Be Not Deceived

         Have you noticed that the admonitions of Paul to the leaders and followers of his day reads like a playbook for the last days? I would think that Satan would have to think of some new ideas but his old ones seem to work very well. So, I guess he figures, "If it ain't broke..."

        If you haven't gotten into the latter part of the New Testament lately, let me share some admonitions that Paul gives members in his day. Then we can take a look at why he's teaching these things and see if we would benefit from applying his counsel in our day.

     Greek Philosophers

        In a letter to Titus, a committed church leader and follower of Jesus Christ, Paul warns about priestcrafts, or as he puts it, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake (Titus 1:11). This was a stumbling block to some in the church. In his day, Greek philosophers were all the rage and Paul had to constantly remind the church not to follow after these evil men. One of these philosophers even admitted that they were all evil beasts and liars (Titus 1:12).  Paul called them "vain talkers" and "deceivers" (Titus 1:10). In other words, they loved to debate and hear themselves talk. But for all their 'intellectual pontification' they never seemed to get anywhere useful. These men were paid to raise questions and confuse doctrines but didn't offer any Godly edification through faith (1Timothy 1:4).

Motivational Speakers 

    Ok, Anthony Robbins is a bit of a dinosaur these days, but his teachings are still around. He wasn't the first man to practice priestcraft in our generation, but he is arguably the most popular. Today, his estimated worth is over $600 million, and while I don't have a problem with the fact that he is successful, I wonder if anyone can point to something truly edifying that he has provided to the world. Most of his rhetoric revolves around how to get money, status, "the good life", not how to serve and be saved. To me, he is one of the most prolific "vain janglers" (Titus 1:6) of our time.

         Political Commentators

       So, what do you think? Are these workers of priestcraft? They all certainly became wealthy, or wealthier, from professionally debating, lying (stretching the truth?), and telling people what they want to hear without offering anything of edification or faith. What about Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, TikTok, etc. Do these fit Paul's definition of " "vain talkers" and "deceivers" (Titus 1:10).

        Just as in Paul's day, Satan seeks to divide and confuse us. But Paul gives us specific counsel about what to do about it. We should pray for all men including our leaders in government so that we can live in peace (1 Timothy 2:1-2). We must search the scriptures for inspiration, doctrine, and reproof (2 Timothy 3:16) and not look to worldly philosophies. We should also look to God's anointed servants for truth, and pray in faith. (1 Timothy 2:7-8). And we should pray in faith for a remission of our sins, even those done ignorance as Paul did (1 Timothy 1:13-16).