The Spirit Speaking

1 Timothy 4:1 KJV

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

Paul wrote these words years previous to the completion of the New Testament. God's Spirit spoke to those who were the instruments of transmission of the Bible (such as Paul) uniquely. But God hasn't stopped speaking. Paul said that the Spirit spoke (his word choice tells us he continues to speak) expressly:

·       in plain language

·       in terms not easily misunderstood

The believer may rest assured that God's same Spirit speaks expressly to us through the Word of God. We have no new revelation as we need none. But we do have illumination; the leading and the witness of the Holy Spirit with our spirit as we study the Word of God. I have no doubt or questions concerning the message of the Bible. It is plain enough. My only failure rests in my own ability to retain what it is God has provided.

Paul said that the Spirit spoke expressly concerning the last days. He did not say when those days should come to an end but he did detail the character of them. This gloomy forecast in no way discouraged Paul and it was not intended to discourage Timothy. It was an honest report on the future that God's people might be steeled and prepared, but it did not slow their efforts to:

·       win souls

·       reach out for holiness and

·       urge Christians to sanctification