THIS IS A TIME OF VANITY, STUPIDITY, AND DARKNESS DONE BY GOD\'S PEOPLE! By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: “For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind. The standing grain has no heads; it shall yield no flour. If it were to yield, strangers would devour it.” – Hosea 8:7 (ESV)
________________________________________
Introduction
The times we live in are marked by profound spiritual negligence and misguided ambitions. Many who claim to serve God are consumed by vanity, stupidity, and darkness. Their works are driven by pride, ambition, and lust rather than true devotion to God. This message is a call to repentance, self-examination, and genuine submission to the Lord’s will. As believers, we must recognize that God’s judgment is upon those who walk in rebellion and hypocrisy while falsely professing His name.
________________________________________
God’s People Laboring in Vanity
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” – Psalm 127:1 (ESV)
God’s people are pouring their energies into works that are rooted in pride and self-promotion. These works, though performed under the guise of serving the Lord, are nothing but vanity. Such actions are not for God’s glory but for human recognition and ambition. The Lord sees through these pretenses and rejects these works as they are void of true righteousness.
________________________________________
The Deception of False Devotion
“These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.” – Matthew 15:8-9 (NIV)
Many have deceived themselves into believing that their service, rooted in hypocrisy and self-interest, is pleasing to God. However, God cannot be mocked. He discerns the true intentions of the heart. Those who refuse correction and cling to false doctrines are not walking in the light but in darkness. Their works are not for the Kingdom but for their own downfall.
________________________________________
The Consequences of Pride and Rebellion
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” – Proverbs 16:18 (NIV)
The scriptures are clear about the fate of the proud and rebellious. When God’s people reject His rule and pursue their desires, they invite His wrath upon themselves. The end of such a path is devastation and despair. Despite their outward show of piety, their prideful hearts lead them to ruin.
________________________________________
The Call to Genuine Repentance
“Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts.” – Malachi 3:7 (ESV)
God, in His mercy, continually calls His people to repentance. True repentance involves a heartfelt return to God, a willingness to be corrected, and a commitment to walk in His ways. It is only through genuine submission to the Lord’s rule that believers can escape the vanity of their works and find favor in His sight.
________________________________________
God’s Judgment on Hypocrisy
“But if you will not obey the Lord your God or be careful to do all his commandments and his statutes that I command you today, then all these curses shall come upon you and overtake you.” – Deuteronomy 28:15 (ESV)
The Lord’s judgment is sure and severe upon those who wear a façade of righteousness while indulging in sin. Their hypocrisy and rebellion will not go unnoticed. The wrath of God will be revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness, and no one will escape unless they turn back to Him.
________________________________________
Summary
The present generation is marked by spiritual vanity, pride, and rebellion. Many works done in God’s name are driven by selfish ambition and not genuine devotion. The Lord is calling His people to repentance and submission to His will. Failure to heed His call will lead to destruction and despair.
________________________________________
Conclusion
This message is a solemn reminder of the seriousness of our walk with God. The time for pretense and hypocrisy is over. Let us humbly seek the Lord, examine our hearts, and align ourselves with His will. Only then can we escape the judgment reserved for the rebellious and hypocritical.
________________________________________
Call to Action
Return to God with a repentant heart. Seek His face through prayer, fasting, and obedience to His word. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in all truth and righteousness. Do not labor in vain but work for the glory of God and His Kingdom.
________________________________________
Final Word of Encouragement
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” – James 4:10 (ESV)
God’s mercy is still available. For those who genuinely seek Him, He is faithful to forgive, restore, and bless. Let us walk humbly and faithfully before Him, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain.
