Don't Be Deceived

If all we do is hear God's Word, we become deceived (James 1:22). 

We need to look at it intently, study it, and live it (James 1:25). 

We recognize error only when we have a mature and growing knowledge of God. 

Colossians 2:4 warns us against being deceived by arguments that are persuasive, smooth, enticing, fine-sounding, well-crafted, sounding plausible.* 

How many students have been persuaded by a teacher to give up their "unscientific" creation beliefs (2 Peter 3:3-5)? 

How many Christians have been convinced by our immoral culture that homosexuality is right even though God calls it wrong (Romans 1:26-27)? 

How many Christians have accepted the popular secular teaching about esteeming self instead of the Biblical teaching about denying self (Matthew 16:24; 2 Timothy 3:1-5)?

Dear, Christians, there are thousands of false philosophies in our world. Let's prepare our minds for action (1 Peter 1:13).

"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." Colossians 2:8 
* how these arguments are described in various versions of the Bible

Bible Study

1. Getting to know God is a life-long pursuit that we should take seriously. Read and ponder how you can better apply the passages below:

 2 Timothy 2:15: Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 

James 1:25: But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it--not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it--they will be blessed in what they do.

I see these steps in James 1:25 regarding study of God's Word:
1. looking (reading)
2. continuing (regularly reading)
3. not forgetting (memorizing, reciting, re-reading)
4. doing (applying it to our lives)

2. Read all passages linked to the devotion and ask God to show you any areas where you are listening to false philosophies.

copyright 2016, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com