Testing, Testing..

“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

It is increasingly easy in this digital age to find many religious and spiritual teachings and sermons purporting to be Christian.

Paul warns us to be careful that we don’t get cheated out of the truth of what Jesus has done for each one of us through His death on the Cross and resurrection by human reasoning and worldly ways.

We have been saved, redeemed and given new life by the grace of God, our sins paid and it is a gift freely given and received by faith in what Jesus has already done. Jesus has secured the victory over death and sin and defeated satan and Jesus is coming again.

It’s good to test teachings and ideas especially new “revelations” by asking ourselves these key questions which Paul observes in these verses.

Is this teaching fully in line with the truth of the gospel of Jesus or is it adding or taking away from what the Bible teaches us about Jesus. Is it man made ideas.

Does it require or encourage me to do anything which Jesus has already done giving the impression that it’s reliant on me. Is this teaching more about me -centred thinking or empowerment rather than pointing me to Jesus to rely on Him and accept who He is and what He has done.

Is this teaching introducing any element of worldly thinking or encouraging me to conform to the world’s ways rather than Jesus’ commandments and teachings.

Is this teaching glorifying man or glorifying God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

If we have any doubts then first check what is taught against scripture and discuss it through with other believers, a Pastor, leader or mature believer. Seek out the truth until you are satisfied.

It’s wise to ask questions and not just accept what we hear or read especially if we rely on reputation or endorsement from others. We must test for ourselves.

I’m struck by Paul’s words..”cheat you”. That’s what false teaching does.

It cheats us out of the truth of Jesus, His accomplishments and His fulfillment of all Scripture.

We are cheated out of the incredible and life changing power of the gospel of Jesus Christ working in and through us.

False teaching dilutes and distorts the power of the gospel.

Have you been cheated into believing something that is false.

Many of us have discovered deception masquerading as truth as we journey in faith.

It’s never too late to take a re-check and renounce any false beliefs or teaching.

I don’t want to be cheated and I’m sure you don’t too.