How can we "be on our guard" against false teachings today? Mark 13:23 – Jesus’ Advance Warning “So be on your guard; I have told you everything in advance.” Jesus’ words came in the middle of a sober description of deceivers who would appear “performing signs and wonders to lead astray” (v. 22). His command is simple and urgent: stay alert because He has already supplied every truth needed to recognize and resist error. Stay Rooted in Scripture • Daily, systematic Bible reading keeps truth fresh and falsehood obvious. • Let the whole counsel of God interpret any single verse; context exposes distortion. • “All Scripture is God-breathed…so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • The Bereans modeled this vigilance: “examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true” (Acts 17:11). Test Every Message • “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits” (1 John 4:1). Match every sermon, podcast, or social post against clear biblical doctrine. • Error often twists core truths—Christ’s deity, salvation by grace, the authority of Scripture. Any teaching that dilutes or denies these essentials fails the test. • Jude urges believers to “contend earnestly for the faith once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 3-4). Know the True Shepherd’s Voice • Intimate familiarity with Christ guards against clever counterfeits. • “His sheep follow Him because they know His voice…but they will flee from him [a stranger]” (John 10:4-5). • Deepen that familiarity through worship, obedience, and meditation on the Gospels. Watch the Fruit • “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:15-17). Examine: – Character: humility, purity, love for God and people. – Conduct: integrity in finances, relationships, and service. – Consequences: growth in holiness among followers, not chaos or bondage. • Consistent rotten fruit signals a rotten tree, no matter how compelling the presentation. Keep Christ at the Center • False teaching often adds human tradition or spiritual novelty that shifts focus away from Jesus. • “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit…rather than on Christ” (Colossians 2:8). • Measure every claim by its alignment with the person, work, and supremacy of Christ. Stand Firm in Christian Community • Lone believers are easy targets; shared discernment strengthens the whole body. • Gather regularly (Hebrews 10:24-25 implied) to study, worship, and hold one another accountable. • Elders and mature believers provide shepherding oversight (Acts 20:28-30). Rely on the Holy Spirit • Jesus promised the Spirit would “guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). • Prayerful dependence invites His illumination, conviction, and courage to reject error. • Spiritual gifts such as discernment (1 Corinthians 12:10) operate within Scripture’s boundaries, never outside them. Wear the Armor of God • “Take up the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:13). – Belt of truth: clarity in doctrine. – Breastplate of righteousness: holy living that resists deceptive lures. – Shield of faith: confidence in God’s character when lies come fast. – Sword of the Spirit, the word of God: the decisive weapon Jesus used against Satan’s temptations. Live Alert, Not Afraid • Error exists, but so does the complete revelation Jesus already provided. • “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions we passed on to you” (2 Thessalonians 2:15). • Steady vigilance, rooted in Scripture and empowered by the Spirit, keeps believers secure and useful until Christ returns. |
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