Apostle Paul Said "Though I Be Rude In Speech, Yet Not in Knowledge..." - Part 1217

"For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourself are wise. For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage; if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face ..." (II Corinthians 11:19-20)

Apostle Paul is warning believers in Jesus by faith that there would be those who would attempt to lead us astray, if His Word is not hid in our hearts. This is why we are to study to show ourselves approved, as a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15)

Indeed, we already know of those who will say the resurrection has passed already and overthrow the faith of some. Others will say that Jesus isn't coming back for His people, suggesting that God is slack concerning His promise. Nevertheless, the foundation of God stands sure. In the interim, He is always desirous that those who oppose themselves will repent to the acknowledging of the truth "and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will." (I Timothy 2:25-26)

This is why we -- as believers in Jesus by faith -- ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let slip. "For how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him. God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders and with diverse miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost according to His will." (Hebrews 2:3-5)

"For God so loved the world" (John 3:16)

The greatest love story ever told. Still, those who oppose the gospel will arise, hoping to steal the joy and peace within our souls. To steal the liberty wherein we stand. To steal the knowledge and wisdom that comes from understanding the love of our Lord God who so willingly became our Saviour, so that we might have abundant life through Him. So that we who believe can be sanctified through the precious blood He shed on the cross for you and I. Through the Word, which is Jesus.

But Jesus also told us that nothing would be hid from those who loved Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. We would know the signs of the times and the seasons.

Apostle Paul warned even in his day -- "I marvel that you are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel which is not another, but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, "If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:6-9)

Why? As Paul, an apostle (not of men but by Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead) asked -- "do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you brethren that the gospel which was preached of me is not after men -- for I neither received it of man, neither was I taught [it] but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." (Galatians 1:10-12)

In these last days, where the devil is running to and fro, seeking to devour anyone who he can, we need to understand apostle Paul's jealousy over the saints. Paul states, "with godly jealousy for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear lest by any means (as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty) so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus -- whom we have not preached, or, if ye receive another spirit -- which ye have not received, or, another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him." (II Corinthians 11:2-4)

The good news is that Jesus has clothed us in His righteousness so that when the false apostles and deceitful workers emerge, "transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ" we will know the difference based on the Word, and will not be taken in and fooled by their religious antics. We will not marvel when satan himself is transformed into an angel of light, or "his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness, whose end shall be according to their works." (II Corinthians 11:13-15)

Rather, we will stand firm in the apostles doctrine that Jesus through the Holy Ghost commanded the apostles whom He had chosen to write. (Acts 1:2 through Acts 2:47)

Stand in the offering plate.