What steps can we take to ensure we follow true biblical teachings today? Warning Lights from Jeremiah 29:21 “ ‘This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says about Ahab son of Kolaiah and Zedekiah son of Maaseiah, who are prophesying a lie to you in My name: “I will deliver them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and he will slay them before your very eyes.” ’ ” (Jeremiah 29:21) False teachers spoke in God’s name, yet God judged them swiftly. Their downfall becomes our caution sign: if we want truth, we must actively guard against lies masquerading as Scripture. Step 1: Submit to the Entire Written Word • 2 Timothy 3:16-17—“All Scripture is God-breathed … that the man of God may be complete.” • Refuse to elevate personal experiences, traditions, or cultural trends above the clear text. • Regular, systematic reading keeps us from cherry-picking verses that merely affirm our preferences. Step 2: Test Every Message • 1 John 4:1—“Test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” • Acts 17:11—The Bereans were “examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” Practical habits: – Compare sermons, podcasts, and books with the plain meaning of Scripture. – Ask: Does this teaching add to or subtract from the gospel? (Galatians 1:6-9). Step 3: Look for Consistent Fruit • Matthew 7:15-17—“Beware of false prophets … You will recognize them by their fruit.” Indicators of healthy fruit: – Growing Christ-likeness (Galatians 5:22-23). – Humble service, not self-promotion (Philippians 2:3-4). – Financial integrity and moral purity (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7). Step 4: Stay Anchored in Doctrine • Titus 1:9—Hold “firm to the trustworthy message as it has been taught.” Build a simple doctrinal framework: – The authority of Scripture. – The triune nature of God. – Salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). – The bodily resurrection and return of Christ. Writing these truths down helps expose counterfeit ideas quickly. Step 5: Depend on the Holy Spirit for Discernment • John 16:13—“When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” Prayerful study invites His illumination. He never contradicts the Word He inspired (2 Peter 1:20-21). Step 6: Remain in a Biblically Faithful Community • Hebrews 10:24-25—“Not neglecting to meet together … encouraging one another.” Healthy church life offers: – Qualified, accountable leadership (1 Timothy 3:1-7). – Corporate worship centered on Scripture readings, preaching, and ordinances (Acts 2:42). – Mutual correction spoken in love (Ephesians 4:15). Step 7: Obey What You Learn • James 1:22—“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” Obedience guards against deception; practiced truth sharpens discernment (John 7:17). Bringing It Together Jeremiah 29:21 reminds us that God takes false teaching personally. Clinging to His Word, testing every claim, and walking in Spirit-empowered obedience keep us squarely in the stream of genuine, life-giving truth. |
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