Good Morning Friends,
“For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group. They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach -- and that for the sake of dishonest gain. Even one of their own prophets has said, ‘Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.’ This testimony is true. Therefore, rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of those who reject the truth.” (Titus 1:10-14)
Deception was a problem in Paul’s day, even as it is in ours. When someone comes along with an air of authority and confidence and a knowledge of enough Bible to be able to use it in what he says, people will follow. Jim Jones, the Hale-Bopp Comet cult, and dozens of other examples are enough to confirm that to us. People will believe some strange stuff. Whole families and groups of people are duped and ruined by such teachers.
Paul mentions several characteristics that are common among false teachers: their lives do not match what they teach (mere talkers), they are in it for what they can get out of it (for the sake of dishonest gain), they want to be in charge, not even submissive to God (rebellious), and they simply reject the truth for their lie.
It’s that final characteristic that provides the greatest safeguard for us and is the greatest challenge to us. If we know the truth, we cannot be led astray by the lies they tell. Jesus declared, “Your word is truth.” (John 17:17) And several other passages affirm that the message of Jesus is the “word of truth.” Knowing the truth -- knowing what the Bible teaches -- is the best safeguard against the false teaching that is so prevalent around us.
The liars and false teachers can be very persuasive with the smooth words, charismatic presence, and grand claims. The truth will set you free from their lies. Know the truth! Know the Bible!
His, by Grace,
Steve
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