Ruin (φθείρω) expresses corruption by causing physical harm or financial destruction.
When it comes to our conduct during our time on earth, we need to pay attention to our works. Are they based upon who we are in Christ or seeking the fulfillment of the flesh? We are the Holy of Holies of God. One of the aspects of our salvation is the Trinity indwells us. Therefore, if someone brings to ruin the Holy of Holies of God, which is our bodies, He will bring them to ruin, 1 Corinthians 3:17. Our works matter. We reap what we sow. We are not to be so foolish as to think that we can live like the devil’s children while enjoying the things of eternal life. If your life is in ruin, look at the works you are producing.
What agreement does the Holy of Holies of God have with false gods and idols? What part do unbelievers have with believers? God said, He will walk among us, and we will be His people, 2 Corinthians 6:16. I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, 2 Corinthians 6:18. Therefore, having these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from the filthiness of the flesh and spirit that the unsaved run after while we bring holiness to maturity in our lives. Ensuring that our works are causing no one to come to ruin, physically or financially, or fraudulently taking advantage, 2 Corinthians 7:2.
Those who we associate with are important to vet. Bad company brings to ruin useful habits, 1 Corinthians 15:33. We are to awake to righteousness and stop sinning. Those who continue in a sinful lifestyle are ignorant of God, to their shame.
Through the preaching of another Jesus, the receiving of a different spirit, and proclaiming a different gospel, Satan seeks to thoroughly deceive the saints to bring them to ruin from the simplicity that is in Christ, 2 Corinthians 11:3-4. We are part of one body, and Christ is our head, Ephesians 1:22-23. Separation of clergy, such as elder boards that rule over the assembly, and the merchandising of the saints (tithing) are brought into the local assemblies by false teachers for the purpose of bringing them to ruin concerning proper doctrine, so they are easily put in bondage.
False teachers creep into the assemblies, speaking blasphemy of things they do not intuitively know while acting like brute animals, only seeking to fulfill their desires, by which they bring themselves to ruin, Jude 10. There are many large assemblies built by false teachers who bring ruin upon themselves when their works are discovered. They follow after the way of Cain and run greedy in the error of Balaam. Cain followed Satan and sought to get others to participate in his attempt to please God through works. Balaam instructed Balak on how to cause the Israelites to bring judgment upon themselves for prestige and money. False teachers bring in law and seek financial gain from those who follow them.
False religions bring ruin. However, there is one coming that will ruin the entire world through her religious practices. Through her, the man of lawlessness will rise, and many who believe in God will be killed. In one day God will destroy her for her works, Revelation 19:2.
Now that we have died with Christ, and are raised to walk in newness of life, our task is to put off the things of the old man that brought ruin into our lives by following after the deceitful strong desire of the flesh, Ephesians 4:22. Instead, let us put on the new man, who we are in the Christ, the one made in true righteousness and piety as we seek to fulfill the desires from the Holy Spirit, Ephesians 4:24.
