The sheep dog trials found in sheep breeding countries is a competition where sheep dogs round up a group of sheep and ensure they are penned.

Australia, New Zealand and Britain are strong on that. If any of you saw the film Babe then, it featured there. The sheep were being conformed to an activity.

One definition of conformity is this – “Conformity, the process whereby people change their beliefs, attitudes, actions, or perceptions to match more closely those held by groups to which they belong or want to belong, or by groups whose approval they desire.

Conformity has important social implications and continues to be actively researched.” (John M. Levine, Professor, Psychology, University of Pittsburg)

In my State in Australia, there is a massive conformity in operation. Where I live has never had a Covid case in the community, person to person, and the active cases that were around were 1,200 miles away.

Nevertheless, we had draconian implementations from the State Government, and these have been relaxed a little but still operate. All we hear is social distancing and so many regulations. We have to sign in with our details, sign out, have restricted numbers at church, operate in a two square meter space, and wash hands with sanitizer all the time. Police are going around spying on churches and clubs. Someone goes into a church unannounced, but the purpose is to spy on the people to see who they can get for “covid breaches.”

Galatians 2:4 “And that because of false brethren [and even governmental controllers] unawares brought/sneaked in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:” (KJV). It is all about control and more control. Sadly, once a Marxist government like ours gets its hands on control, it is not going to relax its rules any further.

Be warned in the United States. You are heading towards the same sort of administration.

Because of these covid regulations, then there is mass conformity, and it was a surprise in the recent election that this conformity met with people’s approval. The populace is being rounded up like sheep, but they don’t see what’s happening. In fact, it seems most are happy about it.

Compliance is becoming the norm in my country. People who once relied on their own decision-making are now just going with the flow wherever it takes them. That makes them subjects of easy manipulation. It is dangerous.

Could this have happened 50 years ago? In all that I can ascertain, the answer is “NO,” and the reason for that was that discernment was at a much higher level then. Why has it changed? The simple answer is that we had a Christian ethic to a greater or lesser extent 50 years ago and more Christians than right now. (Believers in Australia are not above 1%.) The Bible was read in schools, the Lord’s Prayer was said in some classrooms and on parade. There was a Bible reading every day on National Radio and a short Christian thought each day. Not only does this not happen now, but in more places, it is illegal to do so.

In the past, that meant there was more discernment, better elected representatives and a lot more common sense. When there is no light, people stumble in darkness.

Conformity needs triggers. The greatest of these has been the virus, and that is universal. There are two movements in the world, both of which have become a religion with their high priests and fanatical advocates.

They are climate change, which is global warming under a nebulous name, and world socialism. Conformity leads to a purpose, and that purpose is not for the advancement of the Lord or His people.

Climate change, I believe, is a hoax aimed at compliance of nations under a central governing body (Try Paris and Brussels.) World socialism is gaining in momentous strides. One by one the nations of the western world are succumbing to socialism that is very cunningly promoting gender equality, gender reassignment, grossly distorted deviant sexuality, false environmentalism and a whole host of moral-destroying policies like homosexual marriage, green energy, abortion, and children’s sexuality being confused. Lies are promoted as truth, organizations openly lie, and there is no accountability. Look at the current despicable behavior of YouTube (Google) and Facebook blocking any dissent or opposing views to theirs, which I will not expand on, bringing in a conformity to world socialism so blatantly.

Covid will be the factor that will unite the people of the world, but climate change and socialism are the two arms that embrace the world to reinforce that conformity. Conformity can be very slow and subtle. Have you noticed the erosion, even the abolition of Christian Christmas carols today in shopping centers, and radio and other places (especially secular schools)?

It is all about Santa Claus and reindeer and jingle bells, and snow and a partridge in a pear tree, whatever that has to do with anything. All of that is conformity to a pagan Christmas, part of a great delusion.

Having said all that, what is the Christian dilemma?

Conformity, in every case, is the enemy of the Christian. What is proposed by the world is humanism, and that is no friend of the Bible’s standard.

We can have tens of thousands at a football game or sporting feature but either small or limited numbers in a church service. That is what the Christian is being forced to do — to compromise his beliefs; to conform to the world’s standard. It is to obey Caesar or face the consequences.

One verse I will return to later is this one – Romans 12:2 “and do not be conformed to this world….”

