In what ways can we ensure our faith remains pure and uncorrupted? Anchoring Our Study: Titus 1:14 “and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of men who have rejected the truth.” What Paul Is Saying • Reject anything that distracts from Christ—myths, traditions, or man-made rules. • Measure every teaching by Scripture, not by culture or religious novelty. • A pure faith is a truth-anchored faith. Guardrails for Pure Faith • Sole Authority of Scripture – 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is God-breathed…”—our complete, sufficient guide. – Psalm 119:105: God’s Word lights the path, exposing error before it takes root. • Christ-Centered Focus – Colossians 2:6-8 warns against “philosophy and empty deceit.” Keep Jesus at the center. – Hebrews 12:2 calls us to “fix our eyes on Jesus,” not on fads or personalities. • Discernment by the Spirit – 1 John 4:1: “Test the spirits.” Compare every claim with plain biblical teaching. – John 16:13 promises the Spirit will guide into all truth—depend on Him daily. Daily Practices That Shield the Heart • Consistent Bible Intake – Read whole books, not isolated verses, to grasp context. – Memorize key passages that confront common errors (e.g., Galatians 1:8-9). • Thoughtful Meditation – Psalm 1 portrays the blessed person “meditating day and night,” producing steadfastness. • Regular Fellowship – Hebrews 10:24-25 urges gathering for mutual encouragement and correction. – Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans for examining the Scriptures together daily. • Accountability Relationships – Galatians 6:1-2: Restore gently when someone strays; bear one another’s burdens. Warnings to Watch For • Extra-Biblical Requirements – “If you really love God, you must also …” Beware additions that Scripture never commands. • Speculative “Deep” Teachings – 1 Timothy 1:4 cautions against myths and endless genealogies that breed controversy. • Charismatic Personalities Over Clear Doctrine – 2 Peter 2:1-3: False teachers exploit with “fabricated stories.” Character counts; doctrine matters. • Cultural Pressures to Redefine Truth – Isaiah 5:20 warns of calling evil good and good evil; Scripture—not society—defines righteousness. Encouragement From Fellow Saints • Jude 3 urges believers to “contend for the faith once for all delivered.” Stand firm together. • Philippians 1:27 calls the church to “stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith.” Living It Out • Start and end each day with open Bible and open heart. • Filter podcasts, books, and conversations through Titus 1:14—does this teaching elevate Christ and align with Scripture? • Stay teachable: welcome correction, search the Word, and keep refining belief and practice. Through careful devotion to Scripture, Spirit-led discernment, and Christ-centered community, our faith remains untainted, vibrant, and steadfast. |
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