For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused
If it is received with thanksgiving;
1 Timothy 4:4 NKJV
No, it is not your in-laws, nor the uncle you cannot get along with. However, you could be spending Thanksgiving with someone who shares the doctrines of demons.
Let’s unpack this passage of Scripture which Paul wrote to Timothy. He refers to the latter times, which we are living in now. Many will depart from the faith giving close attention to “deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons” (1 Tim. 4:1). Paul continues with a list of demonic attributes: lying, a seared conscience, forbidding marriage, and abstaining from particular foods.
This was more serious than being a vegetarian. The Jews had lived under dietary restrictions for many years. God prohibited certain food for health reasons, but the law was primarily to prevent them from mingling with the heathen nations. Now things had changed. Jesus died for Jews and Gentiles alike. You can imagine the problems that arose during dinners. Gentiles ate ham biscuits and the Jews were appalled.
There were false teachers teaching the dietary law. Speaking of food, Paul says, “God created [food] to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe” (1 Tim. 4:3b). God makes it clear that all food is lawful when it is received with thanksgiving.
This goes beyond saying the blessing and tonight’s menu. It is about having an attitude of gratitude. Demons are not thankful. If they had appreciated the heavenly home they once occupied they would have never rebelled against God. He cast the fallen angels and Satan out of heaven.
Let’s check up on our thankfulness. We do not want to be like the ungrateful demonic forces. No matter what is going on in your life today, find something to be thankful for. Only demons count their battles. Saints count their blessings.
Father,
Open our eyes to our many blessings. Forgive us for never adequately thanking You for homes, health, family, and friends, but especially for Jesus. Amen.
DIG DEEPER
Read 1 Timothy 4:1-5.
HIKING THE TRAIL
What are you thanking God for today? Help others realize what an affront their ingratitude is to God.
Originally posted on November 23, 2020 @ 3:00 am