THE GREATEST TEST to the church isn't unredeemed outside the church, but the church's unreformed.
The Narrative
THE GALATIANS believed in the death and resurrection of Christ when Paul visited their towns.
But when they listened to some Jewish leaders—they believed a lie.
Paul called them foolish and asked, who had bewitched them? (Galatians 3:1)
They had a responsibility to hold onto the truth, but they listened to the lies of the enemy.
THERE WILL always be charlatans; so, we need to examine those we listen to.
But what will be the basis of our evaluation?
Will it be subjective? Will you listen to someone who speaks to your situation?
It is easy for anyone to teach and abuse a scriptural text, and it's dangerous to listen only to someone who speaks to your situation.
Your evaluation should be more than just handling your pain.
IS YOUR evaluation God-centred or man-centred?
A pharisee went to the temple to pray.
He said, 'Oh, God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, crooks, adulterers, or, heaven forbid, like this tax man. I fast twice a week and tithe on all my income.' (Luke 18:11)
He placed his deeds above the grace of God. He walked in pride.
The bible teaching to trust is the one that puts Jesus in the centre of all things.
WHEN YOU listen to a teaching, who is glorified in it?
A preacher cannot become the object of adoration.
Psalm 75:9 says, "As for me, I will declare this forever; I will sing praise to the God of Jacob."
If it isn't about God, don't trust it. Anything that does not put Him first doesn't make Him a priority.
A MOTHER will choose the words that her son understands.
God did a similar thing when he chose words that we can relate to in the scriptures.
But no matter how much we picture Him, it cannot be compared to seeing Him.
'For His thoughts are not our thoughts. His ways are not our ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are His ways higher than our ways. And his thoughts higher than our thoughts.' (Isaiah 55:8-9)
The scriptures command that we delight ourselves in the Lord, and he will grant us our heart desires. (Psalm 37:4)
GOD NEEDS nothing from you, and whatever you do to Him adds nothing to Him.
When we think that we are helping Him out, we fall into legalism.
And when we start to see God through the prism of His Son, prayer becomes a necessity.
Isaiah saw Him and said, "Woe is me. I am a man with unclean lips." (Isaiah 6:5)
Any teaching that does not stick to this truth is to pander to your liking.
The glory of God must become a priority in all our lives.
TO TRUST a bible teacher, you must study the scriptures yourself. You are required to master them.
Fifteen minutes a day will take you through the bible in a year.
Start with the urge to get a basic understanding and not a hidden meaning.
Go into a chapter to understand what the scripture says—and not what is relevant to you.
Read what the scripture says to you—and make your application.
A true teacher is one who believes in the infallibility of the Word of God.
BRINGING IT TOGETHER
YOU CANNOT leave your criteria unchecked.
The bible teaching to trust is the one that puts Jesus in the centre of all things.
You live in a time when many know little about what dwells between the covers of the bible.
And you need to get into the bible and allow it to get into you.
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