Matthew 24:24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

Let us talk about this for a moment.

2 Timothy 1:6-7 English Standard Version

6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Psalm 23:3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

We have no power of our own. The power is the Holy Spirit who does the will of God. What God does in us and through us is not for our reputation but for His.

When I was in a charismatic church God did all the signs and wonders in me and through me, I did nothing except become an empty vessel with no will of my own but to be used.

Many of us have seen ministries built around those gifts granted by God and every one of them began to fail when pride insisted they did the signs and wonders. It is not true.

Jeremiah 48:12 “Therefore, behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I shall send to him pourers who will pour him, and empty his vessels and break his jars in pieces.”

The Word of the Lord is true.

Romans 11:9 And David says, “Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them;”

Hebrews 9:2 For a tent was prepared, the first section, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence. It is called the Holy Place.

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

The flame is fanned by the breath of God, not our own. We would do well to remember that.

Colossians 2:20-23 English Standard Version

20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.

Paul is addressing the issues of the day. Human precepts and teachings have advanced since those times but the principle of value still remains. We are often told to value things that do not lead us to what is important to God.

Philippians 3:10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

What value is there in precepts and regulations that make us just another version of the old man and does not make us more Christlike?

1 Corinthians 6:2 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases?

What is trivial in any argument? 

Two brothers at Sunday lunch are arguing the meaning of the mark of Cain. Genesis 4:15

Then the Lord said to him, “Not so! If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.” And the Lord put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him.

Does the answer to that mystery lead them any closer to knowing Christ? No, it has no value in what God intends for mankind.

All things are not worthy of doctrine and yet man will try desperately to control the thoughts and practices of others in pursuit of being elevated to a position that was not appointed to them by God.

Matthew 24:24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

Do not be led astray.