Beware of People Who Have a Form of Godliness!

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[Philippians 3:1-11 KJV] “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. [2] Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. [3] For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. [4] Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:”

[5] “Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; [6] Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. [7] But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.”

[8] “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, [9] And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: [10] That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; [11] If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.”

In every church and in every society, there are people who have a form of godliness but are not truly spiritual. They have an outward expression of God but no true convictions about His power and essence. These are hypocrites and charlatans who mimic our deep spirituality in a shallow outward worship. They are not trying to do what we do yet they speak with our accent, dress like we do, answer to the same greetings and creed; they are not truly persuaded by what we teach.

If you want to go far and finish better than you started, then you must avoid such people. Stay away from them, they are enemies of the cross. They will enchant and sweep you off your feet in the faith. You ought to be careful about them. The simplest way to neutralise their influence so that you’ll not fall prey to their schemes and words which eat like a canker is to do the following;

1. Deliberately decide to put no confidence nor trust in the flesh.
2. Strive to know nothing but the person of Christ,  the power of His resurrection,  and the fellowship of His suffering.
3. Just strive to attain unto the resurrection

After all, is said and done, this will be the things that matter. Will you make it when the trumpet shall sound? Will you come alive and be caught up with the saints? How ready are you?

Don’t focus on the mere outward expressions of worship. Strive to develop deeper spiritual roots that will allow you to be able to run the race of life. Strive to go for the substance if you want to finish better. Tone down on the garnishing! Strive to get the real stuff.

Let us strive to know Him, His power, and His suffering. Those who do know their God shall wax strong and do exploits. This is the time and the season to strive to know Him. He is our Lord and we must know and worship Him. Let us collectively and individually strive to know Him and the power of His resurrection.

Finally, each of us must strive to attain unto the resurrection. We must strive to have a part in the resurrection. I pray that you will not miss the resurrection but you must strive, push, and press on! Don’t miss the mark!

This is all we must live for. May you receive the grace and the wisdom to avoid those who only have a form of godliness.

Be blessed, I love you!

Pastor Simpe

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