It's Motivational, But Is It Sound Doctrine?

This morning I woke up with this word on my heart: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” Matthew 7:15

We have to be careful what teaching and preaching we are listening to. There are many who claim to be servants of God, preaching in the name of Jesus, who are not preaching the Word of God. What they say will sound good and motivational, but it will not be sound doctrine. These teachers have become tools in the hands of the enemy to feed people who no longer want to listen to sound and wholesome teaching. People will follow these teachers because they follow their own desires, and are looking for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. May we never allow ourselves to become itchy ear Christians. (2 Timothy 4:2)

We need to follow the example of the Berean people that Paul and Silas preached to. These people eagerly listened to Paul’s teaching; however, they searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. We too should see if what we are being taught is truly the Word of God. (Acts 17:11)

We have the Spirit of Truth living inside of us, the Holy Spirit. He is our Teacher who will guide us into all truth. (John 14:17, 15:36) The Spirit of God testifies about Christ, so when we hear teaching that does not line up with the Word of God, we can trust the Holy Spirit to gently nudge us. It will be like a red flag going up in our spirit that says, ‘You need to check that out. Compare it with the Word. Dig deeper.’

Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. Don’t believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. (Colossians 2:8-10, I John 4:1-3)

When receiving teaching, here are some things to consider:

• Is it Christ centered? – Do they mention Christ? Is He just a prophet or teacher? Do they confess Him as Lord?

“So I want you to know that no one speaking by the Spirit of God will curse Jesus, and no one can say Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:3, 1 John 4:2-3

• Does it direct us to the Word? – Are they walking you through the bible? Do they have their own translation? Do they direct you to search truth somewhere other than the bible?

Someone may say to you, “Let’s ask the mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead. With their whisperings and mutterings, they will tell us what to do.” But shouldn’t people ask God for guidance? Should the living seek guidance from the dead?

Look to God’s instructions and teachings! People who contradict his word are completely in the dark. Isaiah 8:19-20

• Does it preach repentance of sin? – Does it help people see their sinful state and need for the Savior?

“Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.” Acts 3:19 “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” Matthew 4:17

• Does it build up the church? – Does it help you grow in your knowledge of Christ and faith? Does it prepare you for service?

“Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do His work and build up the church, the body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-12

• Is it governed by love? – Does it teach to love and serve others? Does it create a love for righteous? Does it lovingly correct and admonish?

“But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” 1 John 4:8, 1 Timothy 6:11, Matthew 22:39, Hebrews 12:6

• Does it set you free from the law? – Free from following a set of rules? Free from traditions or religion?

“For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s grace.” Galatians 5:4

There will be those that are false apostles, deceitful teachers, and false prophets who will try to present themselves as servants of God. They will show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible even the elect. We must test those who say they are teachers of Christ, and be sure that we abide only in His teachings. Don’t just receive anyone’s teaching, but let it be confirmed by God's Word and by His Spirit in you. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15, Matthew 24:24-25)

Do You Walk the Talk?

“We try to live in such a way that no one will ever be offended or kept back from finding the Lord by the way we act, so that no one can find fault with us and blame it on the Lord. In fact, in everything we do we try to show that we are true ministers of God.” 2 Corinthians 6:1-4

Our lives are living testimonies of our faith. The way we act, our speech, our attitude, our level of patience and understanding, our reaction to persecution, trials and problems are a witness to others of what we truly believe. We can claim to be Christians to those around us, but do our lives reflect true faith and submission to the Word of God? What influence are we really having on those around us?

How we live will either draw people to the Lord or keep them from finding Him. If unbelievers find fault with our lives then they will blame it on the Lord and reject the message of the Gospel. I know from personal experience that there are those people who will always try to find fault in us. However, we are still to prove ourselves to be true Christians by living blameless lives, knowing the Word of God, and staying true to the Lord even through persecution. Read what Paul says below.

“We have proved ourselves to be what we claim by our wholesome lives and by our understanding of the Gospel and by our patience. We have been kind and truly loving and filled with the Holy Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 6:6

“We stand true to the Lord whether others honor us or despise us, whether they criticize us or commend us. We are honest, but they call us liars. The world ignores us, but we are known to God” 2 Corinthians 6:8-9

Witnessing to others is more than just passing out tracks and going out in groups to share the Gospel. We are witnessing all the time to those around us with the way we live our lives and conduct our business. That is why it is imperative that we “Walk the Talk” being doers of the Word, not just hearers. If we are living daily to please God by obeying His Word and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us, others around us will notice. They will see the love of God in us and the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control). We become living testimonies to everyone around us of the power of God.

