Today’s Reading, Matthew 24-25
Focal Scripture: Matthew 24:24 “For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.”
We get many warnings in scripture but this might be one of the ones that gets ignored the most. It is easy to spot a false messiah because scripture tells us that nobody knows when Jesus will return. We also know that Jesus coming will be very obvious and preceded by specific signs and wonders. False prophets are harder to discern because men have become skilled at communication and smooth talk. Some men are even good at convincing others of untruths to gain an advantage.
In today’s reading Jesus is clearly saying that false teachers and messiahs will come. They will be so convincing that others will be lead astray. If Jesus warned us of this problem then we should take notice and address it with those we are discipling. The problem happens when false teachers can’t be distinguished from the good teachers.
So how does one find out who is a false teacher? The obvious ways are these: people who go against the teachings of scripture. These include denying Jesus divinity, the atonement of Jesus death, and even requiring works for salvation. False teachers who give some scripture with a bunch of opinions are easy to miss. They look the part but make more of themselves than they do the scriptures. Messages are focused on personal opinions and sports. I know you might be saying “Allen, that is a pretty tough standard to follow.” I would answer it is supposed to be a tough standard.
We are told to Preach the Word. We are not told to entertain people to make them comfortable. False teaching happens when the audience is considered more important than the message that is being delivered. Yes, illustrations and stories have a place in a message. However, if your story is remembered more than the scriptures that person needs to analyze why they are teaching.
Every pastors goal is to make much of Jesus from the scriptures and then be forgotten. False teachers get a foothold in churches because they are entertaining but not scripturally relevant. I always challenged teenagers to ask a simple question when evaluating a sermon and a preacher. If Jesus is not the main focus of the message then it is false teaching.
So are you a false teacher? Do you lead people astray by what you declare? Or maybe you are under a false teacher who tells stories more than they dive into the word. We must stop shallow Christianity in our churches and our pulpits. After all that is how false teachers gain an audience when people are looking for something to believe in but are lead astray.
Be a person who knows how to look for false teachers and call them out when necessary.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Matthew 26
