God Never Calls Us to Fellowship Mocking Pretenders By Major Frank Materu
Scripture Reference:
"Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners." (1 Corinthians 15:33)
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Introduction:
In a world filled with deceit and hypocrisy, it is essential for believers to discern God’s call and separate themselves from those who pretend to serve Him while living contrary to His ways. This teaching examines the importance of walking uprightly before the Lord, avoiding fellowship with pretenders, and remaining steadfast in faith and obedience to God. The message challenges us to align our lives with God’s righteousness and reject the corruption of worldly influences.
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God’s Call to Upright Living
God’s design for His people is to live in gratitude and obedience to Him. When we prioritize Him above all else, we are kept on the path of righteousness. He desires that His people walk circumspectly and remain under His guidance.
"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" (Micah 6:8)
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True fellowship with God requires a clean heart and unwavering commitment to His will. Those who turn their focus to the ways of the world risk being led astray and losing their connection to Him.
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Avoiding Fellowship with Pretenders
The Bible warns against associating with mockers, scoffers, and those who live in hypocrisy. Such individuals pursue their own lusts and lead others away from God’s truth. God calls His people to separate themselves from these influences to preserve their spiritual integrity.
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"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful." (Psalm 1:1)
Fellowship with pretenders can corrupt our faith, leading to despair and futility of mind. God’s true people must guard their hearts and remain steadfast in their devotion to Him.
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God’s Wrath Against Hypocrisy
In this generation, God’s wrath is revealed against those who claim to love Him while living in rebellion. Hypocrites and pretenders will face the consequences of their actions. They have chosen to follow the ways of the world rather than God’s righteous path.
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"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness." (Matthew 23:27)
God’s judgment is just and serves to separate the precious from the vile. Those who remain true to Him will experience His mercy, while the pretenders will face the oppression and cruelty of the systems they have idolized.
Walking in the Fear of the Lord
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True obedience to God requires walking in His fear and not bowing to the ungodly systems of the world. God’s people are called to stand firm in His righteousness, even in the face of persecution and adversity.
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"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever." (Psalm 111:10)
By keeping our hearts pure and focused on God, we can overcome the temptations and challenges of this corrupt generation.
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Summary:
God’s call to His people is clear: separate from those who mock His name and live in hypocrisy. He desires that His followers walk uprightly, guided by His truth and righteousness. In doing so, they will experience His blessings and protection, even in a world filled with corruption and deceit.
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Conclusion:
Living a life pleasing to God requires a steadfast commitment to His ways and a rejection of worldly influences. By aligning ourselves with His will, we can remain in His mercy and avoid the pitfalls of hypocrisy and rebellion.
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Call to Action:
Examine your relationships and associations. Are there influences in your life that draw you away from God’s path? Make the decision today to prioritize your fellowship with God and align your life with His righteousness.
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Final Word of Encouragement:
Remain steadfast in your faith and obedience to God. Trust in His guidance and protection, knowing that He is faithful to those who remain true to Him. Be encouraged by His promise:
"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighted in his way." (Psalm 37:23)
