se·duce (s-ds, -dys)
tr.v. se·duced, se·duc·ing, se·duc·es
To lead away from duty, accepted principles, or proper conduct
The church as a body is no different from the world in behavior. We have been seduced make no mistake about this. .
1 Tim 4:1 BUT THE [Holy] Spirit distinctly and expressly declares that in latter times some will turn away from the faith, giving attention to deluding and seducing spirits and doctrines that demons teach,
Yes there are exceptions, and how would I know that? Because God always leaves Himself a remnant that have not bowed their knee to Baal ( Or the Worlds System)
1 Kin 19:18 "Yet I will leave 7,000 in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him."
So yes, absolutely we do have people still living for Jesus in all respects.
Today that remnant people are called the elect of GOD.
Matt 24:24 For false Christs and false prophets will arise, and they will show great signs and wonders so as to deceive and lead astray, if possible, even the elect (God's chosen ones).
Are you the Elect of GOD? Everyone of us must ask THEMSELVES that question.
Or have you been seduced with the lure of the world.
When we describe the world it is the context of scripture, this is our reference:
1 John 2:15 Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him.
1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one's own resources or in the stability of earthly things]--these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself].
1 John 2:17 And the world passes away and disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings (the passionate desires, the lust) of it; but he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in his life abides (remains) forever
Lust of the flesh , the Lust of the Eye, And the Pride of life. The worlds tools of seduction.
How do I know if I am a victim of seduction??? Are you confessing Jesus as Lord but living in an unrepentant state. Is your confession one thing but your behavior worldly nonetheless, then you have been seduced. Somehow you have reasoned or rationalized in your mind that although the Bible speaks against my behavior you tell yourself its ok, nobody is perfect.
Your thinking is what the Bible defines as a stronghold, a position established in you thought processes that literally blocks the intent of GOD for your life.
2 Cor 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds,
2 Cor 10:5 [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasoning and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One),
In our old sin nature , sin had control, we were constantly under its lure..
BUT NOT SO NOW!!!!!!
Rom 6:1 WHAT SHALL we say [to all this]? Are we to remain in sin in order that God's grace (favor and mercy) may multiply and overflow?
Rom 6:2 Certainly not! How can we who died to sin live in it any longer?
Unless you have been seduced to believe otherwise
2 Pet 2:20 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through [the full, personal] knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they again become entangled in them and are overcome, their last condition is worse [for them] than the first.
2 Pet 2:21 For never to have obtained a [full, personal] knowledge of the way of righteousness would have been better for them than, having obtained [such knowledge], to turn back from the holy commandment which was [verbally] delivered to them.
2 Pet 2:22 There has befallen them the thing spoken of in the true proverb, The dog turns back to his own vomit, and, The sow is washed only to wallow again in the mire
DON'T BE A DOG!!! Return to God with all your might and thereby demonstrate that you are indeed the Elect of GOD.
Rom 12:1 I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.
And in the process discover the LORDS' perfect will for your life
Rom 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. --
Sincerely Yours
Ormond
1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
http://ormond-todaysbiblestudy.blogspot.com/
