Charles Stanley (January-19-2021) Daily Devotional: Living Amidst False Teachers
Jude 1:17-19 – 17 But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, 18 that they were saying to you, In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.” 19 These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit.
Unsound teaching can be a danger in our Christian walk. Let’s learn to spot those who might lead us in the wrong direction. False teachers usually …
• Mock truth. That is, they attack or attempt to discredit the Word of God or the church. When presented in a passionate and intelligent-sounding way, anti-church sentiment can lure even the most sincere people to doubt the truth of Scripture.
• Follow unrighteous impulses. False teachers pick and choose verses to justify their sinful habits and desires. For them, the interpretation of Scripture is selective.
• Divide people. They try to appear superior to their listeners. Some claim an experience that elevates them to a “higher level,” while others profess a more advanced spirituality that no one else could ever achieve.
• Are worldly-minded. False teachers are not interested in teaching God’s Word. Instead, their focus is usually on what they can achieve, how many people will follow them, or how much they can earn through their teaching.
Spirit-led teachers recognize that humility and unity with their students is key (Phil. 2:1-4 – 1 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others). Lets pray for discernment to distinguish true teachers from misguided ones—and for only godly instruction to influence the church.
Sermon by Charles Stanley
Charles Frazier Stanley is Pastor Emeritus of First Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, having been senior pastor for 51 years. Born 25 September 1932 (age 88 years). Married to Anna Stanley, with Andy Stanley and Becky Stanley as children. He is the founder and president of In Touch Ministries, which widely broadcasts his sermons through television and served two one-year terms as president of the Southern Baptist Convention from 1984 to 1986.