Articles
Enemies of The Truth
Enemies of The Truth
God's people face many enemies in this life. There are those like Alexander the silversmith (2Tim. 4:4); the unbelieving Jews (1Thess. 2:15-16); the servants of false gods & religions like those in Ephesus (cp. Acts 19); the governments of the world who, like Rome, persecuted the church; and the flat out worldly people who are described as the enemies of the cross because "their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things" (Phil. 3:18-19).
To me, the greatest enemies unfortunately come from WITHIN, or at least those who are perceived as being within. These tend to do more long-term harm and destroy the faith of more people. In light of this, Paul gave many warnings concerning the false teaching. There are those who 'swerve from the truth' and upset the faith of many (2Tim. 2:18); those who are "upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach" (Titus 1:11); and even elders who would draw away disciples (Acts 20:28-30).
We have observed so much of this with the rise of so many sects and denominations. As so many 'preachers' turned to rationalism and modernism, they spoke with 'authority' in the corruption of the message. Such men have been used effectively by those who fight against the gospel. They quote such 'authorities' to prove that Jesus was no the son of God, that the bible is not inspired, that the text of the bible is corrupt and unreliable, etc. All of these have worked to turn many from the faith.
Possibly a greater enemy of the gospel message is one who professes belief but lives as an unbeliever. Such profess to know God, but by their works they deny Him (Titus 1:6). By their hypocritical and ungodly actions they bring dishonor unto the gospel (1Tim. 6:1; Titus 2:5). Paul warned believing servants to be careful how they lived "so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled" (1 Tim. 6:1). He also warned the young women to conduct themselves so "that the word of God may not be reviled" (Titus 2:5). Titus was to conduct himself "so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us" (Titus 2:8).
Believers simply must walk in accordance with their faith. Our lives must be filled with good works. we must be devoted unto good works (Titus 3:14; see also 1 Tim. 2:10; 5:10, 25; 6:18; 2 Tim. 2:21; 3:17; Titus 1:16; 2:7, 14; 3:1,8). By such good works, people will be moved to glorify God. "...let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 5:16).
One of the most often used excuses for unbelief is that believers are hypocrites. Such is often based upon a false judgment, but too often it is based upon simple observation of how believers conduct themselves. What do people see in your life?
Hugh DeLong
