In our last blog, we discussed the importance of discipleship and the great need to be Biblical Christians who know the Word and the Spirit of God. Jesus discussed false teachers, prophets, and ministries in the Last Days. In Mount Olive’s discourse, the first thing Jesus mentioned is: Matthew 24:4 (NKJV)-4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. Jesus goes on to say: Matthew 7:15-16 (NKJV)-15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Also in Matthew 24:11 (NKJV)-11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. Matthew 24:24 (NKJV)-24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. This is a tremendous warning to the Body of Christ. Jesus is the bishop and overseer of our souls ( 1 Peter 2:25). He is the head of the Church ( Eph. 5:23, Col 1:18), and because this is so, we need to take heed to what he says.
I remember ministering to a man at a soup kitchen that we used to run every week. He liked talking about the Bible. We had some good discussions, but he always seemed antagonistic. It would get to the point of almost getting into an argument. It came to a point that I needed to end these conversations. I wanted to help him, but he was unteachable. I didn’t avoid him altogether, but used wisdom in navigating our conversations. We shouldn’t argue about scriptures. Sometimes we need to confront in love when someone is operating in lies and deception. We should speak the truth in love when we can and leave it to the Holy Spirit to hammer it home. Only God can change a person’s heart. Let us walk in peace as much as it’s possible with one another. There will always be differences of opinion. They still are our brothers and sisters in Christ if they are Born Again!
The Apostle Paul did not shy away from speaking the truth. He was bold in warning against false ministries and teachings. His motive was not to prove he was right but in love, and in the Spirit of Christ, brought correction when needed. To bring the truth of the Gospel of grace. Colossians 1:28-29 (NKJV)-28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect( mature) in Christ Jesus. 29 To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily. In Apostle Paul’s farewell address to the Ephesus Elders, he said this: Acts 20:29-33 (NKJV)-
29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.32 So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.33 I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel.
These savage wolves are false teachers and prophets. The men who rise speaking perverse things are legalistic judizers, bringing people back under the law ( Gal 3:1-2). They threatened the message of the gospel of grace that Paul preached. We are to be watchful and walk in discernment ( Hebrews 5:14). Paul’s answer is the Word of His grace that will continue to build us up. The whole counsel of God’s Word( Acts 20:27) is to be our foundation and will build us into a strong spiritual house. Does a person preach and teach the full counsel of God’s Word? Are they teachable? Are they humble? Do they resist and speak against those in authority? Is their focus on themselves or magnifying Jesus? Do they sow discord among the brethren? ( Rom 16:17). Again, James gives us clues to what is of God and what is not. James 3:17-18 (NKJV)-17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
With the Gifts of the Spirit operating in ministries, there must also be the Fruit of the Spirit. (Gal. 5:22-23). Apostle Paul moved in the miraculous but also had a proven character. He speaks of Timothy the same way: Philippians 2:20-22 (NKJV)
20 For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father, he served with me in the gospel. The best way to keep a knife sharp is to sharpen it regularly. The same is true with the Word of God in our daily lives. To stay sharp, we need to be in God’s Word. Isaiah 28:10 (NKJV)-10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line, Here a little, there a little.”To be discerning and watchful, we must renew our minds daily with God’s Word and develop godly character. It does not ( 2 Peter 1:5-9) mean to be critical and judgmental of people and ministries. We need to walk in love and pray, but love never compromises the truth of God’s Word. It’s easy to get into a ditch on both sides of the road, doctrinally and practically. A healthy diet of God’s Word and fellowship with believers will protect us from deception. We need to guard our hearts with all diligence.
I think that is why Apostle Paul prayed so much for the Body of Christ to remain pure in their devotion to Christ, to maintain the purity of doctrine and teaching, and to reach people for Christ. To keep the main thing the main thing. Let us be tender, teachable, and transparent. There are a lot of good and fruitful ministries out there that love Jesus and the Word of God and have sound character. They have proven themselves and their ministries. It takes time to get to know teachers, prophets, and ministries.( 1Thess. 5:12). It starts in the Local Church. Christians who are unchurched, who tend to be transient, are usually the ones who are susceptible to deception and error. They also tend to be more critical and judgmental. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV)-24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
We need to be wary of ministries that bring some special revelation. (2 Cor.11:13-15). Far-out doctrines that twist the Word of God ( 2 Peter 3:16, Jude 1:4). Apostle Peter said the people are untaught and unstable. They hold to a revelation that no one has had before. It is only for a select few. Those who have great spiritual insight that others don’t have. They come across as high-minded, knowing more than a seasoned minister of the gospel. We need to be cautious towards those who bring a message of doom, destruction, and death. That God is angry, judging, and sentencing us to our doom. There will be a time of judgment, but we are living in the dispensation of grace because of Jesus. Grace is not an excuse to sin. Sin brings consequences. There is the law of sowing and reaping. Spiritual drifters, those with no spiritual ties or roots, no Church or pastor to vouch for them, a reputation that cannot be verified, must also be cautious about.
It would be good to remember two people whom Apostle John wrote about in his letters. 3 John 1:9 (AMP)-9 I have written briefly to the church; but Diotrephes, who likes to take the lead among them and put himself first, does not acknowledge my authority and refuses to accept my suggestions or to listen to me. The other is: 3 John 1:12 (AMP)-12 Demetrius has warm commendation from everyone—and from the Truth itself; we add our testimony also, and you know that our testimony is true. You may move in the power and gifts of God, but having no character is a dangerous mix. Only biblical truth and godly character can support a ministry that is fruitful and lasts. Demetrius was the total opposite. Diotrephes was all about himself. Self-promoting. He wanted to be in the limelight. He was rebellious to John’s authority, and he wouldn’t receive the brethren. He spoke evil and was slanderous towards them.
In closing, in the Church world today, controversy surrounds such topics as “Law (legalism) and grace”, God’s Judgment, End Times, Miracles, and the Gifts of the Spirit for today, Speaking in tongues, prosperity, and healing. We are also dealing with wokeness and progressive ideologies in culture. The lines of morality are clouded and distorted. Good is called evil, evil is called good. Isaiah 5:20 (NKJV)-20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! “What the world needs now is love, sweet love”. Yet love without biblical truth spells danger and demise! In the above topics, we need to ask ourselves. What does the Bible teach in its entirety about them? Are we willing to abandon our so-called denominational teachings, our personal preferences, and pet doctrines? Holy Spirit, show me the truth revealed in God’s holy Word. Help me to walk in truth! 3 John 1:3-4 (NKJV)-3 For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth.4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
In Christ’s Love;
Brent and Linda Bushen
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