Memory Verse: Matthew 7:23 – “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity”.
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| Galatians 6:7-8 |
In the Part 9a of this message, we said, the extreme difference of Truth is Pretence!
Just for the fact that you are good at pretending (in Church) doesn’t mean you have successfully mocked God, even when you use the name ‘Jesus’ to achieve your selfish and ungodly gains, you are still under the watchful eye of God; and being a merciful God, He allows you all the time to repent, however, if you fail to change your ways and redirect yourself genuinely before Him, and it gets to the point of ‘enough is enough’, then, He’ll just go ahead and deliver judgment.
What this means is that, “whatever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” – one should be gripped with fear by this scripture to not even think of serving God in Pretence. It is either in or out with God, no such thing as sitting on the fence!
Text: Galatians 6:7-8 – “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”
The above scripture says it all as to what will happen to pretenders (in Church).
Consequences Of Pretence In Church
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Curse:
Malachi 1: 14 – “But cursed be the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I am a great King, saith the Lord of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen.” Most times this transfers from generation to generation. Before we do or say anything, think of tomorrow.
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Nothingness:
Pretenders think they are heading somewhere, but, they are actually sailing without God on board, and will surely achieve nothing in the end. No “life everlasting” for them, and they are filled with hopelessness. Ephesians 2:12 – “That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:”
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Darkness:
Pretenders intentionally close their eyes, and “their ears are dull of hearing” so they won’t repent and then, lose reaping their selfish and ungodly gains. Acts 28:27 – “For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.”
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Imprudence:
A foolish person trusts in his own heart, says the Bible. Only God can guide and direct. Wisdom comes from God only. Proverb 28:26 – “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.”
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Instability:
How can a pretender be stable in his life? Never ever! A pretender only thinks of new schemes through which he can gain selfishly. A pretender lives a double-minded life. James 1:8 – “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”
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Fear:
A pretender will always be uneasy. The life of a pretender will always be filled with fear. He will be afraid of people discovering his pretentious patterns, but, a man who trusts in God and is loyal to Him is “safe”. Proverbs 29:25 – “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.”
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God’s Anger:
Pretenders provoke God to anger. Be assured that God in anger is not a good thing because there is no saving. There is punishment for pretence, but, repentance attracts God’s mercy. Matthew 23:27 – “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.” You can read to v30.
Conclusion:
The consequences of Pretence (in church) is so many. Overcoming Pretence is a huge task, but, there is nothing too difficult for God to do. However, it begins with your decision to put an end to it. Then, align yourself with the Truth (word of God), and gradually God will do what He always does, SAVE YOU! God knows everything about us, including those things we do not know about ourselves. Pretence forces God to turn His back on the pretender, but, unwavering loyalty to God forces Him to come close and have a fellowship.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to be genuinely loyal to you!
