#BoldBeliefDevotional by Paul Natekin
Key Bible Verse:
“Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many…Many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.” — Matthew 24:4-5, 11 (NIV)
Have you ever found yourself questioning the teachings you hear in church or from Christian leaders? It’s natural to wonder if we can truly trust every message we receive, especially when the world is filled with so many voices claiming to speak for God.
Apologetic Insight:
(from Greek ἀπολογία, ‘speaking in defense’) Defending and explaining faith with reason and evidence.
Jesus himself warned us of the danger of deception. In Matthew 24:4-5, 11, He tells His followers to be vigilant because many will come in His name, deceiving others with false claims. This warning from Christ underscores a sobering truth: Christians can be deceived. J. Warner Wallace, a former cold-case detective turned apologist, emphasizes, “We must be like detectives, examining the evidence of Scripture to discern truth from falsehood.”
Norman Geisler also notes in his work, “Deception is not just a possibility; it is a reality that has plagued the church since its inception. We must guard against it by grounding ourselves in the Word of God.”
The key verse from Matthew highlights Jesus’ concern for our spiritual well-being. It’s not merely about recognizing false prophets but about understanding that our faith requires active discernment. The apostle Paul echoes this in 2 Corinthians 11:2-3, warning against being led astray from sincere devotion to Christ. Paul knew that even the early church was not immune to doctrinal deception.
Encouragement & Application:
Remember, Jesus wouldn’t have warned us if there was no risk of being deceived. Here’s what you can do:
- Dive into Scripture: Regularly engage with the Bible. Don’t just read it; study it with the intent to understand God’s truth.
- Seek Wise Counsel: Find mentors or leaders who are grounded in the Word and can guide you through doubts or confusing teachings.
- Be Critical Thinkers: Don’t accept everything at face value. Use the tools of reason and logic to examine teachings against the truth of Scripture.
Reflection Questions:
- How can you incorporate regular Bible study into your daily life to guard against deception?
- What steps can you take to ensure you’re not following a false prophet or teacher?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Word, which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Help us to be vigilant against deception, to discern Your truth, and to stay firmly rooted in Your teachings. Grant us wisdom to recognize false doctrine and the courage to stand firm in our faith. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
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