, useless” for its purpose. “Kakos” indicates the lack of something that should be found in a person or a thing. (Strongs Dict., p.1160) Because it is lacking the good that is needed for the person or thing to function correctly or appear as it should, the person or thing is now worthless, lacking and, so, dangerous and destructive. It is the concept of driving on bad tires. The tires are lacking in quality and so become dangerous. A similar situation occurs when using a dull chisel or dull saw blade. The dullness, or badness, makes the tool or blade dangerous, and thus evil. The bad tires, chisel or blade are all evil because they cannot produce the good and will do the opposite of good.

So, Hebrews 5:14 is saying something like this:

“Bible teaching is pursued, understood and believed only by the man who has proven he is already living responsibly with the Truth he knows. He has drilled himself to apply the Word to his daily techniques and reasoning, so with skillful separation he can discern between his own productive actions and attitudes and his behaviors, words and opinions that are worthless, empty and destructive.”

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com

Pagan Principles, Spiritual Ignorance or Christian Truth

A new believer can go one of three directions to get information to decide how they will live their new life:

1. They can remain in the Pagan state of mind and continue to use their old world’s system of values, morals and priorities to evaluate circumstances and discern right from wrong. (1 Corinthians 12:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14)
2. They can become involved in a Christian church or organization that is not founded on the Word of God, but instead teaches cultural values, emotions and the remnants of a biblical heritage that has been watered down or lost through the years. (Ephesians 4:14; Colossians 2:8)
3. They can be given the pure teaching of the apostolic revelation found in the Word of God. This will result in them growing up to maturity and being enabled to discern what pleases the Lord and function from a world view that lines up with the Holy God. (1 Peter 2:2; 1 Corinthians 2:6; Romans 12:2)

If a church applies "2" above it is likely that the leadership that is "training" the people are under the same condemnation as the Pharisees of Jesus’ day. If they do get a convert to their brand of “Christianity” they make their new convert twice the child of hell as the teachers who are doing the training. The "convert" or "proselyte" will be deep in darkness and confusion by the time they finish their training in the corrupt doctrine and its application. As Jesus said to the religious teachers of his day:

You travel heaven and earth to get a convert and when you do you make them twice the child of hell that you are.                                                      - Matthew 23:15

Before a church can do anything (good deeds, service to community, evangelism, worship, etc.) they must first teach the word of God to its members. The Word of God is the source of the New Birth and, so logically (and, according to the Apostles), the same Word of God is the source of spiritual nutrition, growth, maturity and fruitful production. All works of service and worship of a believer spring from and are produced by God’s word (the seed) in the soul (the mind, the field) of a person. We continue in the same Truth we began in.

The three basic directions a believer in Jesus Christ can go after their conversion to Christianity through faith in Jesus Christ. But, only one of these will result in maximum production as the believer continues their spiritual journey: A) They can continue in their Pagan world view, B) They can get involved with an ignorant Christian group, C) They can learn the Word of God, preferably in a Bible teaching church:

A. Pagan - Continue in a Pagan world view

“You must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.” -Ephesians 4:17-18

B. Ignorance - Embrace a form of Christian ignorance that replaces Biblical truth with:

• Mysticism – believe that God impresses on them his will; allow God to speak to them in order that they can “hear” God and they just “know” his will; mysticism can trump the written Word of God with a vision, a dream, a voice or a simple impression from “god.”

“Every man’s own word becomes his oracle and so you distort the words of the living God, the Lord Almighty, our God.” - Jeremiah 23:36

• Emotionalism – they do what they “feel” is right; respond to situations based on feelings and emotions, not the truth of God’s word; emotionalism will often want to change the written word of God or reinterpret it so that it seems to be more Christian

“How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds?”   - Jeremiah 23:26 

• Legalism – some form of asceticism that provides religious regulations that flatters the person practicing it and gives them a feeling of being spiritual; this is godliness that denies the transforming power of the true Word of God:

“ ‘Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!’ These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.”  - Colossians 2:20-23 

“Having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.” - Second Timothy 3:5

• Fractured Literacy – created by people who are limited to splintered and fractured portions of Bible truth. This incomplete study or lack of desire to know the full revelation creates a warped world view and an unbalanced life. This is manifest by very shallow Bible understanding or in Christian groups who use limited Bible verses such as “God is love,” or, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated,” or, “Repent and be baptized,” or, “we know that we have what we asked” as the basis of everything they believe. Bible verses that are contrary to these “Bible-quotes-on-steroids” are twisted by false teachers to fit their desired doctrinal position. When fractured literacy combines with mysticism the believer exists on devotional material:

“Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas (“contradictions”) of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith." -First Timothy 6:20

• Evening Shadows - this is the doctrinal remains of a distant Christian influence from another time; most often based on bits and pieces of scattered Christian traditions; people embrace the religious traditions in a post-Christian setting; the memory of a previous Christian age has left a shadow but the substance, meaning and life are gone and replaced with human traditions:

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.”  - Colossians 2:8

God explains to Jeremiah why the culture and the "believers" of that day were collapsing and facing judgment when he spoke to Jeremiah in chapter 23 of his book. Jeremiah recorded these words around 593 BC:

‘I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied. But if they had stood in my council, they would have proclaimed my words to my people and would have turned them from their evil ways and from their evil deeds. 

‘Am I only a God nearby,’ declares the Lord, ‘and not a God far away? Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?’ declares the Lord. ‘Do not I fill heaven and earth?’ declares the Lord. 

‘I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in my name. They say, “I had a dream! I had a dream!” How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds? They think the dreams they tell one another will make my people forget my name, just as their fathers forgot my name through Baal worship. 

‘Let the prophet who has a dream tell his dream, but let the one who has my word speak if faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?’ declares the Lord. ‘Is not my word like fire,’ declares the Lord, ‘and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?’ 

'Therefore,’ declares the Lord, ‘I am against the prophets who steal from one another words supposedly from me. Yes,’ declares the Lord, ‘I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and yet declare, “The Lord declares.” Indeed I am against those who prophesy false dreams,’ declares the Lord. ‘They tell them and lead my people astray with their reckless lies, yet I did not send or appoint them. They do not benefit these people in the least, ‘declares the Lord                        -Jeremiah 23:21-33

Of course, there is the third option that is always promised victory, fruit and rewards in the Scripture  - that is learn the Truth of the Word of God which is both your physical and spiritual reality in both time and eternity.

C. Word of God - Learn the Word of God

“For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God…this is the word that was preached to you. Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice, and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”        - First Peter 1:23-2:3

(This is a portion of Chapter Six from Galyn's new book The Word: Apparatus for Salvation, Renewal and Maturity)

Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com