Category Archives: False Prophets / Teachers

Discipline / Guidance From God, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, False Prophets / Teachers, Intgegrity / Honesty, Truth

A Call to Justice and Truth (Micah 3)

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What happens when leaders abandon justice and truth?

Micah 3 delivers a sharp rebuke to the leaders and prophets of Israel for their corruption and self-serving actions. It reminds us of God’s deep concern for justice, integrity, and truth, challenging us to examine how we lead and influence others.

Key Verse:
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” – Micah 6:8 (NASB)

Background Context:
Micah 3 exposes the moral decay of Israel’s leaders and prophets. These individuals, tasked with guiding the people in righteousness, instead pursued their own gain, exploiting the vulnerable. Their failure to lead with justice and truth provoked God’s judgment. Yet, Micah also stands as a model of faithfulness, empowered by the Spirit to declare God’s Word. This chapter warns us against selfish ambition and calls us to live with integrity and compassion.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Micah 3

Rulers Denounced

      1And I said,
“Hear now, heads of Jacob
And rulers of the house of Israel.
Is it not for you to know justice?

      2“You who hate good and love evil,
Who tear off their skin from them
And their flesh from their bones,

      3Who eat the flesh of my people,
Strip off their skin from them,
Break their bones
And chop them up as for the pot
And as meat in a kettle.”

      4Then they will cry out to the LORD,
But He will not answer them.
Instead, He will hide His face from them at that time
Because they have practiced evil deeds.

      5Thus says the LORD concerning the prophets who lead my people astray;
When they have something to bite with their teeth,
They cry, “Peace,”
But against him who puts nothing in their mouths
They declare holy war.

      6Therefore it will be night for you—without vision,
And darkness for you—without divination.
The sun will go down on the prophets,
And the day will become dark over them.

      7The seers will be ashamed
And the diviners will be embarrassed.
Indeed, they will all cover their mouths
Because there is no answer from God.

      8On the other hand I am filled with power—
With the Spirit of the LORD—
And with justice and courage
To make known to Jacob his rebellious act,
Even to Israel his sin.

      9Now hear this, heads of the house of Jacob
And rulers of the house of Israel,
Who abhor justice
And twist everything that is straight,

      10Who build Zion with bloodshed
And Jerusalem with violent injustice.

      11Her leaders pronounce judgment for a bribe,
Her priests instruct for a price
And her prophets divine for money.
Yet they lean on the LORD saying,
“Is not the LORD in our midst?
Calamity will not come upon us.”

      12Therefore, on account of you
Zion will be plowed as a field,
Jerusalem will become a heap of ruins,
And the mountain of the temple will become high places of a forest.

Reflection on Micah 3:

  • The Failure of Corrupt Leadership:
    The chapter opens with a condemnation of leaders who should have pursued justice but instead exploited the people (Micah 3:1-4). Their greed and indifference revealed hearts far from God. Are you using your influence to uplift others, or are you pursuing self-interest?
  • False Prophets and Their Deception:
    The false prophets of Micah’s time spoke words that aligned with their personal gain rather than God’s truth (Micah 3:5-7). This highlights the danger of prioritizing comfort over conviction. Are you discerning the voices you follow, ensuring they align with God’s Word?
  • Micah’s Faithful Witness:
    In contrast to the corrupt leaders, Micah boldly proclaims God’s Word, empowered by the Spirit (Micah 3:8). He exemplifies the courage and integrity needed to stand for truth. Are you seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance to live and speak with integrity?
  • God’s Judgment on Corruption:
    Micah warns that because of the leaders’ actions, Zion will be destroyed (Micah 3:9-12). This sobering reminder shows the consequences of ignoring God’s standards. Are you committed to pursuing justice and righteousness in all areas of your life?

Summary Key Points:

  • Leadership Requires Justice: Leaders are called to serve with integrity and compassion.
  • Beware of False Prophets: Test messages against God’s Word to avoid deception.
  • Boldly Speak the Truth: Rely on the Holy Spirit to proclaim God’s truth with courage.
  • Corruption Has Consequences: Ignoring God’s standards leads to judgment and destruction.
  • Live with Integrity: Reflect God’s character in your influence and actions.

Application:
Reflect on your areas of influence, whether in leadership, family, or community. Are you acting with justice, kindness, and humility? Surrender selfish ambition to God and ask for the Spirit’s guidance to live with integrity. Be intentional in discerning the voices you follow, ensuring they align with Scripture. Commit to standing boldly for truth, even in the face of opposition.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us to lead and live with integrity, justice, and truth. Forgive us for the times we have failed to reflect Your character. Empower us by Your Spirit to stand boldly for truth and to use our influence to uplift and serve others. Help us to discern Your voice and live in alignment with Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This devotional reminds us to pursue justice, live with integrity, and rely on the Spirit’s guidance to lead and influence others in alignment with God’s truth.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Discipline / Guidance From God, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, False Prophets / Teachers, