How can we avoid being in error as described in Mark 12:24? Setting the Scene “Jesus said to them, ‘Are you not mistaken because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?’” (Mark 12:24). The Sadducees erred on two fronts—ignorance of the written Word and disbelief in God’s supernatural power. Both shortcomings still threaten believers today. Jesus’ Diagnosis of Error • Lack of Scriptural knowledge: They dismissed portions of Scripture that conflicted with their assumptions (cf. Acts 23:8). • Dismissal of divine power: They confined God to human limitations, denying resurrection and miracles. Embracing the Scriptures Wholeheartedly • Daily immersion: “His delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:2). • Accurate handling: “Be diligent to present yourself approved … rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). • Whole-Bible submission: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Spirit-led interpretation: “No prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation” (2 Peter 1:20-21). Trusting the Power of God Daily • Resurrection confidence: “And God both raised the Lord and will raise us” (1 Corinthians 6:14). • Present-tense strength: “His incomparably great power for us who believe” (Ephesians 1:19). • Expectant prayer and obedience: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). • Rest in sovereignty: “With God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). Practical Steps to Stay Rooted in Truth 1. Schedule unhurried Bible reading; use a balance of narrative, prophecy, poetry, and epistles. 2. Memorize key passages that anchor doctrine (e.g., John 1:1-14; Romans 8; 1 Corinthians 15). 3. Keep a journal noting how God’s power has intervened in your life, reinforcing faith. 4. Test every teaching against Scripture like the Bereans (Acts 17:11). 5. Guard your mind from skepticism masquerading as scholarship; submit intellect to revelation. 6. Celebrate answered prayer to cultivate ongoing expectation of God’s might. Guardrails Within the Body of Christ • Sound preaching and teaching: “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). • Mutual exhortation: “Encourage one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13). • Historic creeds and confessions as summaries of biblical truth. • Accountability relationships that redirect when deviation appears (Galatians 6:1). Living Out the Remedy Knowing Scripture and trusting God’s power guard against error. Saturate your heart with the Word, lean on His limitless strength, and walk in humble obedience—so that Jesus’ rebuke becomes, for you, a commendation of faithfulness instead of a warning. |
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