On Guard
For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand. (Mark 13:22-23 ESV)
In sports there is an offense and defense. Some sports have players specifically dedicated to these tasks. There are different mindsets with different teams in different moments. There are times when a team will be more offensive minded. Especially with a weaker opponent. Others will be more defensive minded depending on the situation in the game.
Jesus, in his Olivet Discourse, reminds his followers to be on guard against false prophets and false messiahs. Notice he does not tell them to attack such people but rather “be on guard.” This is a more defense posture. It is tough to be a Christian when there are many false teachers around.
False teachers tend to be mostly truthful, but their lies create problems. Axioms like “follow your heart” or “God wants me to be happy” can be accepted as truth. These seemingly innocuous statements are dangerous and can lead the devout Christians astray.
When Paul tells us to put on the whole armor of God (Eph 6:10-18), all the pieces are defensive except for the Sword which is the Word of God. Just a quick reminder the Word of God is Jesus, and the Bible is the revelation of the Word of God. We should take time to understand how each part of the armor Paul mentioned works together to protect us.
How do you defend yourself against false teachers, prophets, and messiahs? How would you know? Where is your weak spot and how can you strengthen it?
In sports there is an offense and defense. Some sports have players specifically dedicated to these tasks. There are different mindsets with different teams in different moments. There are times when a team will be more offensive minded. Especially with a weaker opponent. Others will be more defensive minded depending on the situation in the game.
Jesus, in his Olivet Discourse, reminds his followers to be on guard against false prophets and false messiahs. Notice he does not tell them to attack such people but rather “be on guard.” This is a more defense posture. It is tough to be a Christian when there are many false teachers around.
False teachers tend to be mostly truthful, but their lies create problems. Axioms like “follow your heart” or “God wants me to be happy” can be accepted as truth. These seemingly innocuous statements are dangerous and can lead the devout Christians astray.
When Paul tells us to put on the whole armor of God (Eph 6:10-18), all the pieces are defensive except for the Sword which is the Word of God. Just a quick reminder the Word of God is Jesus, and the Bible is the revelation of the Word of God. We should take time to understand how each part of the armor Paul mentioned works together to protect us.
How do you defend yourself against false teachers, prophets, and messiahs? How would you know? Where is your weak spot and how can you strengthen it?
Recent
Archive
2024
March
How Will We Know When Jesus is Coming Back? Blessing When the World is EndingDaily Devotional ThoughtsOn GuardWalking with JesusIdolatry?WatchA Ritual to Read to Each OtherEyes to SeeSleepers AwakeHoly Week ServicesAwake and AwareTrue or False?How Will You Respond?Those Winter SundaysAnointingSweetly BrokenEverythingThe WomenPrudenceMark 14:12-31Blessing the BodyPassoverPalm SundayHoly Monday - JudgementHoly TuesdayHoly WednesdayMaundy ThursdayGood FridayHoly SaturdayEaster Sunday
April
StillnessDo Not Be AfraidStill Walking AroundAsleepGethsemaneAgony in the GardenStay With MeBetrayedMountains and ValleysDead AsleepAbandonedSonnet for PeterIn the SilencePeter Denies JesusThe PoserAfter the SilenceWesleyHanded OverBarabbasThe CrowdsMan of SorrowsJesus is DeliveredPilate ListenedMocking JesusCrucifiedThe Dream of the RoodPsalm 22ForsakenSeeingServanthood
May
Cruciform LoveGo and Make DisciplesUphillMark 28: 16-20NobodyHead and HeartWith UsEmpty CaloriesAnd Awe Came Upon ThemWonderful HarmonyThe New ChurchWe Are One in the SpiritLord, We PrayTogetherReading the GospelsBe Strong and CourageousBenjamin West, 1800Online ResourcesKeep My WordTell the StoryBraveIntroducing IsaiahIsaiah OverviewWhen and WhereWeekly ExamenIsaiah 1Who is God? Who are we?JudgementCurrent EventsThe Proud Will be HumbledWho is Exalted?
No Comments