This raises very important questions for Christians. How are we conformed to the world? How can we stop being conformed to the world? What, if any, is the difference between compromise and conformity? Firstly, we will look at what the world itself says about conformity.

I don’t like psychologists because I consider most of them to be humanists. However, I am going to quote from (adapted from The Social Animal; Meyers; Michener et al.; Vander Zanden). Most say there are three types of conformity:

[A]. Compliance. Publicly acting in accord with social pressure while privately disagreeing. This term best describes the behavior of a person who is motivated to gain reward or avoid punishment.

[B]. Identification. As with compliance, we do not behave in a particular way because such behavior is intrinsically satisfying. Rather, we adopt a particular behavior because it puts us in a satisfying relationship to the person or persons with whom we are identifying.

[C]. Internalization (or acceptance). Both acting and believing in accord with social pressure. This is the most permanent, deeply rooted response to social influence. Internalization is motivated by a desire to be right.

Those three types of conformity above would indicate how difficult it is for Christians these days, especially our young people, to withstand what they know is incorrect, morally wrong, or would compromise their faith.

Without doubt, those of us over 50 or 60 know it was much easier in our time. There is so much pressure on the younger generation to conform to the world’s standards. Unfortunately, this conformity has extended to the education system. Not far from me there is a university that will fail you if you don’t subscribe to climate change, and lecturers who are dismissed for daring to have an opposing view.

Receiving the mark of the beast in the Tribulation will be a test of steadfastness and conformity for the Tribulation saints. The temptations of the world today can be a snare for young people, and it is difficult to advise young Christians.

One researcher named Asch found that three different kinds of reactions contribute to conformity.

1. Distortion of perception. A number of subjects said they were not aware their estimates had been distorted by the majority. They came to see the rigged majority estimates as correct.
2. Distortion of judgment. Most of the subjects who yielded to the majority concluded their own perceptions were inaccurate. Lacking confidence in their own observations, they reported not what they saw but what they felt must be correct.
3. Distortion of action. A number of subjects admitted that they had not reported what they had, in fact, seen. They said they had yielded so as not to appear different or stupid in the eyes of other group members.

Asch showed that compliance can take precedence over one’s own moral senses. Evil situations have enormous corrupting power. Fragmenting evil makes it even more effective.

Our world sees the advancement of evil that is fragmenting society, politicians, and sadly, Christians.

Christians are a “peculiar people,” to use the wording of the KJV. Today more than ever, we stick out like a sore thumb. To be faithful will mean holding fast to God’s word, and to take the points above, let us not yield our faith to distorted values so that we “fit in”; let us be certain of our values and judgment based on the Bible so that we know what is correct; and let us not be controlled by what people think of us.

All that is conformity. Do not fashion yourselves to this current age.

The wisdom of the world will call you foolish. God calls them foolish, so do not fear man.

I want to move to some of the New Testament verses. In the NASB there are no Old Testament verses that mention the word conformity, but the word is used in the New Testament in 5 verses.

It is not the same word each time, though, in the Greek. These verses are either on the side of conforming with God or conforming with the world.

[1]. Romans 8:29 “for whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren.” The word means to be jointly formed with Christ, to be changed into His image. It comes from two Greek words: συμ, meaning together, and “μόρφους,” meaning morphed. We are joined to Christ to become like Him. Conformed to Christ.

[2]. Romans 12:1-2 “I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice acceptable to God which is your spiritual service of worship, and do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” The word comes from συμ, “again,” and “schema,” meaning to fashion alike; to conform to the same pattern. This is what the world wants to do to Christians, conform them to the same pattern as the world system. It wants to make us all to fit in its own mold. Conformed to the world.

[3]. Philippians 3:10 “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.” The word means “to render like, that is, to assimilate, to bring to the same form with” according to Strong’s. I suggest the idea here is that we are aligned with Christ’s death, that we embrace it and all that it means. In a sense we merge into the death of Christ, for it was us who should have died. It was our place He took. Conformed to Christ.

[4]. Philippians 3:20-21 “Our citizenship is in heaven from which also we eagerly wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.”

The Greek word “meta” is used, meaning “with,” but more than that. It is joined with “schema” which is to disguise or transfigure; to apply it “with Christ.” It means we become like the body of Christ. The KJV expression used here is “Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body.” It will be a magnificent day when these decaying corruptible bodies shall put on Christ and we shall be like Him. That will be perfect conformity, and in the correct sense. Conformed to Christ.

