What steps can we take to avoid spiritual "darkness" mentioned in Jeremiah 23:12? Setting the Scene “Therefore their path will become slippery; they will be banished to darkness and there they will fall. For I will bring disaster upon them in the year of their punishment,” declares the LORD. — Jeremiah 23:12 Understanding the “Darkness” of Jeremiah 23:12 • The “darkness” describes judgment on leaders who distorted God’s word and led people astray. • It is a picture of confusion, error, and separation from God’s guidance (cf. Proverbs 4:19). • Avoiding such darkness means remaining in God’s revealed light and rejecting every counterfeit message. Practical Steps to Stay in the Light • Anchor yourself daily in Scripture – Let God’s Word expose error and illuminate every decision (Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Test every teaching – Compare sermons, books, and opinions with the Bible (Acts 17:11). – Reject prophets who contradict clear Scripture, as Jeremiah warned. • Walk in immediate obedience – Truth withheld in practice soon becomes truth forgotten (James 1:22). • Cultivate genuine repentance – Turn quickly from any sin the Spirit reveals; darkness thrives where sin is coddled (1 John 1:6-7). • Stay close to Christ, the Light – “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness” (John 8:12). • Seek Spirit-led discernment – Pray for wisdom and rely on the Spirit, who guides into all truth (John 16:13). • Remain in accountable fellowship – Believers sharpen one another and expose hidden darkness (Hebrews 10:24-25; Ephesians 5:8-11). • Guard the heart diligently – What we entertain shapes our outlook (Proverbs 4:23). Saturate mind and affections with what is true, honorable, and pure (Philippians 4:8). Scriptural Anchors to Strengthen Us • Psalm 36:9 — “For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.” • 1 Peter 2:9 — We are called “out of darkness into His marvelous light.” • Isaiah 8:20 — “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, there is no dawn for them.” A Closing Charge Hold fast to the pure Word, cling to Christ, walk in repentance, and stay in fellowship. In doing so, the “slippery path” of Jeremiah 23:12 is avoided, and your steps remain steady in the light that never fails. |
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