Sermon on 12 November 2023 by Paster Justin
Introduction
The apostle Paul warned us to be careful, not to be deceived by false teachings that are not according to the word of God.
Message
Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. - Colossians 2:8
In this digital age, a huge amount of information is readily available, some of which may not be right for us, which may lead us away from the truth without us realising it. The apostle Paul tells us to guard our faith. 1 John 2:27 says that we do not need anyone to tell us what is true or false doctrine because the spirit of truth dwells in us. If we are rooted in the word, we will experience the full power of the gospel.
Let us be careful of teachings that mix worldly philosophies with the gospel (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). Be careful of what we see, hear, and believe, that may lead us away from the faith (Matthew 24:10-13, 24). If we are not ready by preparing ourselves, we will not be careful to prepare our children (1 John 5:19). How do we prepare ourselves? We need to be careful and be equipped to be a ‘AAA’ Christian - awake, aware, and agile.
You may hear of attractive teachings such as ‘new age movement’ which are designed to lead you away from the truth. They may say things like man can be like God, quoting John 10:34 and Psalm 82:6, where Jesus said that “you are gods”, but they are taking things out of context. Remember the truth that man was created, not the creator. Before sin, suffering and death, deception entered the world. In Genesis 3:5, the devil lied that men can be like God.
How do we know what we hear is worldly versus Godly?
1. Worldly philosophies are inconsistent
2. Worldly philosophies are seductive. They look and sound good (2 Timothy 4:3-5).
For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. - 2 Timothy 4:3-5
Do not search for a “truth” that aligns with the lifestyle that appeals to you. We must continuously fill our ears and minds with the only truth we can find in this world (John 10:10; 15:5).
The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. - Psalm 119:130
3. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you
Say ‘yes’ to the things of God (John 14:17; 1 John 2:27; Isaiah 30:21). Constantly return to the only truth, one that will never lead us astray (John 14:6).
Closing
Be aware that what you hear and receive is not always the truth. Recognise and call out any false truths or principles. Do not just ignore; help others to not be deceived. Remember that Jesus is the World who is the source of all life (Colossians 2:9-10). Stay rooted in the truth. Only in Him can you have wisdom and knowledge.
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