SOAP Devotional 2014-05-09

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SOAP Devotional 2014-05-09

Scripture – Observation – Application – Prayer

Scripture:

But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered. In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction will not be delayed. (2 Peter 2:1-3 NLT)

Observation:

Just like there were false prophets in Israel there will be false teachers among us. Their will always be counterfeits. Their lies and false teaching will deny the Master that they once served. This will bring about their own destruction. Sadly, many will follow their evil teaching and self gratifying shameful immorality. Because of these false teachers and their reputation people will reject and make fun of the true gospel. There greed will cause them to twist the scriptures to get you to give them your money. God condemned them already and their destruction will be swift.

Application:

The phrase “…even deny the Master who bought them…” lets us know that these false teachers did not start out that way. Many start serving God with good intentions only to get to a place where their own personal greed causes them to leave the truth. Often they are lured by other false teachers who seem to be caring ministers who convince them of false doctrines and abuses of prosperity doctrines among other things. Some are actually convinced by their own greed that this is truth. So how do we insure that this does not happen to us. Three things stand out to me. First we need to make sure new believers come under the authority of true men of God that have a heart to disciple and teach truth. Second, we must all weigh out doctrines we are taught by the full context of scriptures rather than cherry picked text that skew teaching to say what the teachers want rather than what it really says. Here is a tip on that. The word of God is not a self centered message. It is about serving and not being served. Nor is it about immoral living. Thirdly, we must remain accountable to godly men throughout our ministry lives. Iron sharpens iron.

Prayer:

God help me to not focus on my wants and desires. You take care of me better than I ever deserve, but that is your call and not mine. Help me to always remain accountable to godly men and help me to always teach the truth.

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