1Timothy 6:3 “If anyone advocates a different doctrine, and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness….” The Greek word for conformed is not used in this verse specifically, but the sense is definitely there. It means we as Christians have a relationship with godliness – having a relationship to godliness such as being annealed to it; joined to it; having a relationship with it; conformed to it.

The question we must ask ourselves is how close or how removed from the godliness of God are we? I did check this translation with 28 versions, and the NASB, surprisingly, is the only one to use the term “conform.” The ESV is typical of nearly all the translations – “If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness,” Weymouth says, “harmonizes with true godliness.” Conformed to Christ.

1Peter 1:14 “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance.” This word is the same as used in Romans 12:2, συμ, “again,” and “schema,” meaning to fashion alike; to conform to the same pattern. We are not meant to be conformed to the pattern the sinful nature desires of us. We have been delivered from the old life and former lusts, so why do some Christians return to that terrible way to be aligned with the evil way of life. It is conformity to Christ that must characterize us, not the mindless following of the world’s ways. Conformed to the world.

Conformity or Compromise?

One example of conformity of thought or action is brought to our minds in Galatians 2:11-21. The Apostle Paul mentions an occasion when it was necessary for him to rebuke the Apostle Peter, who was probably considered by many Jewish Christians as the chief apostle.

When Peter first came to Antioch, he freely ate with Gentile Christian converts. At that time a group of Jewish Christians came from Jerusalem to visit.

Apparently, they still held to various observances under the Mosaic law, and when they arrived, Peter ceased to fellowship with the Gentile brethren for fear that news of his conduct would get back to Jerusalem.

Because of that, Barnabas and others followed Peter’s example and withdrew. Peter was instrumental in the conversion of Cornelius and knew that God was not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34); therefore, he erred by refusing to eat with uncircumcised believers, implying that the Mosaic law afforded a higher level of sanctification than the righteousness of faith.

What Peter was doing was conforming to a certain behavior so that he would not be judged for compromising.

How many of us have failed at the same hurdle? We are afraid of opinions or what others think. It might be peer pressure. Failure is not standing up for Christ. It may apply outside the church or inside the church. Once I was laughed at and dismissed in a meeting of Christians because I dared mention the headship of Christ and how that flowed to male/female relationships.

There used to be an old hymn by Phillip Bliss not sung anymore, but the words are sound. Here is the first stanza and chorus –

Standing by a purpose true;
Heeding God’s command,
Honour them the faithful few
All hail to Daniel’s band.

Dare to be a Daniel.
Dare to stand alone.
Dare to have a purpose firm,
And dare to make it known.

Conformity! The blessing or the curse. Those who are conformed to the image of Christ enter into His blessings. Those who conform to the world’s standard for whatever reasons will not know the blessings of God. Do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds. It is a choice you make. How will you choose?

These are difficult days when our faith and belief may cause us to oppose government rules and laws. Make no mistake; the arms of socialism and totalitarianism are wrapping themselves around us very quickly. Stand up and be counted if it comes to a decision to obey the Lord or to defect to the conformity of the system of the world.

ronaldf@aapt.net.au

 

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come” (2 Timothy 3:1).

“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 3:5-7).

Introduction

This series is a study examining the societal characteristics of the last days that Paul wrote about in 2 Timothy 3.

Part 1 can be found here: Societal Characteristics of the Last Days: Part 1 :: By Mark A. Becker – Rapture Ready or Societal Characteristics of the Last Days Part 1 | FaithWriters

Part 2 can be found here: Societal Characteristics of the Last Days: Part 2 :: by Mark A. Becker – Rapture Ready or Societal Characteristics of the Last Days Part 2 | FaithWriters

Part 3 can be found here: Societal Characteristics of the Last Days: Part 3 :: by Mark A. Becker – Rapture Ready or Societal Characteristics of the Last Days Part 3 | FaithWriters

… Having A Form of Godliness

The Greek word for “of godliness” is 2150 eusébeia (from 2095/eú “well” and 4576/sébomai, “venerate, pay homage”) – properly, someone’s inner response to the things of God which shows itself in godly piety (reverence). 2150/eusébeia (“godly heart-response”) naturally expresses itself in reverence for God, i.e., what He calls sacred (worthy of veneration). [All definitions from Biblehub.com]

Man is a spiritual being with a spiritual appetite that is easily deceived by the wiles of the devil in his schemes to turn us away from the Creator and to worship the creation. Even the professed atheist worships at the altar of “natural selection.”

