Lies With a Hint of Truth

Scripture:
Acts 20:22-32

Writing my devotional thoughts is one thing.  Writing them and sharing them is another.  Matthew 18:6 (NIV) states: “If anyone causes one of these little ones those who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”  It is important for us to share God’s word with others.  It is crucial for us to ensure those we are around are not led astray.  We must teach the truth and help others see false teachings for what they are. 

After having lunch repeatedly with someone I have seen Satan’s perversion of the truth.  Satan will come at you with partial lies.  He mixes in just enough truth that people will believe what he says to be truth.  What is said sounds good and it has the ring of truth in it.   It makes sense so how can it be wrong.  One example in the bible is Eve.  In Genesis Satan comments that surely she wouldn’t die if she ate the apple.  Then when she ate the forbidden fruit she didn’t die.  Or did she die after all?  Her physical life was not ended but her relationship with God was forever changed.  She experienced death in the complete separation from God.  Salvation, or life restored would come with the birth, life, and death of Christ.  His resurrection gives victory to all who believe, life restored with God.

In Acts 20:29-30 (NIV) we are given a warning “I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.  Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.”  Each of us needs to be on full alert constantly on guard.  False teachers and false disciples will try to slip in and draw anyone they can away from God.  Their teachings will be subtle and sound truthful.  In the end though it will be revealed for what it is.  We need to help reveal false teachings when it is evident.  We need to help others see the truth and remain in Christ. 

There are a few things to remember when it comes to teaching God’s word, or hearing someone teaching His word.  Is it consistent with the Bible?  Does it contradict anything in the Bible?  Does it change?  If ever in doubt pray and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit.  One thing is for sure, I never want to get it wrong.  I want to ensure what I share is securely founded in Christ.