FALSE TEACHING: Scrutinize It Before You Internalize It

Years ago we used an expression to describe the results of invalid data loaded to a clean computer system. Garbage In Garbage Out. Some of you can probably relate to this painful experience if you’ve ever encountered a computer virus. Things look right, but are they really? You aren’t sure what to trust, because your system is corrupted. Next, the system begins to respond erratically. A system that is corrupt enough simply “dies.” So it is with impacts of FALSE TEACHING. APOSTASY sounds right, looks right, but it’s not right. Those veiled twists or omissions of truth can lead us completely in the wrong directions. Saints, we have to scrutinize the messages we entertain – all day every day.

False teachers are very astute otherwise we simply would not be deceived, right? They study our human needs and wants. They craft messages that seek out the most vulnerable among us. It is painful to watch traps being laid for those hurting who only desire to “escape” from real or perceived things as:

-Oppression
-Illness
-Poverty
-Loneliness
-Weaknesses

Given this fallen world, it seems likely that most of us will face one or more of these challenges. And you can bet false teachers will be right there. They’ll prey upon your deepest desires such as security, safety, love, and acceptance. Their attractive speech will offer you an escape from life’s challenges. Sounds nice, but…

I encourage you to scrutinize every message coming your way. Become so familiar with the Bible that you can discern the “wolves” Paul mentions in Acts 20:29. Here are a few of my favorites Scriptures regarding apostasy:

-Jude
-2 Peter 2:1-22
-1 John 2:18-23
-Acts 20:29

Despite the fact that false teachers are setting out to intentionally deceive us, the ultimate responsibility is on the believer. There are several Bible verses (some I mentioned) that insist we take necessary precautions to avoid the trap of deception. We simply cannot claim ignorance or place blame elsewhere. We should be in the Word thereby the Word would be in us. Practically speaking:

-Consult God as your primary source of wisdom and strength. (See Proverbs 3:5).

-Allow the Holy Spirit to teach you. (See 1 John 2:27).

-Hold fast to the truth that lies within the pages of the Bible instead of the latest best seller. (See 2 Peter 3:17-18)

-Guard your heart by testing all messages against the Bible – including this one. (See Proverbs 4:23)

-Check a ministry’s official website for a solid Statement of Faith. Personally, I have a MINIMUM standard of soundness, which is a belief in: (1) the Trinity of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, (2) the Bible being the inerrant and complete Word of God, and (3) the Word (Jesus) becoming flesh, Jesus dying on the cross for the remission of sin, and Jesus’ resurrection. If any one of these three things is missing, then I resist the message.

Here’s my rule of thumb when I hear something: If it satisfies my flesh, pleases my eyes, or boosts my pride, it probably isn’t right for me. These are all counter to Christian living.

© 2007 Jasmine “Jasmien” Hudson