“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things” (Romans 1:20-23).

But Paul’s revelation of the last days’ characteristic of those “having a form of Godliness” are for those who claim to know God with a show of piety and superficial spiritual virtue. They have a veneer of Christian character that yearns to be accepted by man with little to no thought of God’s approval.

“Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets” (Luke 6:26).

Often, this charade is exposed in their lack of knowledge concerning God’s Word.

In Jesus’ day, the Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes would be those who illustrated this “form of Godliness.” Today, it is the false teachers and false prophets in the professing church that Jesus warned us of, who are our example.

“If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself” (1 Timothy 6:3-5).

The warnings against false teachers are well documented in Scripture, and the power and influence they were to have upon the body of Christ are witnessed today in everyday observation.

Paul warned Timothy regarding this last day’s deception:

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

And, of course, our Lord:

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:15-16a).

“Sheep’s clothing” is their visible “form of Godliness.”

But for the believer, in relationship to the world (and false teachers and false prophets are most certainly of the world), we are to…

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14).

We are to flee these unholy alliances with those who are of the world and with those who corrupt the church.

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15).

But we are to remain in the world as ambassadors for Christ and to share the gospel with a lost and dying world.

“And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).

… But Denying The Power Thereof

The Greek word for “the power” is 1411 dýnamis [also known as dunamis] (from 1410/dýnamai, “able, having ability“) – properly, “ability to perform” (L-N); for the believer, power to achieve by applying the Lord’s inherent abilities. “Power through God’s ability” (1411/dýnamis) is needed in every scene of life to really grow in sanctification and prepare for heaven (glorification). 1411 (dýnamis) is a very important term, used 120 times in the NT.

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith…” (1 Timothy 4:1a).

These false teachers and false prophets deny our Lord and His power:

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction” (2 Peter 2:1).

“Denying the Lord that bought them” is the epitome of “denying the power” of God.

Time and time again we see these false teachers downplaying the grace of God and His power and turn to the law and traditions of men in an attempt to keep the body of Christ in bondage:

“Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace” (Galatians 5:4).

“Denying the power” of grace and faith in Christ is a false Christianity and has no power to save anyone.

As followers of Christ, we are to be securely grounded in the Word of God and sound doctrine:

“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” (Ephesians 4:14-15).

Our power is found in Christ Jesus and the Father through the Spirit:

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

… From Such Turn Away

The Greek word for “turn away” is 665 apotrepó turn away. From apo and the base of trope; to deflect, i.e. (reflexively) avoid — turn away. Definition for tropé is turning. From an apparently primary trepo to turn; a turn (“trope”), i.e., Revolution (figuratively, variation) – turning.

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them” (Romans 16:17).

“Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22).

“… he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers” (John 10:2-5).

“Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away” (Proverbs 4:14-15).

For Of This Sort Are They Which Creep Into Houses

The Greek word for “which creep” is 1744 endunó creep. From ennomos and duno; to sink (by implication, wrap (compare enduo) on, i.e. (figuratively) sneak – creep. 1746 enduo To clothe or be clothed with (in the sense of sinking into a garment).

The Greek word for “houses” is 3614 oikia Home, household. From oikos; properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics) — home, house-hold.

… And Lead Captive Silly Women Laden With Sins

The Greek word for “silly women” is 1133 gunaikarion A woman, with all a woman’s weakness, a poor weak woman, a silly woman. Idle or foolish woman. A diminutive from gune; a little (i.e., Foolish) woman — silly woman.

… Led Away With Divers Lusts

The Greek word for “lusts” is 1939 epithymía (from 1909/epí, “focused on” and 2372/thymós, “passionate desire”) – properly, passion built on strong feelings (urges). These can be positive or negative, depending on whether the desire is inspired by faith (God’s inbirthed persuasion). See 1937 (epithymeō). 1937 epithyméō (from 1909/epí, “focused on” intensifying 2372/thymós, “passionate desire”) – properly, to show focused passion as it aptly builds on (Gk epi, “upon”) what a person truly yearns for; to “greatly desire to do or have something – ‘to long for, to desire very much‘” (L & N, 1, 25.12).

