SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT IN DELICATE TIMES 1
JULY 5, 2026
TEXT: 2 Timothy 3:1–7
KEY VERSE: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” 2 Timothy 3:1
Apostle Paul described the times we are now in as “perilous times.” It refers to a season that comes with many delicate tendencies. It is a time characterized by deceit, moral and spiritual compromise, spiritual confusion, and false teachings.
As it stands now, every believer owes himself/herself the duty of guarding his/her heart diligently. This is because there is an end-time rage against the truth and against the things of God. Doctrines are being manipulated and twisted. We now have “men of God” preaching confidently on concepts that totally contradict the scriptural pattern of God for our lives. Some of them now preach in favour of polygamy, sex before marriage, pride-inducing habits in offices, insubordination to constituted church authority, and many other unscriptural practices.
The devil is in a fierce war for control of the truth. He knows that once he alters the truth, it will affect people’s belief system, and once the belief system is affected, he can ultimately influence behaviour. Wrong doctrine is far more detrimental to people’s spirituality than we can ever imagine, as it produces wrong living. When people blindly and innocently follow satanic doctrines being preached as the gospel, it has an overwhelming effect on their daily lifestyle, and this further takes them away from the presence of God. This is why spiritual discernment is so vital, and why the Apostle John urged us in his epistle to test all spirits and not blindly submit to everything that comes our way (1 John 4:1).
Mature believers must always be on the alert to avoid satanic deception. Immature believers can be easily deceived. Because they are not deeply rooted in God, they find themselves following every heretical teaching flying about (Hebrews 5:14).
SEARCHLIGHT: Our salvation is our only lifeline to heaven and must therefore be protected. Close your ears to all doctrines that do not edify the LORD.
PRAYER: O LORD, help me not to wander away or falter in these perilous times, in Jesus’ mighty name.
BIBLE READING: Psalm 15–17, Revelation 1
PASTOR MICHAEL OMOLE
