What does Acts 20:30 teach about discerning truth from false teachings? The Warning Stated “Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.” (Acts 20:30) Where False Teaching Originates • It can come from within the fellowship, not only from obvious outside enemies (v. 30; cf. 2 Peter 2:1). • Spiritual credentials or past service do not guarantee ongoing fidelity (1 Corinthians 10:12). How Error Operates • “Distort the truth” — twisting Scripture instead of outright rejecting it (2 Corinthians 4:2). • “Draw away disciples” — making followers loyal to a personality, movement, or agenda rather than to Christ (3 John 9-10). • Uses persuasive speech and apparent wisdom (Colossians 2:4, 8). Marks for Discernment • Message departs from the apostolic doctrine recorded in Scripture (Galatians 1:8-9). • Emphasis shifts from Christ’s supremacy to human leaders, experiences, or novel revelations (Colossians 1:18). • Lifestyle and fruit contradict the character of Christ (Matthew 7:16-20). • Secrecy or manipulation accompanies the teaching (2 Peter 2:3). Steps to Guard the Truth 1. Saturate the mind with the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27; Psalm 119:11). 2. Test every spirit and teaching against Scripture (1 John 4:1; Isaiah 8:20). 3. Maintain humble accountability within a biblically-ordered church (Hebrews 13:17). 4. Confront error lovingly yet firmly when it appears (Titus 1:9). 5. Keep Christ, not personalities or trends, as the center of devotion (Hebrews 12:2). Reinforcing Scriptures • Matthew 7:15 — wolves in sheep’s clothing. • 1 Timothy 4:1 — some will abandon the faith, following deceitful spirits. • Jude 3-4 — contend for the faith once for all delivered. • 2 John 9 — anyone who does not remain in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Living the Lesson Acts 20:30 calls believers to watchfulness, biblical literacy, and steadfast loyalty to Christ, recognizing that the most subtle and dangerous deceptions often arise from voices claiming to belong to the household of faith. |
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