TRUTH PROTECTS<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
 The Bible says "Beware lest ye...fall from your own stedfastness." 2 Peter 3:17
In numerous places, the Word tells us that un-Scriptural notions and teachings will lead us "away" from "stedfastness" in the LORD:
"Beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness." 2 Peter 3:17
The only way we can know the false is to intimately and personally know the true - God's Word. The divine constitution is on record for us in tangible form. While on earth, Jesus defined what "truth" is when He prayed for us to His Father:
"Sanctify them (set them apart) through thy truth: THY WORD IS TRUTH." John 17:17
God's Word saves then sets us apart (Rom. 1:16; James 1:18, 21; 1 Pet. 1:23, 2:2). Personally learning and knowing the LORD and His Word is the only protection we have against falsehoods. After using all of his might and power to teach the FULL-counsel of the LORD, the apostle Paul solemnly warned the Ephesian believers of those who would come behind him seeking to deceive the disciples at Ephesus. Here is what the Holy Ghost warned them and us of:
"For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them." Acts 20:29-30
Deceivers are those who are in leadership positions and, through disobedient lives, have been sent a "strong delusion." (2 Thess. 2:11) Many of our leaders are under the influence of Satan - no matter how "nice" and "cordial" they may appear. Beware. Rat poisoning is 95% good corn meal.False teachers and prophets are an absolute REALITY throughout the New Testament era. Notice the definitive wording of the Holy Spirit here, like this phrase: "I KNOW THIS, that after my departing SHALL grievous wolves enter in among you." (Acts 20:29)
In conclusion, the LORD tells believers how He desires to protect them and keep them safe from deception. Remember that God could have spoken many things here through Paul to reveal to His people how they are to remain protected in Him, and here is what He stated:
"And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace (this is the way to remain protected in the LORD), which is able to build you up (spiritual strength), and to give you an inheritance (eternal life) among all them which are sanctified." Acts 20:32
Many so-called "Christian" leaders today condone and send folks to books (resources) and men who espouse and teach psychology, problem-centered counseling (instead of Christ-centered truth), philosophies, traditions, and outright heresies, etc. God's holy Word is the only protection from spiritual infection. Leading any person to follow anything except the very Word of God is evil and contrary to the LORD's warning to us in Colossians 2:8, which states:
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him..." Colossians 2:8-10
Fellow disciple, we "are complete in him", our Savior Jesus Christ, who is the grand and central Subject and focus of all of Holy Scripture. Be encouraged this day to cling to Him alone who bled for your many sins and "be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard", but "continue in the faith grounded and settled." (Col. 1:23)
PRAYER: LORD, make me intense about knowing You through Your Holy Spirit and Word. Teach me to discern via Your Word and Spirit. I love You my LORD Jesus. I now ask You to cause my heart to ever love You more and devour Your wonderful words of life. I know You are coming soon. Amen.
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