How can you discern and reject false teachings in your spiritual community? A Clear Word from Hebrews 13:9 “Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. For it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which are of no value to those devoted to them.” What Makes a Teaching “Strange”? • Adds to or subtracts from the written Word (Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18-19) • Shifts the focus from Christ to rituals, experiences, or personalities (Colossians 2:8-9) • Replaces grace with legalistic rules or license to sin (Galatians 1:6-7) • Cannot be traced straight back to the apostles’ doctrine (Acts 2:42; Jude 3) Grace: The Litmus Test • True doctrine leaves the believer “strengthened by grace,” aware of God’s unearned favor (Ephesians 2:8-9). • False doctrine ties the heart to externals—“foods” in Hebrews 13:9, or any modern equivalent (special diets, secret knowledge, trendy programs). • If a message burdens instead of liberates, it has drifted from the gospel (Galatians 5:1). Four Scriptural Filters for Truth 1. Whole-Bible Consistency “ALL Scripture is God-breathed…” (2 Timothy 3:16). • Check whether the teaching agrees with the entire canon, not just a proof-text. 2. Christ-Centered Focus “To Him give ALL the prophets witness” (Acts 10:43). • Sound doctrine exalts Jesus’ finished work, not human achievement. 3. Apostolic Confirmation “Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets” (Ephesians 2:20). • Compare any new idea with the plain teaching of the apostles. 4. Spiritual Discernment “Test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1). • Look for the Spirit’s fruit—truth, holiness, love—in its proponents (Matthew 7:16). Daily Habits that Safeguard the Heart • Read and meditate on Scripture systematically (Psalm 1:2). • Commit key verses to memory for instant recall (Psalm 119:11). • Pray for insight; the Author alone illuminates His Word (John 16:13). • Gather regularly with a Bible-honoring church family (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Consult trustworthy teachers and resources; stay humble and teachable (Proverbs 19:20). • Practice the Berean attitude—“examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:11). When Error Appears in the Community • Respond quickly but gently, “in the hope that God will grant them repentance” (2 Timothy 2:24-26). • Use clear Scripture, not personal opinion, to correct (Titus 1:9). • If leaders persist in error, follow the Matthew 18:15-17 pattern and, if needed, separate (Romans 16:17). • Protect newer believers; wolves often target the ungrounded (Acts 20:29-30). Standing Firm Together False teachings will keep surfacing (1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Peter 2:1), but Scripture provides every tool we need. As hearts stay anchored in grace, minds saturated with truth, and fellowship rooted in love, the church remains a pillar and buttress of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15)—unmoved, unblended, unmistakably faithful to the gospel. |
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