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Carnal Christians' Evil Words Against Righteous Believers Series
Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Dec 17, 2024 (message contributor)
Summary: Carnal Christians use their words to tear down and destroy their fellow believers
As believers, we are called to love one another and to edify each other with our words (Ephesians 4:29-32). However, in many cases, carnal Christians use their words to tear down and destroy their fellow believers, particularly those who are righteous and committed to living a godly life.
In the Bible, We See Examples of Carnal Christians Using Evil Words Against Righteous Believers
One classic example is the story of David and King Saul. Despite David's unwavering commitment to God and his righteousness, King Saul, who was a carnal Christian, spoke evil words against him, accusing him of being a traitor and seeking to kill him (1 Samuel 18:6-11, 19:1-24).
Another example is the story of Stephen, one of the first deacons in the early church. Despite his righteous lifestyle and commitment to sharing the gospel, carnal Christians, who were members of the synagogue, spoke evil words against him, accusing him of blasphemy and stoning him to death (Acts 6:8-15, 7:1-60).
In the New Testament, Jesus Warns Us About the Dangers of Carnal Christians' Evil Words
In Matthew 5:11-12, Jesus says, "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Here, Jesus warns us that we will face persecution and evil words from carnal Christians, but He encourages us to rejoice and be glad, knowing that our reward is in heaven.
Paul Also Warns Us About the Dangers of Carnal Christians' Evil Words
In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Paul writes, "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God."
Here, Paul warns us that in the last days, perilous times will come, and men will speak evil words against us, being lovers of themselves, money, and pleasure rather than lovers of God.
How to Respond to Carnal Christians' Evil Words
So, how should we respond when faced with evil words from carnal Christians? Here are a few principles to keep in mind:
1. Pray for your enemies: Jesus taught us to pray for our enemies, blessing those who curse us and praying for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44).
2. Stand firm in your faith: When faced with evil words, stand firm in your faith, knowing that God is your Rock and Refuge (Psalm 18:2).
3. Focus on your calling: Rather than getting distracted by evil words, focus on your calling and the work God has given you to do (Matthew 28:18-20).
4. Seek God's wisdom and guidance: When faced with difficult situations, seek God's wisdom and guidance, asking Him to give you discernment and insight (James 1:5).
In conclusion, carnal Christians' evil words against righteous believers are a reality that we must face. However, as believers, we must not let these words discourage or defeat us. Instead, we must stand firm in our faith, pray for our enemies, focus on our calling, and seek God's wisdom and guidance. By doing so, we can overcome the evil words of carnal Christians and fulfill our destiny as righteous believers.