In my study of Jude, I am learning much about the presence of false teachers in church history. It is not a new thing. The enemy has always placed these people, and God has always allowed them.
One of the things that I have noticed is that Apostates are building a kingdom. It is a kingdom of self. This kingdom has a king, but he’s a fake. This king indulges in things that will gratify the flesh and bring him more authority. This king is all dressed up but has nowhere to go, except his just end…HELL.
Fake empires are built on the satanic delusion that men know more than God. They reject authority because any authority may cramp their style. An Apostate likes to be in total control because they demand to rule their own lives. They refuse to accept or submit to Christ’s lordship over them. They may look good on the outside, but, on the inside, they are full of dead men’s bones.
God is jealous, and He intends for us to follow Him. It is right for God to be jealous! The only hope the world has is that God will be angry at anything that tries to get in the way of His plans. I pray for Divine Intervention in my life. Don’t you? If not for God’s grace, we would still be determined to do anything to get our way!
Make sure that you are not building your kingdom. If you are living in your kingdom, you will be alone, empty, and ashamed. Christ alone will satisfy your soul and give you victory over self. An Apostate is about what his leadership role will get him. The goal for God’s child should be to glorify Christ and enjoy Him forever!
What are some things you can do to battle the desire to build a kingdom of self? I will list four but would love to read your thought on other things!
(1) Be aware of your thoughts. The question to ask yourself if you are afraid that you may be building your kingdom and not God’s is simple. Who is being glorified? Pay attention to your thoughts because your thoughts will lead to actions.
(2) Befriend godly people. The more you surround yourself with godly people, the more they will hold you accountable in what you are doing. It is good to have someone tell you what Jesus would tell you. Only a strong Christian will do that. Don’t open yourself up to those who are not strong believers.
(3) Be humble over your sin. When you, or someone else, see sin in your life, be humble about it. Don’t think that you can excuse it or that they should just because someone else is “doing the same thing just another way.” Repent every time you recognize sin in your life.
(4) Stay in God’s Word. Even when you do not feel inclined, persevere to read, meditate, and think on God’s Word. In will be a huge step in your growing in Christ. This is one of the main ways to remain in God’s presence. The more you are in the Word of God, the more the Holy Spirit will work in your life. There is nothing more glorious than the Lord and His Word.
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