With the definitions of key words freshly in our minds, let’s consider this portion of Scripture in its entirety:

“For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,”

Paul’s warning to the church:

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would” (Galatians 5:16-17).

Considering the First-Century Church

In Paul’s day, the church was much different than we see today. All churches were known as “house churches,” and this should be considered when analyzing this passage. Below is only one of many examples in the New Testament Scriptures of what the church looked like in the first century:

“Likewise greet the church that is in their house” (Romans 16:5a).

Putting aside the possibility of actual sexual seduction in these verses, we should ask, “Is Paul thinking of these house churches when he is being led by the Holy Spirit?” If so, then it seems we could be seeing these false teachers invading individual house churches in the attempt to seduce “silly women” in their perversion of God’s Word.

When comparing this thought to modern-day “houses” where families live, one can’t help but think of Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormon missionaries in the field. Have you ever wondered why they come around during the working hours of the men in the traditional family?

The following verse may be helpful to this thought:

“And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression” (1 Timothy 2:14).

Women tend to be more “spiritual” than men. This could very well be why Satan went after Eve instead of Adam. Adam wasn’t deceived, but he did sin because of his love for Eve. He didn’t want her to bear the consequences of her sin alone. Adam, in fact, was the first “type,” or “picture,” of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Old Testament.

Is this what Paul had in mind in this portion of Scripture? Maybe.

Considering the Modern-Day Church

In today’s age, churches are organized. We usually have a certain building designated as a meeting place for the church instead of the family home. But we also have “small group” Bible studies in the homes of families, so this too could be what Paul had in mind. That is, false teachers entering into small group studies to deceive the group, usually targeting women to obtain a following and/or seducing them sexually in the process.

When considering the organized church buildings, we can also see a possible link to what Paul is stating here. Paul, knowing the church of his day were independent house churches, might be describing future church buildings as “houses” and that the “silly women” may actually be referring to weak churches and their membership – prime targets for deception – and not to individual women and/or family homes.

John seemed to refer to a house church as a woman in his epistles, and women are often designated as symbols for cities, nations, and false religious systems throughout Scripture.

Here’s an example of John, seemingly, referring to a local house church as a “woman” or, in this case, a “lady”:

“The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; For the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever. Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another” (2 John 1-5).

Many think, and I tend to agree, that John refers to this church as “the elect lady” and that “her children” are the parishioners within this particular house church.

This is easily applicable to our organized church buildings today, and Paul could very well have had both institutions in mind when he wrote these verses.

In this interpretation, a paraphrase within the text might look something like this: “For of this sort are they which creep into houses [all churches], and lead captive silly women [weak churches and their membership] laden with sins [falling into apostasy].”

The Fulfillment of This Prophecy is ‘Right Before Our Eyes’

While the above interpretations absolutely have merit, I couldn’t help wondering if I was missing something in this prophecy. I mean, honestly, false teachers and false prophets have been infiltrating house churches and church buildings for over 2,000 years. What is different in these last days that wasn’t present for the last two millennia? What was I missing?

A little over 72 hours before I was to release this article, it came to me – and I’d like to share this with you now. This is in addition to, not in place of, the above interpretations.

How is it that, in the last days, false teachers and false prophets will have the ability to “creep into houses” at an exponential rate?

See if any of these sayings ring a bell:

“God is obligated to bless you when you give your money to this ministry because of His “Law of Reciprocity.” “If you plant a seed of $100.00 to this ministry, God will bless your seed of faith 10-fold with $1,000.00 in the coming days.” “Your love gift to this ministry will come back to you some 30-fold, some 60-fold, and some 100-fold, depending on the amount of faith you have.” “Buy this ‘holy anointing oil,’ and God will heal you.” “Purchase this ‘prayer cloth,’ and God will bless you abundantly.”

The health and wealth, name-it-and-claim-it “Prosperity Gospel” proponents make a killing “fleecing” the flock. How do these false teachers and false prophets reach those with these empty and Biblically-baseless claims? How do they reach so many? You guessed it, “Television.”

For over 1,900 years, Christians couldn’t fully understand how the magnitude of this prophecy could be played out. With modern-day technology, as with so many other future prophecies, we now know how.

Remember, the Greek word for “creep” is 1744 endunó and means to creep. From ennomos and duno; to sink (by implication, wrap (compare enduo) on, i.e. (figuratively) sneak – creep. 1746 enduo To clothe or be clothed with (in the sense of sinking into a garment). (Emphasis mine)

This is exactly what happens when a television transmission enters the television set – whether through the air, cable, or satellite – it “sinks” into the “houses.”

