Examine your teachers

Galatians 6:12-16

“It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.” (Galatians 6:12-16, ESV)

We often go to Galatians 2:14 where Paul is taking a stand against Peter’s action in the flesh, acting one way before (“certain men” came from Jerusalem who taught that Gentile believers needed to be circumcised and maintain Old Testament dietary laws in order to be accepted by God.) (From page 1615 HCSB)  These people were given a name, Judaizers, they being Jews who wanted the Gentiles who were converted to Christianity to follow the law; it was a Jesus plus teaching to gain God’s acceptance.

These false teachers are addressed often in the Scriptures by the apostle Paul, and he warns you and me in 2 Corinthians 11:3-4, about how the serpent deceived Eve, and it was a mind attack, and he has not changed his game plan of seduction, his end game is to steal your devotion to Christ.  Paul warns about someone coming with another Jesus, or you receive a different spirit, or a different gospel.  He goes on in verses 13-15, with this insight, “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.”

We, the followers of Christ in 2014, would be wise to examine our teachers by the written and living Word of God.  I enjoy studying from the English Standard Version, but I often will check it against the New American Standard, or the New King James, and ask my teacher the Holy Spirit to guide me into all truth, that is why Jesus sent Him as our Helper.  The one, the apostle John tells us about in John 10:10 has come to steal, kill and destroy, is very active in the culture of todays church.  So examine your teachers, your pastor or priest to make sure what is being taught is in line with Scripture.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice