Key building blocks of our Faith

Galatians 1:11-12

“For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.”

These words come from the heart of God through the mouth of the apostle Paul, and are key building blocks of our faith.  My pastor often says the interpretation of Scripture is not mine, nor is it yours, but God’s, for there is only one interpretation of the Scriptures.  Yet from the beginning of Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles, a group called the Judaizers in- filtrated these new Gentile churches and brought a new doctrine or a new interpretation of the Scriptures, it was a Jesus plus gospel.  We find it recorded in Acts 15:1, “But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”  

So is there any wonder why we have false teachers in 2014?  Some may just be ignorant of the Scriptures, others may have grown-up in a false doctrine that sounds good but has no Scripture to back up its teachings, and these teachers are as dangerous as the one who is in it for personal gain.  Dr. John MacArthur gives this instruction on watching out and testing a teacher, and any teachers that would tell you not to follow these instructions, are very dangerous people.
How Is the Teacher Using Scripture?
Is there error in his understanding of Scripture? Is his interpretation sound? Is it biblical? Is it legitimate? Don’t look at his personality. Don’t look at the religious trappings. Don’t only look only at his associations, although that will tell you something if those associations are negative. Listen to what he says. Do what 1 John 4:1 says: test him to see if he’s from God. What is his approach to Scripture? Is he teaching things that go beyond Scripture? Is he saying things that sound good but you can’t find verses to support it?
What Is the Teacher’s Goal?
Does he have a spiritual goal? Is his primary desire in life to produce people who consummately love God? Or is he characterized by self-love, self-aggrandizement, possessiveness, and materialism? What is his objective? Is it love for God and for everyone else? Is his objective holiness, a pure heart, a good conscience, and faith without hypocrisy?
What Is the Teacher’s Motive?
Does he demonstrate a selfless motive? Can you see humility, meekness, and selflessness in his life? Or does it appear that while he’s helping others he is also becoming quite wealthy? Is he self-indulgent at the expense of the people he is supposed to be ministering to?
D. What Is the Teacher’s Effect?
Does his followers clearly understand the gospel of Jesus Christ? Do they understand the proper use of the law?
Check his doctrine, check his goal, check his motive, and check his followers. As you do, you’ll sense the need for urgency in dealing with false teachers.
In closing we have this council from 2 Peter 2:1, “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.”
From the Back Porch,
Bob Rice