Who is the general target audience for these charlatans? You guessed it again, “Women.” From the young mother to the aging widow, women are the target prey of these predators. Any check will do; whether the child support payment, the hard-earned paycheck from work, or Social Security supplemental income, it matters not to these evil men and women.

When it comes to these “silly women laden with sins, [and] led away with divers lusts,” these weak women buy into these promises in the name of their own selfish greed. They desire the unrealistic return on investment for their own purposes. Of course, had they known the Scriptures and had totally given their lives to their Savior and depended on Him alone, they wouldn’t have been led astray, but, sadly, this is not the case.

Sometimes – and sincerely sad this is – many of these women have their hearts in the right place and are truly desperate or want to help others, but their lack of Biblical knowledge allows them to be misguided and to succumb to these despicable deceptions and exploits.

So, in this interpretation, the sins and lusts are entirely based upon greed, self-gratification, and material and monetary gain. Obviously, Paul would never have been able to relate to us the idea of the television and modern-day technology, but the Holy Spirit seemed to direct his words well.

With this interpretation in mind, let’s look at this verse again:

“For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,”

The false teachers and false prophets “creep into houses,” via television and computers, “and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led with divers lusts,” in the pursuit of everything that isn’t holy, being led astray by the charlatans of greed. How convenient for these false teachers and false prophets, as they never have to leave their apostate churches or their television studios while the mammon keeps rolling in.

“For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16:18).

… Ever Learning

The Greek word for “learning” is 3129 manthánō (akin to 3101/mathētḗs, “a disciple”) – properly, learning key facts; gaining “fact-knowledge as someone learns from experience, often with the implication of reflection – ‘come to realize'” (L & N, 1, 27.15).

“O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:” (1 Timothy 6:20).

As is so widely known, mankind has never had so much knowledge at his fingertips than he does today. With the click of a button and a few hours on the internet, one can acquire more knowledge than most people in the past learned in a lifetime.

“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased” (Daniel 12:4).

Unfortunately, the knowledge people absorb today is useless when it comes to the truth and the things of God:

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Colossians 2:8).

“Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth” (Titus 1:14).

… And Never Able To Come To The Knowledge Of The Truth

The Greek word for “the knowledge” is 1922 epígnōsis (from 1909/epí, “on, fitting” which intensifies 1108/gnṓsis, “knowledge gained through first-hand relationship”) – properly, “contact-knowledge” that is appropriate (“apt, fitting”) to first-hand, experiential knowing. This is defined by the individual context. See 1921 (epignōskō). 1921 epiginṓskō (from 1909/epí, “on, fitting” which intensifies 1097/ginṓskō, “know through personal relationship”) – properly, apt, experiential knowing, through direct relationship. This knowing builds on (epi, “upon“) the verbal idea and hence is defined by the individual context.

The Greek word for “the truth” is 225 alḗtheia (from 227/alēthḗs, “true to fact”) – properly, truth (true to fact), reality. Verity.

“Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth” (1 John 2:18-21).

“Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate” (Titus 1:15-16).

“And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved” (2 Thessalonians 2:10).

Conclusion

The following passages correlate well with this school of thought on who these false teachers are and what their end will be.

Our Lord Jesus Christ warned us:

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matthew 7:15).

“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many” (Matthew 24:4-5).

Paul had much to say about this:

“Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them” (Ephesians 5:6-7).

“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:29-30).

“For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

“For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works” (2 Corinthians 11:2, 4, 13-15).

We’ll let Jude conclude our study with his fiery indictment against these men:

“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

“Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

“But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

“These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

“These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage. But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit” (Jude 4, 8, 10, 12-13, 16-19).

Love, grace, mercy, and shalom in Messiah Yeshua, and Maranatha!

[Note: I realize that this study on Societal Characteristics of the Last Days is United States-centric, as this is where I live. My guess is that this series will also ring true in the rest of the Western world. But what I’m really interested in is: Do these characteristics describe the current conditions in the nation of Israel as well? After all, the Bible is Israel-centric. If any of our dear friends in Israel would like to reach out with their take on this study and its relationship to Israel, I’d really love to hear from you!]

Email: mab10666@yahoo.com