Date: 12-06-2020

Title: Naming Fraud

(S) cripture:
    Colossians 2:8 (NASB) See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.

(O) bservation:
    Paul is warning the believers to beware of those false preachers/teachers who appeal to our basic and sinful natures. Beware of those who use the power of their personality to deceive you with empty teaching.

(A) pplication:
    It seems that everywhere I turn recently I have been getting this same warning about false teachers. There seem to be more and more false teachers leading people away from the truth and into a lie. A large church or media following does not make what is taught, true. The scripture is clear about following Jesus by walking in faith by the power of the Holy Spirit. I am to square the faith I live and teach with the scripture. I cannot fall prey to these false teachers who promise God’s blessing for a monetary donation. Those who play into the self-centeredness of our culture must be warned against. It is my responsibility as pastor to sound this warning and to expose these false teachers. I must also be sure my preaching is sound and squares with God’s Word. I do not want to lead people astray.

(P) rayer:
    Lord let me walk close to you. Fill me with your Spirit so there is no room for selfish error. Let me preach only what is true from your Word. Help me to point people to you. Amen