Be On Your Guard- Matthew 16:1-12

“Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Matthew 16:6

I once went to hear a speaker, spouting a new theology, which a friend of mine was starting to believe. The teachings concerned me so I went, with my friend, to see for myself if the teachings were consistent with the Bible.

I was encouraged when the speaker opened up a time for questions, seemingly welcoming those struggling. I approached the microphone and asked the speaker to support his theology with scripture. Confidently smiling, he gave me a scripture that I immediately looked up and stated was clearly not being used in the correct context.

With a weak smile and even weaker rebuttal, he tried to pacify me. I questioned his use of scripture again. He then looked at me and, in front of the crowd said, “You are thick headed. I know what I am talking about, trust me.” Looking him straight in the face I replied, “I will never trust you; I only trust the word of God. Unless you can support your theology with scripture I will never believe a word you are saying.” With that I closed my Bible and walked out.

Jesus was warning his disciples against the false teachings of their religious leaders. I believe this message still pertains to us today. There are people who will lead us astray if we following their man made theology. The only real way to protect against this is to prayerfully be in the word. Read the Bible for yourself and pray about what you’re being taught against what you read.

Read today's passage at Biblegateway Matthew 16:1-12