The Spirit of Faith Newsletter – February 1984 (Print Edition)
“Know Those That Labor Among You”
This month the Lord spoke to me concerning the need we all have as believers to take heed what we hear. (Mark 4:24) Especially in the area of the ministry that we are hearing. God has blessed the Body of Christ with some of the finest ministries that have ever been available in order that we can hear the Word, receive it and live what we hear taught. At the same time, however, there is a need for awakening ourselves to the fact that there are wolves among the flock as well. Paul warned the church that he started in Ephesus in Acts 19:27-31: “…I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own Blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, sparing not the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.” Paul was obviously very concerned with the condition of those that he had taught and nurtured in the faith during the three years he was in Ephesus founding that church! Notice he said that not only would ministers come from without the church and teach things contrary to the Word, he said that some would come from within! He said that we were to be aware – to take heed to ourselves – that we are not misled.
In 1 Thess. 5:12 Paul said, “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you…” We are held responsible to know those that are teaching us, as to whether they are in line with the Word or not! But, how can we know that? By the Word of God! Brethren, if what you are hearing from a certain minister does not line up with the whole council of God – not just the verses that may be pulled out of context – avoid them! Many teachers are teaching things today that are not at all in line with the Word – yet no one is questioning them! For instance, many teach that we, as born again believers, are going to have to go through the Tribulation period – which the Bible declares is the “wrath of God”. My brethren, God has not called us to face His wrath. No! We do have a blessed hope of the “Rapture” or catching away of the saints. “But Brother Bill the word ‘rapture’ isn’t even in the Bible!” No, but the fact of this catching away is! (2 Thess. 2:l-6) 1 Corinth. 15:52-58) I would recommend some of Brother Hilton Sutton’s teaching tapes on the subject for those that have been confused on this issue. You may write: Hilton Sutton, 736 Wilson Road, Humble, TX 77338 for a tape catalog. But there are many other teachings that are just as distorted. There is much misinformation on the subject of demons as well. Many believers have become afraid that there is a “demon in every doorknob” that will “get them”. Brethren, we have authority through the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ! We should not be on the run from satan – he should be on the run from us! (James 4:7) Christians that are constantly being told that they have a “demon of this, or that” holding them back should beware of the teaching that they are hearing! Demons are real. But they are afraid of us! We have authority over them in the Name of Jesus – we shouldn’t be afraid of them. Indeed, that is giving satan place – through fear!
There are many teachings like this that are holding people in bondage, and many teachers. Usually these types are, as Paul said, “making disciples unto themselves,” holding their people in bondage to their own brand of teaching. They usually downgrade the ministries of other ministers while making themselves seem the only reliable source of true Bible knowledge. Have I made you think and question with this article? Good! I trust that I have! No matter who is ministering – whether they are a “big name” or local minister, you should always check what they are saying to make sure they are in line with the Word of God; even me! As ministers we have a tremendous responsibility to give you the truth of the Word – but you have the responsibility to check it out for yourself as well! Know those that labor among you!
Items of Interest in This Issue
Invitation to the Word of Faith Satellite Seminar at Taylors Grove Church… Tape Offer “Know Those That Labor Among You”… Itinerary… Invitation to be a Radio Partner
