1 John 4:1-6

GUARD AGAINST PEOPLE THO DISTORT GOD’S TEACHINGS IN THE BIBLE

The Bible is referred to as God’s Word for good reason, yet man, out of ignorance, being misguided, or perhaps for spite, distort and at times re-write the very words of our Lord. In 1 John 4 we are warned of this.

As the co-leader of a teen Bible Study group, I recall playing a game one evening called “Is it from the Bible?” We were all to write down three verses, sayings, or phrases. One was to be from the bible, and two not from the bible. As each selection was read, the group was to determine whether or not they were taken directly from the Bible.

Though there were many that caused thought and discussion, I recall two that resulted in a great deal of debate;

1^st: “God helps those who help themselves.”

2^nd: “God will never give you more than you can handle.”

Without being able to reference their Bible for the game it was amazing to see those teens think, attempt to reference similar scripture, and genuinely seek the correct answer because they honestly wanted the truth revealed.

Sometimes only portions of God's word are quoted, but the missing portion of the verse is what makes the biblical impact. These types of misleading phrases are seen as basically harmless, yet wrong is wrong and truth is truth. When the only exposure some have to God’s word are untruths, they can be very easily lead astray.

John warns us not to believe every spirit “but test the spirits we see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)

What we believe and how we think will affect what we do and how we act. So let’s be very cautious about what we take in, what we share and how we share it. 

Speaking of the spirit of the antichrist, John says; “You, dear children are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4: 4)

Read/Listen to: 1 John 4:1-6

Read Lyrics to: Greater by Mercy Me

You're Not the Boss of Me! Acts 15:22-35

Even young children recognize "real" authority.  With some instruction early on, they come to know who does and who doesn't have the right to tell them what to do.  Years ago when I was a student in grade school there was no doubt who was in charge when the Sister Superior would enter our classroom.  The entire class would rise and greet her, waiting for her to acknowledge the greeting and tell us to sit down.

I also remember when an older child in the neighborhood would try to tell me what to do, when he would bark orders I would tell him, "You're not the boss of me!"  Again, I knew he was not a force to be reckoned with like the nun was.  I knew this because at one time I obeyed his orders and got in trouble.  My parents taught me about authority, and who I needed to listen to and who I needed to just ignore.

The Scripture today tells us about a time in the early church when followers of Jesus needed a lesson in who was in charge and who wasn't.  After all, they were still children in the faith, they had lots to learn as I did so many years ago.  Just because someone speaks like they know everything, doesn't mean they do.  In the scripture today we learn about authority.

"We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said. So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul— men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing." (Acts 15:24-27) 

Read the entire text for today here.

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