Today's Reading:
Isaiah 28:14-30:11
2 Peter 2:1-22
Psalm 142:1-7
Click on Text Link to Read Online
Focus Verses:
2 Peter 2:1-3
1 But
there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will
be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive
heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing
swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3 In
their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have
made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their
destruction has not been sleeping.
Insight:
In
the first chapter of this short letter, Peter says the testimony of
the prophets and the apostles is trustworthy and inspired by God. In
the second chapter he warns of false teachers who invent their stories
and teachings. He says that false teachers are marked by: 1) their
denial of God's sovereignty; 2) their shameful ways; and 3) their
greed and exploitation of others.
Peter urged
Christians to exercise discernment. Not everyone who claims to be
teaching the truth of God is doing so. Followers of Jesus must be
careful that they are not lead astray by so-called prophets and
teachers. Truth stands up to questioning. Having faith does not mean
being gullible. Well-placed faith looks for reasons to believe.
Response and Action:
I
need to be careful about whom I listen to and whom I follow. I want to
follow Jesus, so I will study the Scriptures carefully everyday. I
will hold every teaching and story I hear up to the light of Christ's
teaching and example. I will be on guard against every teaching that
diminishes God or questions the lordship of Jesus. I will evaluate
teachers and leaders with a critical mindset and watch out for any
indicators of greed, exploitation, or other selfish motives.
O
God, your word is sharper than a two edged sword -- able to cut
through the attitudes and motives of the heart. Give me a growing love
for your written word and the discipline to study and meditate upon it
each day. Thank you for Jesus, the Living Word. Help me to follow him
closely and to become so familiar with his words, his actions, and his
life that I am able to clearly recognize and reject anything that
runs contrary to his way. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: 1 John 4:11
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to
see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone
out into the world.
Resources:
God Talk: Cautions for Those Who Hear God's Voiceby Ruth Tucker
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