“Now the Spirit sepaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spiritus, and doctrines of devils, speaking lies in hyprocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron…” 1 Timothy 4:1
In Paul’s second epistle to Timothy, in speaking of “the last days,” he writes: “This know also, that in the last days, perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves…” (2 Tim. 3:1) Why does the Apostle Paul put Timothy on guard with regard to what shall occur in the last days? It is because of the necessity of watching, being aware of the times and circumstances in which God has placed every believer. The closer the moment of Christ’s second coming, the greater will be the deception, and destructive works of the enemy. Even in the Gospels, the Lord Jesus, in speaking of the period of the great tribulation, would declare: “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders: insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” (Matt. 24:24) In other words, the demonic activity of the enemy with regard to seducing and decieving every individual, especially believers, will be accelerated and multiplied, for our enemy sees that his time is short. How then, in this period of the church since Pentecost, is the believer to live, overcome the onslaught of the enemy, stand victorious, and be ready to meet the Lord? How will one be able to discern what is true, clear, right, and just? The beginning point, as well as the ending, is Christ Himself. (Rev. 1:8) To a lesser degree, especially in dealing with Israel, the Lord provided a clear reference point in history, so that for those who are truly seeking God, they will be able to find Him, and know His salvation, and deliverance. That reference point was Abraham, and Sarah. Why? Because it was by an act of God that He chose Abraham, making of Him, in a heathen, idolatrous world, to be a pioneer of faith in the only true, and living God. It was of God’s doing that he was called, blessed, and increased, and this as an example of the way to know Christ. It was the way of faith. Specifically, how did God work in Abraham, and Sarah, to reveal to us His certain, consistent point of reference?
The first thing, which is the basis for the response for Abraham’s faith, when all around him was godless and idolatrous, even in his own family, was the “revelation” of God personally, and individually to Abraham. Stephen put it like this: “The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran.” (Acts 7:2) What was this revelation? It was certainly the clear, precise unveiling of God’s presence, accompanied with the conviction and assurance that Abraham needed, to respond to the call of God. The revelation was marked by God’s glory, that revealing of His Person, nature, power and authority. And yet, it was a revelation that produced in Abraham a willingness to obey and follow, even though he was, “….called to go out into a place which he should receive for an inheritance…not knowing whether he went.” The confirmation and demonstration of his faith in God at that point was expressed by the the little phrase, “…he obeyed.” (Heb. 11:8) God revealed the truth of Himself to Abraham by revelation. He does the same today in Christ according to the objective truth of His word, unveiling His nature and character. God, by the Holy Spirit, reveals Christ to the heart and mind, producing the conviction that, not only is He the true, and living God, the Beginning and the Ending, but that by the power of His words, He gives abundant grace to respond to His calling, proving His faithfulness.
The second aspect of Abraham’s faith is expressed by what is written concerning Sarah, as both learned the same lesson. “She judged Him faithful who had promised.” (Hebrews 11:11) The reference point was Christ.
Dear Father, Clarify, strengthen our faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.