Guarding against false teaching is a challenge now just like it was when Paul sent Timothy out to preach. (1 Timothy 1:3)
The first line of defense in protecting the gospel is your ears. Whether you are studying with a person you know well or someone new, listen to what they teach:
- It should harmonize with what you already know.
- If it doesn’t, then either you are wrong or they are.
- This becomes a study point and an opportunity for growth and correction.
- Ideas that are new to you aren’t necessarily wrong, but are also study points.
Of course to recognize new, false, different or wrong ideas, you have to be well grounded in the scriptures. This takes some work and commitment, but it is a part of loving God. (John 14:15)
How do we get that grounding?
- Study
- Attending church AND the Bible study sessions.
- Daily Bible reading
- Daily Bible study
If we were all like the Bereans, (Acts 17:11-12) we would all be quick to pick out false teaching and there would be just one church that looks like the church in the Bible.
Daily Bible reading for May 25
Psalm 144
Numbers 30
Obadiah 1-14
1 Timothy 1