AVOID DOCTRINES OF DEMONS!

1Timothy 4:1-2 KJV
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.

Dear Believer,

To be forewarned is to be forearmed. Neither Jesus nor His apostles left us in the dark as to what would happen in the end times.

I am often surprised when Believers are shocked because they see some strange things going on in the world. Actually, what should shock us is that they are still this ‘mild.’

Our focus passage says as the end times are ushered in, many ‘Believers’ would start listening to seducing (or deceiving) spirits and doctrines of devils (or demons).

Doctrines of demons are teachings that are inspired by different kinds of demons. Note that they aren’t called doctrines of the devil. They are called doctrines of demons.

Some doctrines will come from demons of lust. Some will come from demons of fear, or demons of perversion, or demons of false religion, or even demons of self glorification that will masquerade as ‘motivational speaking’ or self esteem that will take people’s focus away from God, letting them rely on the ‘arms of flesh.’ (Please read Jeremiah 17:5-8 to see the danger of trusting in oneself and not God).

Already, many doctrines of demons are coming out of the pulpit in many congregations. How can you recognize them?

The first sign is the focus of the group. Any group of ‘worshipers’ that have made a human being the centre of attraction should be avoided. If glory is not being given to God, it will go to the devil. The influence of demons will be all over the place and they will start preaching a strange ‘Jesus.’

That is why it is very essential to study the Bible and build a vibrant relationship with the Holy Spirit. If your faith isn’t personal with God, it will be personal with demons.

Another sign of places where doctrines of demons are taught is that they ‘speak lies in hypocrisy.’ This is a skill that can be taught only by demons. Those hypocritical liars claiming to preach the gospel can try to mask the spirit in them, but you will always find them out if you let God guide you.

When you hear them say one thing and live against what they say; when they live a life of impurity and try to normalize and trivialize sin, know that demons are speaking through them.

And, my believing friend, pray and live a spiritually sensitive life. The reason for this is that Jesus warned in Matthew 24:24 that “…There shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”

See that. He says even the elect would be deceived if they aren’t careful. That is how powerful and virulent these doctrines of demons would be.

You must protect yourself from error. Pray. Study the Word. If a teaching or practice isn’t in line with the Word of God, avoid it. And when the Spirit gives you a check in your spirit about any teaching or teacher, just keep your distance.

You shall not be deceived in the name of Jesus.

Have a wonderful day!

Your friend,
Deon.