How can we discern false teachings that may "make waters bitter" today? Scripture Snapshot “...The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the waters that had become bitter.” (Revelation 8:11) Wormwood Then and Now • In Scripture, wormwood is both literal and symbolic—a plant that makes water taste sharp and poisonous, representing judgment and spiritual corruption (Jeremiah 9:15; Deuteronomy 29:18). • John sees a star called Wormwood falling and turning waters bitter. Just as polluted water brings death, polluted doctrine poisons souls. • The text warns that large portions of humanity will be harmed because they drink what looks like life-giving water but is actually tainted. The Danger of Bitter Waters Today • “Bitter waters” picture teaching that dilutes, distorts, or contradicts God’s Word. • False teaching can taste appealing—less offensive, more popular—yet secretly compromise the gospel (Galatians 1:6-9). • Like physical dehydration, spiritual dryness drives people to drink whatever is available, even poisoned streams. Discerning False Teaching: Practical Steps • Know the Source: Test every message against the whole counsel of Scripture (Acts 17:11). • Trace the Flavor: If a teaching leaves the heart bitter—resentful, fearful, divisive—it likely carries the wormwood root (Hebrews 12:15). • Examine the Fruit: True doctrine produces righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Matthew 7:16-20; Romans 14:17). • Listen for the Christ Focus: Sound teaching exalts the crucified and risen Lord, not personalities, politics, or profits (1 Corinthians 2:2; 2 Peter 2:1-3). • Stay in Fellowship: Shepherds and mature believers help spot contamination early (Ephesians 4:11-14). • Guard Your Intake: Books, podcasts, music, social media—filter all spiritual “water sources” through Scripture’s sieve (Psalm 1:1-3). Key Safeguards from the Word • 1 John 4:1—“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God...”. • 2 Timothy 3:16-17—Every God-breathed word equips us to evaluate truth. • 2 Timothy 4:3-4—Itching ears crave teachers who tell them what they want to hear. • Jeremiah 23:15—False prophets “spread ungodliness,” pictured as wormwood. • Colossians 2:8—Let no one take you captive through empty deception. Marks of Sound Teaching • Anchored in the plain meaning of Scripture. • Presents salvation by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Upholds Christ’s full deity, humanity, atoning death, bodily resurrection. • Leads to love, holiness, and obedience (John 14:15). • Glorifies God, not men; builds unity, not factions (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). Encouraging One Another in the Truth • Share pure water daily—read, memorize, and discuss Scripture together. • Correct gently when wormwood shows up; restore with patience (Galatians 6:1). • Celebrate teachers who rightly divide the Word, and pray for them (Hebrews 13:7). • Keep looking to the Living Water—Jesus alone satisfies and keeps His people from the bitterness of deception (John 7:37-38). |
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