Morning Y'all! I pray this post encourages you and gives God glory! Got suggested topics you want me to write about? Please comment below or email me at info@mocatoday.com.
Last week, we covered how knowing the difference between Real versus Counterfeit (Fake) Christians greatly matters and has serious bad consequences when we don't. While only God can see our hearts (1 Samuel 16:7), we confirmed Jesus advises we assess each other's fruit to distinguish the real from the fake followers of Him (Matthew 7:15-20). We were reminded that the fruit of the Holy Spirit is "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5:23) as God defines it, NOT to be mistaken with the world's definition of these fruits.
For disciples of Jesus Christ, we also reviewed:
Fake versus real Christian question is not about judging or condemning others. Instead, it's about always keeping our eyes open, remaining humble ourselves, guarding our hearts (Proverbs 4:23), and demonstrating compassion and godly kindness to those that may not yet be truly walking with the Lord.
We must always rely on the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit within us to give us discernment and revelation on all matters (John 14).
Even the Devil knows scriptures (see Matthew 4, Luke 4), probably more than a lot of us, and is a master manipulator. He is extremely gifted at using people (even "Christian" folks) and circumstances to twist God's words and teachings to tempt us into disobedience, commit sin and possibly lose our faith. Hence, this is why a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and keeping on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) are so critical and important in our daily lives.
"Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’" -Matthew 7:21-23 (NKJV)
This week, I want to dive a little deeper into the consequences of possibly getting intimately (closely) involved with something and/or someone that may appear authentically Christian, but is actually counterfeit- opposed to Jesus Christ and His teachings.
At minimum, there are at least three bad consequences of doing this:
"Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."" -1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV)
"Lest you learn his ways And set a snare for your soul." -Proverbs 22:25 (NKJV)
Lose Holy Spirit fruitfulness. (John 15:5-8) We know God is the source of the Holy Spirit's fruit. If the Holy Spirit can no longer live in us because we're turning away from God (rejecting Him and His teachings), within our thoughts, choices and lifestyle without true repentance, we will stop producing His fruit. In other words, we will no longer possess the capacity nor abilities to demonstrate His good, godly, righteous fruit in our lives. Instead, we will begin producing bad, ungodly, "sin-filled" fruit, also called fruit of the flesh. It's here where we can find ourselves going down a slippery slope of little-to-no true repentance and habitual sin, if we're not careful and don't quickly turn back to God. Apostle Paul describes the fruit of the flesh and its consequences quite plainly in Galatians 5:19-22 (NKJV),
"Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."
Our lifestyle and daily choices can become temporarily or permanently self-centered, no longer Christ-centered. As Real Christians, disciples of Jesus Christ, two of many callings for us are to put Jesus Christ first, above all people and things in our lives (Mark 8:34-38) and to allow the Holy Spirit to grow Christlike character (Romans 5:3-4) in us over time. Yet, becoming self-centered and self-serving (versus Christ-serving) takes our eyes off Him, and puts our focus, time, treasures, and priorities back on ourselves instead of Him. This greatly displeases God, when we know a goal of Real Christians is to pursue pleasing God in all areas of our public and private lives.
Can cause reduction in faith. Jesus Christ came, died, and rose again to deliver those who believe in Him from the bondage and wages of sin- "that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Well, when we start engaging in things and/or people that are opposed to Jesus Christ and His teachings, we may start questioning or losing our faith in Him. Instead, we may begin to replace the complete faith we had in Jesus Christ with complete faith in worthless idols and ourselves- in our own abilities and desires. This is kind of a big deal because we know it's only by faith in Jesus Christ and God's grace alone, not our works, that we receive the gift of eternal salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9). We also know without faith in Jesus Christ, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).
A helpful article, 7 Reasons Faith is Important, details the following on why keeping strong faith in Jesus Christ is so important:
Jesus notices our level of faith. (Matthew 14:31, 15:28)
Faith moves God to act. (Mark 2:5)
Faith strengthens us during trials. (Ephesians 6:16)
Faith fuels what we do. We demonstrate our faith in God by what we do and how we live. James 2:26 states, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."
Our faith encourages others. Unshakeable faith is noticeable, and it can encourage others to be firm in their faith too. Colossians 1:3-4 says, "We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints.” It’s easier to stay committed to faith in God when you see others doing the same. Choose to stand strong in your faith and inspire others to do the same!"
Given what we reviewed last week and above, I pray you now have greater insights to identify Real and Counterfeit Christians, understand why it's so important to know the differences, and better understand at least three serious bad consequences to getting involved with something and/or someone that is Counterfeit Christian.
Share your thoughts on this post in the comments below.
Just a few reminders:
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Remember, it's all about progression, not perfection! God loves you! With Him, you got this! Until next post, may God give you His peace and blessings!
-Natasha
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