Ephesians 4:17-19 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
Paul’s ministry in Athens was somewhat different than the other cities where he went to preach the Gospel of Christ and the Resurrection. As we have been discussing for the past few days, the Athenians were educated people, entrenched in philosophy and driven by idolatry.
The city was littered with monuments that had inscriptions such as “to the unknown god.” Paul watched as the people worshipped these false gods and statues but he continued to preach the Truth everywhere he could including the town square.
Once again, Paul found himself brought before the law of the land. And they took him, and brought him unto Areogapus, saying, may we know what this new doctrine, whereof you speak, is? (Acts 17:19) The Areogapus was the Supreme Court in Athens also known as Mars’ Hill. These men found Paul’s Message to be “strange.” They asked him For you bring certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean. (Acts 17:20)
When asked, Paul did not hesitate to tell them the truth. Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ Hill, and said, you men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore you ignorantly worship, Him I declare unto you. (Acts 17:22)
In this statement, Paul declared them all to be spiritually blind. Yes, they were spiritual but they had no conception of the Truth of the Word of God. Because God created humans as body, soul, and spirit, we all are spiritual in nature. The question is not that we are spiritual and given to worship, but rather, what are we worshiping?
The Athenians were a perfect example of people who were extremely spiritual but spiritually blind at the same time. Paul addressed this in his letter to the Ephesians. This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. (Ephesians 4:17-19)
The world today is riddled with Satanists. These people are extremely spiritual but their spirituality is evil in nature. Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Mormons, and Jehovah’s Witness are spiritual but they worship false gods and are actually spiritually blind to the Truth of the Gospel of Christ which is the one and only True Doctrine.
We must be careful about joining forces with people who are falsely spiritual. The Word of God warns us about being unequally yoked with unbelievers. Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has Righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? (1 Corinthians 6:14)
Remember, Satan is the great imposter. For everything God has, he has an impersonation. God has given us the Gift of Discernment of Spirits. In this evil world today, we must put this all-important Gift to use in the Kingdom of God.
The Truth will………..turn the tide……….in this world!
Eyes open. Doreen
www.bettsministries.org
