In what ways can we guard against influences that blaspheme God today? The Challenge from Revelation 13:6 “And the beast opened its mouth to blaspheme against God and to slander His name and His tabernacle—those who dwell in heaven.” John describes a future, literal beast who will spew open defiance against God. Even before that day, the spirit of blasphemy is already at work (1 John 2:18). So how do we keep our hearts faithful when God’s name is mocked around us? Recognizing Blasphemy in Everyday Life • Media that ridicules Christ, Scripture, or God’s design for humanity • Philosophies that deny God’s existence or goodness (Romans 1:21-23) • “Feel-good” spirituality that strips Jesus of His deity (Colossians 2:8-9) • Peer or workplace pressures to stay silent when God is dishonored Before we guard against something, we have to spot it. If it twists, belittles, or contradicts God’s revealed truth, it is a seed of blasphemy. Anchoring Our Minds in Scripture • “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11) • “All Scripture is God-breathed… so that the man of God may be complete.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) A steady diet of God’s Word immunizes us against lies. Reading, memorizing, and meditating on Scripture builds a mental filter that flags blasphemous ideas the moment they appear. Filtering Our Inputs • Proverbs 4:23—“Guard your heart with all diligence.” • Philippians 4:8—think on whatever is true, noble, right, pure. Practical steps: – Limit entertainment that normalizes sin or mocks God. – Use accountability software or content filters. – Choose music, podcasts, and books that echo biblical truth. – Replace scrolling sessions with time in the Psalms or the Gospels. Cultivating a Spirit of Discernment • “Test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” (1 John 4:1) • The Bereans “examined the Scriptures daily.” (Acts 17:11) Ask: Does this message exalt Christ or diminish Him? Does it align with the plain meaning of the Bible? Discernment grows as we walk in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-18). Drawing Clear Lines • “Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11) • “Come out from their midst and be separate.” (2 Corinthians 6:17) Sometimes guarding means saying a loving but firm “no.” That may involve exiting a conversation, declining a movie, or lovingly confronting a friend. Separation is not withdrawal from mission; it’s refusal to compromise holiness. Answering Blasphemy with Truth • “Contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered.” (Jude 3) • “Always be ready to give a defense… yet with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15) Silence can imply consent. When God’s name is mocked, speak up graciously: – “I respect you, but I can’t agree with that view of Jesus.” – “Actually, Scripture says…” Truth spoken in love protects others from swallowing error. Living Worshipfully • Hebrews 13:15—“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise.” • Romans 12:1—present your bodies as a living sacrifice. A lifestyle of worship crowds out blasphemy. Praise tunes the heart to honor God, making any insult toward Him feel jarring and unwelcome. Looking Ahead with Hope Revelation assures us the beast’s blasphemy is temporary; Christ’s victory is certain (Revelation 19:11-16). Guarding against blasphemous influences today keeps us faithful while we await the day every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. |
    |