08-13-2025 PART 2: Holding the Line: Christ at the Center
Section 1
1 Timothy 4:1 warns that in the last days, some will turn from the true faith, following deceptive spirits and teachings from demons. The text emphasizes that the Holy Spirit still speaks clearly today, making believers aware of the dangers ahead. False teachings often don’t come from obvious demonic appearances but through people, wrapped in appealing ideas like self-empowerment, “name it and claim it,” or the law of attraction. These messages shift the focus from God to self, creating a theology where personal desire becomes the center. This mindset distorts the truth that the universe revolves around Jesus, not us. Instead of seeking self-glory, believers are called to humility—beginning on their knees before God—and to remember that the mission is to make disciples, not accumulate personal gains.
Section 2
Scripture like Philippians 4:13 is often misused by cutting it short to “I can do all things,” ignoring that the power comes “through Christ.” The reality is that nothing—breathing, eating, living—can be done apart from God’s mercy. Our calling is to partner with Him, witnessing His transformation in prayer, salvation, healing, and provision. These works flow from God’s generosity, not our own greatness. The church must remember that Jesus is the head, the foundation, and the cornerstone—the one who aligns everything. John 15:4–5 reinforces this truth: apart from Him, we can do nothing that bears lasting, kingdom fruit.
Section 3
Peter’s walk on water illustrates this principle vividly. As long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, he rose above the waves; the moment he looked away to the wind and the storm, he began to sink. Christians today face the same danger—focusing inward or on circumstances leads to spiritual failure, while fixing our vision on Christ brings miraculous endurance. This truth is non-negotiable: we cannot be Christians without Christ, and we cannot do God’s work without Him. Jesus alone is the mediator between God and mankind, the only name under heaven by which we are saved. Any teaching that sidelines Him must be rejected, because God’s plan centers entirely on His Son.