Paul’s life was proof to those that he ministered to that his message was truly from God. When Paul brought the Good News to the Thessalonians, it was not just meaningless chatter to them, no, they listened with great interest. What he told them produced a powerful effect upon them because the Holy Spirit gave them full assurance that what he said was true. Paul’s life was further proof to them of the truth of the message. So they also became followers of the Lord, becoming living examples to all the other Christians and unbelievers in Greece. (1 Thessalonians 1:4-10)

When our friends, family, and co-workers see our wholesome lives they will be more willing to receive our message from the Holy Spirit. We may even be the one who gets to reap the harvest of leading them to the Lord. Let us all walk the talk and prove ourselves to be what we claim to be, followers of Christ Jesus

Instructions On How To Minister To Others

Quietly trust yourself to Christ your Lord and if anyone asks why you believe as you do, be ready to tell him, and do it in a gentle and respectful way. (1 Peter 3:15)

We all have friends and family that we long to be delivered from the hands of the enemy. The Lord has put it on our hearts to want to see them receive the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ and start living life more abundantly. With the power of the Holy Spirit we can lovingly and gently lead our confused or blinded loved ones to the Lord. However, it is important to remember that we are to minister to them with a meek, gentle, and patient attitude. They will be more willing to receive what we have to say if we are truly courteous and respectful. (1 Peter 3:15)

The Holy Spirit will give us direction, wisdom, and discernment as to how we are to handle each individual situation. Asking the Lord to give us the words to speak when we are trying to share the gospel is a must. This person needs more of Christ and less of us. If we are lead by the Spirit of Love then when the opportunity presents it’s self we will make the most of it by being wise and allowing our conversation to be gracious as well as sensible. Then we will have the right answers for them. (Colossians 4:5-6)

Remember that we are not in a battle against flesh and blood, but against unseen spirits that influence and manipulate anyone who is not careful. The enemy does not want to allow these precious souls to be freed from the bondage that he has them in. He will try to create an atmosphere of division and confusion. Therefore we must be careful, wise as serpents but gentle as doves avoiding getting into quarrels or arguments with those we are trying to help. For when we are angry we give a foothold to the devil. (Matthew 10:16, Titus 3:2, James 5:8, Ephesians 4:27)

Through Paul, the Holy Spirit gave Timothy very specific instructions as to how to minister to those who were confused about the truth.

2 Timothy 3:23-26 says, Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish arguments which only upset people and make them angry. God’s people should not be quarrelsome; they must be gentle, patient teachers of those who are wrong. Be humble when you are trying to teach those who are mixed up concerning the truth. For if you talk meekly and courteously to them they are more likely, with God’s help, to turn away from their wrong ideas and believe what is true. Then they will come to their senses and escape from Satan’s trap of slavery to sin which he uses to catch them whenever he likes, and then they can begin doing the will of God.

Let us also follow these instructions and share the Word of God humbly, patiently, and courteously so that we may bring glory to God.

Lord, please help us to be patient and gentle when ministering to others. Give us the wisdom, self control, and words to speak that will help these individual receive the Truth. Please don’t allow their hearts to be hardened. Let them see Christ in us and let them desire to know Him also. In Jesus name. Amen.

King Solomon - One of My Favorite Father's

One of my favorite father’s in the bible is King Solomon. I can see him in the movie screen of my mind walking through the palace talking with his son. “My son, never forget the things I’ve taught you. If you want a long and satisfying life, closely follow my instructions.” (Proverbs 3:1-2) He wanted to impart wisdom to his son. He wanted his children to develop good judgment and common sense. (Proverbs 4:5) He was specific in the advice that he gave explaining the benefits of wisdom.

“The person who has Wisdom.. is loyal and benefits with a long and satisfying life."
"The person who has Wisdom.. is kind and finds favor with God and people."
"The person who has Wisdom..trusts the Lord and has a reputation for good judgment."
"The person who has Wisdom..puts God first and has success."
"The person who has Wisdom..turns his back on evil and has health & vitality."
"The person who has Wisdom..knows right from wrong and has riches, honor,pleasure, peace."
"The person who has Wisdom..Listens, learns, & does what is right and has protection ."

(See Proverbs 3 & 4)


He spoke to his son about honoring the Lord with his money (Proverbs 3:9-10), debt (Proverbs 3:27-28), meditating on the Word (Proverbs 4:20-22), warned against sex with prostitutes and encouraged faithfulness to his wife. (Proverbs 5:1-23)

Fatherhood is a great honor and privilege with great responsibility. The principles that Solomon taught his son can be applied in any lifetime. In fact ALL scripture is give of God, and is profitable for teaching, reproving, correcting, and instruction in righteousness; that the man (or woman) of God may be completely equipped for all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Fathers you can become the dad God wants you to be by meditating on the Word daily. If your earthly father did not set this example it is ok. God your Heavenly Father is the perfect role model. Let Him help you become the godly role model your children need so that they will learn to love the Lord with all their hearts and desire to do His will in their life.

May God give you a desire to search his Word and teach your children to reverence Him. In Jesus name..Amen.