Even a seemingly small undoctrinal view is dangerous
This is precisely what Paul was warning about. Whether it is something that appears as innocent as a social view-point to an interpretation of scripture, false teachings and doctrines are hard to get rid of once they have taken root. I am concerned with the number of churches who blindly become involved in social justice movements without considering if the stand being taken is in accordance with the teachings of the Bible. While it is always a good thing for Christians to stand up for what is right, we need to be sure that we stay aligned and fixed firmly upon the foundation of the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is easy in a world pushing inclusiveness for churches to want to be seen as accepting and non-judgmental. The world and Satan, the prince of this world, wants nothing more than powerless and rotting churches. If the church is willing to sacrifice biblical principles to stay acceptable to the world, then rot has already started. The church has left its foundation on Christ and now sits on a foundation tainted by the flesh. It is for this reason I believe the warnings found in Revelation chapters 2 and 3 were for not only for those named churches, but those who follow after them.
We must grow in our knowledge of the Lord
No one likes being considered the spoil-sport. Until 2006, I pretty much just hung out in church, never being controversial and always in agreement with those I thought had good ideas. After 2006, I began to approach my faith with the same zeal I approached my graduate studies. In the process, I came across this verse: When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things (1 Corinthians 13:11). I believe Paul is talking about his spirituality and not about his physical age.
When we first receive Christ as our Savior, we begin on a journey of life, much like a newborn baby. As a baby begins to grow into a toddler, there are certain changes we see, specifically the baby going from milk to soft foods and eventually, eating whatever the parents eat. Paul wrote: I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able (1 Corinthians 3:2). Paul was upset because the members of this church were unwilling to grow in faith.
Growing in faith prevents the spread of false teachings
My life’s verse: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). It was my stumbling across this verse in 2006 that led me to the journey I am on now. This one verse began my journey and led to my fully receiving Jesus as my Lord and Savior. It is also a verse written by the apostle Paul to a young man named Timothy encouraging him to study the scriptures for himself. Paul wanted Timothy to be strong enough in his faith that he could discern the false teachings from scripturally sound ones.
Paul wrote with the idea that we gain more knowledge about the Lord by studying the Bible. When we add an active prayer life to that, it brings us even closer to the Lord. Paul wrote: For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:15). We have the Bible and the leading of the Holy Spirit, and we become strengthened by sound preaching. Our edification comes as we worship with other believers. And these together strengthens us in what is good. Just as Paul was teaching Timothy, it is these things that allow us to reject false teachings when we hear them.
[content_block id=2270 slug=continued-later-week]
