But the [Holy] Spirit distinctly and expressly declares that in latter times some will turn away from the faith, giving attention to deluding and seducing spirits and doctrines that demons teach,
1 Timothy 4:1 AMPC
Another area in which many believers are already sleeping today is on the matter of false teaching or doctrine. Paul, in his first letter to Timothy, raises a matter concerning something that the Holy Spirit has explicitly revealed about a later time, which we are now living in.
The Spirit makes it clear that as time goes on, some are going to give up on the faith and chase after demonic illusions put forth by professional liars. These liars have lied so well and for so long that they’ve lost their capacity for truth.
1 Timothy 4:1-2 MSG
The first category of people that the Holy Spirit is pointing out to us is the “professional liars.” The Holy Spirit is warning us against becoming like these “hypocritical liars.” It’s important for us to check ourselves in order to avoid falling into the same behaviour. They have been ‘sleeping’ in lie, denying the faith overtime, such that it has now become a lifestyle. They have long since departed; their consciences have seared them like a hot iron.
They have lost their feeling of shame and use their lives to do what is morally wrong. More and more they want to do all kinds of evil.
Ephesians 4:19 ERV
It might have started with “a little sleep, and a little slumber”, and it is so unfortunate that everyone along this path may end up losing their capacity for the truth, which will then lead to eternal destruction. Meanwhile, it is important to note that these people’s mission is to spread the same lies and heresies, such that they can draw more people to themselves.
Therefore, we see the next category; those who would give up on the faith to follow these liars. The beginning of their sleep starts with ‘sleeping’ from personal studying of God’s word. When a man continually sleeps away from his quiet time, a time of personal communion with God. A time God commits Himself to breaking and remoulding the man, forming him into the Master’s desire. He will definitely fall into the trap of liars.
The secret place of communion with God is where truths are revealed. So, a man who fails to know this truth by himself will be feed with lies by the professional liars.
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].
Psalm 91:1 AMPC
How is your devotion? Or are you only waiting till church meetings and Christian gatherings before you open your bible to hear from God? Have you not neglected the place of personal relationship with God? Remember, to dwell is not an occasional occurrence, rather, it means to continuously live a place. Have you not become a visitor in the secret place of the Most High?
People did not think it was important to have a true knowledge of God. So, God left them and allowed them to have their own worthless thinking. And so they do what they should not do.
Romans 1:28 ERV
In conclusion, we’ve seen how “a little sleep” can lead to profound consequences in various aspects of our lives. Just as David’s moment of rest turned into a spiritual slumber, we must remain vigilant in our faith. The danger of embracing false teachings and doctrines, as warned by the Holy Spirit, is all too real. The “professional liars” and their web of deception await those who neglect their personal communion with God. To avoid becoming victims of falsehood, we must prioritise our relationship with the Most High, dwelling in His secret place where He reveals His truths. Let us wake up from any spiritual slumber, stay rooted in God’s Word, and remain discerning to safeguard our faith from the snares of deception. In this age of deluding spirits, may we be known for our unwavering commitment to the truth.