How can we discern and resist false teachings in light of 1 Kings 12:28? Setting the scene • “After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, ‘Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.’ ” (1 Kings 12:28) • Jeroboam’s calves replaced true worship with convenience, novelty, and a counterfeit message. The same tendencies still fuel false teaching today. Understand the pattern of false teaching • Starts with plausible counsel: “After seeking advice…” – bad advice can wear respectable clothing. • Appeals to felt needs: “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you.” – makes obedience seem burdensome. • Reimagines God: “Here are your gods.” – substitutes something tangible or trendy for the invisible, holy LORD. • Rewrites history: claims the counterfeit delivered them from Egypt – twists the gospel story to validate error. Recognizing modern golden calves • A message that minimizes sin or the call to repentance. • Promises of blessing without the cross (Luke 9:23). • Redefinition of Christ’s identity or work (2 Corinthians 11:4). • Teachings that downplay Scripture’s authority in favor of personal revelation, cultural trends, or “new truths.” • Leaders who seek popularity and platform over faithfulness (3 John 9–10). Discernment tools from Scripture • Test every spirit – 1 John 4:1. • Compare every teaching to the written Word – Acts 17:11. • Hold to the apostolic gospel – Galatians 1:8-9. • Expect counterfeits – 2 Peter 2:1; 2 Timothy 4:3-4. • Remember God may permit tests to reveal our hearts – Deuteronomy 13:1-4. Practices to resist false teaching • Stay saturated in Scripture: daily reading, memorization, and meditation keep truth fresh. • Stay connected to a sound local church: elders gifted to teach (Titus 1:9) guard the flock. • Cultivate a Berean mindset: eager reception plus rigorous verification. • Watch your heart: pride, bitterness, and unchecked desires make error attractive (James 1:14-15). • Guard your influences: books, podcasts, social media—evaluate sources before accepting them. • Speak the truth in love: gently correct error when you encounter it (Ephesians 4:15). • Pray for discernment and courage: the Spirit delights to illuminate the Word (John 16:13). Encouragement to hold fast • The Father seeks worshipers “in spirit and truth” (John 4:23). • The Good Shepherd’s sheep know His voice and will not follow a stranger (John 10:4-5). • “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Stand firm, keep your eyes on Christ, and let no golden calf entice you away from the living God. |
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