What steps can we take to "deliver My people" from false teachings today? God’s Call to Rescue His Flock Ezekiel 34:10: “Thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will demand My flock from them; I will dismiss them from tending the flock. Then the shepherds will no longer feed themselves, for I will deliver My flock from their mouths, so that they will no longer be food for them.” Why This Matters Today False teachers still “devour” God’s people—through distorted gospels, half-truths, and self-focused spirituality (2 Peter 2:1-3). God’s desire, expressed to Ezekiel, fuels our responsibility now. Recognize the Threat • 1 John 4:1—“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God…” • Colossians 2:8—“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception…” Step 1: Return to the Word • Encourage daily, systematic reading; no verse-snatching. • Teach context: author, audience, purpose. • Model Scripture-interprets-Scripture (Psalm 119:160). Step 2: Teach the Whole Counsel of God • Acts 20:27—Paul “did not shrink from declaring…the whole counsel of God.” • Balance doctrine and practice; avoid hobbyhorses. • Cycle through books of the Bible publicly. Step 3: Foster Berean Discernment • Acts 17:11—Bereans “examined the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings were true.” Practical helps: – Provide study guides with cross-references. – Host Q&A evenings where texts, not personalities, carry authority. – Train in basic hermeneutics. Step 4: Guard the Pulpit and Platforms • Titus 1:9—An elder must “hold firmly to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who contradict it.” • Screen guest speakers, recommended books, playlists, podcasts. • Require clear statements of faith for ministry leaders. Step 5: Cultivate Shepherds with Integrity • 1 Timothy 4:16—“Watch your life and doctrine closely.” • Mentor younger leaders; character and orthodoxy grow together. • Establish accountability teams—no lone-ranger teachers. Step 6: Engage in Loving Correction • 2 Timothy 2:24-26—Gently instruct opponents so “they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil.” How to correct: – Address ideas, not motives. – Use Scripture first, illustrations second. – Offer resources for further study. – Restore, don’t humiliate (Galatians 6:1). Step 7: Equip the Congregation for Spiritual Warfare • Ephesians 6:13-17—Armor of God highlights truth, righteousness, gospel, faith, salvation, and “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” • Emphasize regular prayer and fasting for discernment (James 1:5). • Share testimonies of deliverance from error to strengthen believers. Step 8: Keep the Gospel Front and Center • 1 Corinthians 15:3-4—Christ’s death and resurrection are “of first importance.” • False teaching often muddles grace; clarity on the gospel inoculates against error. • Celebrate the Lord’s Supper frequently; it re-anchors the body to the cross. Step 9: Promote Community Accountability • Hebrews 3:13—“Encourage one another daily…so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” • Small groups studying Scripture together surface questions early. • Pair new believers with mature mentors. Step 10: Persevere in Hope • 2 Timothy 4:3-5 predicts itching-ear seasons, yet verse 5 urges, “Be sober-minded…fulfill your ministry.” • God Himself promises ultimate rescue—“The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and will bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom” (2 Timothy 4:18). By anchoring everything in Scripture, guarding doctrine, and shepherding with compassion, we cooperate with the Lord who still says, “I will deliver My flock.” |
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