Error Vs. Maturity In Christ…Avoiding Deception

These men(false prophets and false teachers) are springs without water and midst driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. For they mouth empty, boastful words, and by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. (2 Peter 2:17,18 NIV)

Motivated!

Motivating Monday! A day to be motivated and a day when this scripture is most needed to be understood. Rising above corruption to function in God’s divine nature does not happen over night. However, if we never start studying God’s Word, we’ll never know. As false prophets and false teachers increase in our societies, leave the blackest darkness for them, while avoiding being enticed into lustful desires of sinful nature. So…who are these individuals living in error? Interesting…

Error

My heart is heavy for God’s church. What made the Pharisees feel threatened of Jesus? Did they recognize reality of power in Jesus Christ, before His disciples? When individuals become threatened, someone new enters with fresh excitement of the Messiah…like John the Baptist revealed. Scheming began immediately against Jesus. This past year, we saw a situation where a group crucified(figuratively speaking) a man of God- a pastor completely trustworthy, full of God’s Word. People in error find ways to scheme- removing threat of steadfast messages of the Messiah, holding God’s church accountable. I went back to visit this church over Christmas and it hit me- the pastor had been crucified and they cried out for Barabbas. A very sad situation, as I now see this pastor in the belly of a whale. How exciting his ministry will be when re-aligned with God’s wishes like Jonah. People in error mean to harm, God will use for good. If…we trust Jesus with entirety of situation.

Holiness

No one is perfect in the church, only Jesus Christ lived a perfect life. Yet, Jesus calls us to be holy, as He is holy. This is why we need mature leadership, full of God’s Word, operating in wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. We’ll never grow towards holiness without mature leadership. The world is not isolated with people scheming against others. Sadly, individuals in churches cause many to escape by default- they have not fully matured or sought to grow Word knowledge. Just as Pharisees knew- population outside of church know more about Christ-like actions, not seen in today’s church. Any error is reason enough for individuals seeking an escape vs. maturity in Christ. Dear friends, this we must take serious. Do not look to people, look to Jesus. Eyes on Jesus, removes distractions and the devil’s enticement. In Christ = True Freedom.

Be encouraged!