“They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.” (1 John 4:5,6)
Jesus said if we would continue in His Word, we would know His truth and it would set us free. Set free from what? From God’s own judgment upon sin, so we can feel free to do and be whatever we choose without guilt and shame? No. The freedom Christ spoke of is freedom from sin, not freedom to sin. “…Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:34-36) Notice: the servant of sin does not abide in God’s house. Apostasy awaits those who do not discover the liberating truth and power of the gospel.
The world has a message that has been carefully crafted by the god of this world. He wants you to know his “truth.” Knowing his truth sets you free to sin. No longer are you shackled by guilt, shame, or condemnation. You have been “converted,” and have “come out” from that oppressive, religious crowd that didn’t let you rest easy in your own skin.
Such is the nature of the great falling away of our day. Wisdom is justified of her children, and folly is justified of her children. The spirit of truth and the spirit of error exists in our day clearer than ever before. And those who are of the truth, who are Christ’s disciples indeed, do not follow the voice of a stranger. They cling to the Word of God which has not suddenly changed to suit the sensibilities of the day.
Preach the Word of God, without apology. Let the world call you what they will. They called your Lord worse. If they won’t hear you it’s because they have wandered from the way of understanding and are in the congregation of the dead. (Prov. 21:16)
The world has surely set up its own alternative “church.” Those in it have been called out of the light and into the darkness. Light has no fellowship with darkness. Walk in the light of God’s Word and Truth and Spirit. Don’t let false prophets, teachers, and shepherds seduce you. Abide in the Light.