Discerning What is False

Discerning What is False

But the Pharisees said to Jesus, “When you talk about
yourself, you are the only one to say that these things are
true. So we cannot accept these things you say.” Jesus
answered, “Yes, I am saying these things about myself. But
people can believe these things I say. Why? Because I know
where I came from. And I know where I am going. But you don’t
know where I came from or where I am going. You judge me the
way people judge other people. I don’t judge any person. But
if I judge, my judging is true. Why? Because when I judge I
am not alone. The Father who sent me is with me.

— John 8:13-16 (ERV)

KEY THOUGHT:
At first glance, we rush past these passages on false teaching. In a culture where the only real value is tolerance, we don’t have much stomach for the possibility of dangerous false teaching. Jesus and his early followers knew there was a danger of false teaching. Just because Jesus was labeled a false teacher didn’t mean he wasn’t concerned about it. In fact, the accusations against him give us some tools for denoting false teachers. Do they do the work of God? Do we know where they came from? Have we seen the quality and character of their lives?
Is their judgment and discernment reflective of God’s truth? Jesus, when examined, shows himself to be true. Do these teachers who claim to come in his name?

TODAY’S PRAYER:
Father, I believe that Jesus is your standard of truth and righteousness. Please help me discern that truth in my life. Please help me guard my steps from those who claim to come in his name but who are false. Please guard my heart against those whose teaching does not come from you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

On this day…

• 2 Kings 11 – 2024
• 2 Kings 10 – 2024
• Christ is interceding on our behalf – 2011
• NECK OR NOTHING – 2009
• CAN YOU COME DOWN? – 2009
• THE OLD CROSS AND THE NEW – 2009
• one has begun to stop living – 2009
• Rejoice in knowing that you belong to God – 2009
• AND EVERY VIRTUE WE POSSESS – 2009
• God Gave Man a Harp – 2009