When Impostors Are Exposed

 

Another lesson we learn from Paul’s experience in Ephesus concerns the exposure of charlatans. These are religious crooks, impostors or scammers. It’s interesting that whenever genuine revival takes place, opportunists also show up. They want to cash in on the excitement and momentum going on. Saints beware!

 

However, three wonderful results accompany the exposure of such charlatans, as depicted in our text today. Firstly, widespread PUBLICITY takes place. I used to be quite worried about negative publicity concerning church affairs. Until I learned that even those events that the enemy intends to use to bring shame to the mission of Christ often achieve opposite results. For instance, previously indifferent people begin to notice the existence of the church. The work of God suddenly becomes topical. Society is forced to think about true and false religion.

 

Secondly, when false preachers are exposed, REVERENCE takes place. Certain events create the fear of God among saints and sinners alike. Otherwise the frivolous spirituality common nowadays reigns unchecked. I’m of the view that one of the greatest challenges of our day is a diminution of the fear of God within and without the church. That’s why sin is rampant. But that’s about to change.

 

Thirdly, when fake ministers are exposed, the Lord’s name is MAGNIFIED. I used to think such things discredit the Lord’s name. But the opposite is true. Why? One reason is that the presence of the counterfeit only confirms the reality of the genuine. For there can be no imitation without the original.

 

I believe the same sort of revival that broke out in Ephesus in the first century will hit our shores in the near future. In fact, in certain parts of the world it has already landed. That’s why so many religious gimmicks are being exposed for what they really are. So it’s incumbent upon us to make sure we’re in the truth. Let’s walk in the light. Let’s not be deceived in these last days. God bless your day!Pastor Josh