In a world lacking discernment, many have false ideas of Christianity, and of who Jesus is. This devotional will explore what the Bible says about false teachings, and help you to follow the true Jesus.
Core Verse: 2 Timothy 4:3-4
Written By: Darius
I recently saw a post from a Christian saying something like "If you're on this political side, Jesus doesn't like you." I commented in effort to gently correct them. I told them that Jesus doesn't reject His followers because of politics, and that their post was unbiblical and inaccurate. The person defended themselves with "Jesus told me to post this."
I bring up this story because it brings up a bigger problem: many people follow a version of Jesus that makes them comfortable, or that fits their agenda. God's Word often gets twisted to fit feelings, rather than submitting to the full truth of Jesus.
Core Verse
2 Timothy 4:3-4
"For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear what they want to hear. They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths."
The Warning
In this verse Paul gives us a warning. He says that the time will come where people don't tolerate sound teaching. Instead, they will follow their own desires, and seek out teachers who tell them what the want to hear, even if its not true.
The Problem in Todays World
We see this exact thing happening in our world. Many reshape Jesus to fit their politics, preferences, or comfort in sin. Some movements openly promote sin, and some churches twist scripture to affirm it. Too often people look for a Christ who makes them feel good, rather than the Christ who convicts and saves.
The Contrast
To be a true disciple, we must receive God's word even when it convicts us. God's truth leads to freedom, while false teaching only keeps people enslaved to sin. A false idea of Christ may offer temporary comfort, but only the true Jesus brings salvation. That's why it can be so difficult, our flesh desperately craves comfort in sin, but only Christ can set us free.
Our Responsibility
This is where our part comes in. As followers of Christ we have a responsibility to be discerning. We need to pray, regularly be in the Word, and not let our feelings overcome the truth. It's not an easy battle because the world will be persuasive, but if we stay rooted in the faith, we can start to grow in discernment, and recognize false teachings when we see them.
Reflection & Prayer
Reflection Questions:
Is there an area in my life where I'm reshaping Jesus to fit my desires?
Do I welcome conviction from Scripture, or avoid it because it makes me feel uncomfortable?
What steps can I take to grow in discernment and recognize false teaching when I see it?
Prayer:
Lord, in a world being filled with so much noise and misinformation, thank you for giving us the wisdom and resources to recognize what is false. I pray that you'll help me to follow the true Jesus, not a version shaped by my own fleshy desires. Convict me where I need to change, and give me the courage to walk in your Truth.
Amen.
Related Article: What Is Discernment?
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