Since the beginning of time, man has always had those who were willing to tell them what they want to hear rather than tell the truth (Gen. 3:4). Now, before we get upset with those rascals that tell such lies, remember this, no one has the ability to make you believe a lie. As much as we might be angered with what the serpent said to Eve, it was Eve who listened and accepted the false words.

Sadly religious leaders are not immune to doing the same thing as the serpent. There are far too many examples in the Bible of religious teachers telling lies and many more who were willing to listen. So this begs the question, are those you are listening to, that are teachers of the Bible, actually teaching you the truth? Do not be quick to respond with a yes, based upon the following:

He wouldn’t lie to me!

You are deceiving yourself if you think a religious person will not teach you false doctrine. I am not saying all teachers of the Bible lie. If that were truth then I would be wasting my time writing this article. It would seem odd for me to teach you the truth, yet saying it’s a lie. The truth is, many have lie, are lying, and will continue to do so. There are many false prophets in the world (I Jn. 4:1). Keep in mind that you may be lied to unintentionally. After all, most teachers that are teaching error are only uttering the very things they have been taught. When that happens, the blind are leading the blind (Matt. 15:14).

He uses the Bible!

It’s one thing to use the Bible, it’s another matter altogether to use it properly. Peter spoke of those who twist the scriptures to their own destruction (II Pet. 3:16).  It was our Lord who would tell those leaders that taught God’s word, “Have you not read…” (Matt. 12:3). Did this mean they didn’t know any scripture? No. It means they didn’t study carefully, or they didn’t handle it properly as we are commanded to (II Tim. 2:15). So, don’t let your guard down and just assume you are being taught the truth based upon the fact the teacher uses the Bible.

He is such a nice person!

Too often people think with their heart and not with their head. There is a reason why Solomon stated, “It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear foolish flattery.” (Eccl. 7:5). Sadly, people fall prey to praise and will turn a blind eye when the individual who has been so nice to them is accused of teaching false doctrine. Such people are so “loving” and “kind” until someone calls their hand, then they can become the most unloving person one has ever met.

He is such an excellent speaker!

Like the points we have already given, people have a tendency to let down their guard when they put so much stock in how something is taught, rather than on what is taught. The apostle Paul was very much aware of this kind of behavior. He told the brethren at Corinth that he made it a point to not to preach with persuasive words of human wisdom (I Cor. 2:4). It isn’t about the presentation. The focus ought to be on the message, since it contains the power unto salvation (Rom. 1:16).

It is easily to succumb to being a man-follower. After all, if you put your trust in man, you can simply rest your hopes on him and don’t concern yourself with having to spiritually discern. There is little effort required to let someone do the thinking for you.  May we think for ourselves and demand what we need!

Chuck

How sharp are you? 

Most readers have probably never been asked the title’s question before. However, it is something we all ought to consider. This thought comes from the text in Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”  Now we can see why it is important that we be sharp.

Knowing that iron can help iron get sharp when rubbed together, we ought to rub off on our friends. Let’s consider ways we can help others better themselves.

Help them with their speech

You cannot be friends with someone you do not talk to. Conversations between good friends have a natural flow, so we know their “truest” speech. Because we know them so well, we can help our friends speak properly by using our own tongues properly. The Proverb writer penned, “Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips,” (27:2). When our words praise others and not self, we are teaching a valuable lesson. When your friends learn this, they will do the same and then you sharpen each other.

Help them accept kindness

The best way to lead anyone, especially our friends, is by example. It is good to do things for others, but we must also be willing to accept help from time to time. Seeing you accept help will be an example for your friends on how to overcome their own pride (Prov. 16:18).

It takes a humble person to show genuine gratitude for what was done for them. We demonstrate appreciate with a handshake and the words “Thank you so much.” Or we might offer an unsolicited act of kindness in return. When they learn from your example, iron sharpens iron!

Help them learn to acknowledge their errors

This point also relates to pride. Nobody enjoys admitting that they were wrong about something, especially in front of friends. However, being willing to admit you were wrong shows you have an open mind and are more interested in truth than in defending a known lie (Prov. 14:5). If you want your friends to have a love for the truth, hone this skill because iron sharpens iron.

Help them see your priorities

True friends enjoy being with each other, and they know what is most important to each other. When a friend sees you turn down an opportunity to enjoy something fun that they know you love in order to do something more important, they will see you live out a great lesson (Prov. 10:9-10).  A true friend is willing to show their love for the Lord and provide for his family spiritually, emotionally and physically (I Tim. 5:8). Demonstrating this consistently will have iron sharpening iron.

Help them provide sound correction to others

In some ways, this point might seem to be the easiest. Recognizing error is generally easy, but pointing this out to a friend can be difficult. Consider again these words from Proverbs: “He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward than he who flatters with the tongue,” (28:23).  We can also find a good summary thought in Proverbs as well: “He who walks with the wise men will be wise. But the companion of fools will be destroyed,” (13:20). Keep these verses in mind as you ponder how sharp you truly are.

                                                                                               Chuck