The Trap of False Teachings

Scripture:
Revelations 2:14-17 (NIV)

Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.

Devotional:

False teachings are all over the place.  Sometimes they are very subtle and you may not even realize that what is being taught is false.  A friend of mine once shared about a pastor’s children’s moment in a church service.  The pastor sat down among the kids to teach about Jonah and the whale.  The pastor commented on Jonah’s tale as just being a fable or a fictional story.  That Jonah was never swallowed by a giant fish.  Another deception that is growing more in popularity in our society is the teaching about truth.  Perceptual truth is gaining popularity.  One of the biggest problems with this is it ignores absolute truth.  

What are some false teachings that you have heard that have a ring of truth to them?  What teachings have you come across that will lead you from God?  Satan’s goal is to lead God’s people away from Him.  Satan will do anything in his power to do so.  In our scripture for today God warns us not to go astray with false teachings.  He urges us to repent and follow Him.  If what is being taught does not hold true to the scriptures turn away.  Ensure what you teach also holds true to the Bible.  A good rule of thumb to follow is if in doubt check it out.  Compare what is being taught to what the Bible teaches.  In fact this is a good practice for anything being taught.  

Look at your life and what you believe.  Look at what you are being taught.  How does it hold against the test of scripture?  If it fails you need to abandon the teachings and turn back to the Bible.  If it is right in line with the Bible then you are OK.  Revelations 2:21 (NIV), “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.”