How can we strengthen our faith to resist false teachings about Christ? Setting the Stage 2 John 1:7: “For many deceivers have gone out into the world—men who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.” Spot the Counterfeit • False teaching usually twists one core truth: the real, bodily incarnation of Jesus Christ (John 1:14). • John labels deniers of Christ’s coming in the flesh as “deceivers” and “antichrist.” • Recognizing the lie begins with knowing the defining mark of genuine faith: Jesus, fully God, fully man, entered history, died, and rose. Anchor in Truth Daily • Immerse in Scripture—“All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16). • Let the Word dwell richly (Colossians 3:16) so that anything contrary rings false. • Like the Bereans, examine everything against the written text (Acts 17:11). Guard the Door of Your Mind • Test every spirit (1 John 4:1-3); genuine confession of the incarnate Christ must be present. • Reject novelties that add, subtract, or redefine the Gospel (Galatians 1:8-9). • Use discernment filters: – Does it exalt Christ as Lord and Savior? – Does it harmonize with the whole counsel of God? – Does it promote holiness and love? Walk in Obedience and Love • Truth without obedience produces pride; obedience without truth drifts into legalism. John ties truth and love together (2 John 1:6). • As you keep His commandments, spiritual muscles strengthen, making deception less attractive (1 John 2:3-6). • Love the brethren; genuine love resists divisive error. Hold Fast to the Faith Once for All Delivered • “Contend earnestly for the faith” (Jude 3). • Stay rooted: “Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him… not taken captive by philosophy and empty deception” (Colossians 2:6-8). • Memorize key incarnation passages: John 1:1-3, 14; Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 2:14-18. Stay in Life-Giving Fellowship • Isolation breeds vulnerability. “And let us consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not forsaking meeting together” (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Trustworthy teachers, mature believers, and historic confessions act as safety rails. • Mutual encouragement keeps hearts warm and alert (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Speak the Truth in Love • Grow to maturity so “we will no longer be infants, tossed by waves and carried about by every wind of teaching” (Ephesians 4:14-15). • Truth spoken kindly disarms error and strengthens both speaker and hearer. • Correct gently, remembering that the goal is restoration, not winning arguments (2 Timothy 2:24-25). Practical Faith-Strengtheners for the Week • Read 1 John in one sitting, noting every reference to truth, love, and obedience. • Memorize 2 John 1:7 and recite it when encountering doubtful claims about Christ. • Compare one sermon, podcast, or article with Scripture line by line. • Share with a trusted friend one insight that deepened your conviction in Christ’s incarnation. • Sing a hymn focused on the God-Man (e.g., “In Christ Alone”) to seal truth in your heart. Remaining alert, saturated in Scripture, and woven into loving community fortifies faith and keeps false teaching at the door. |
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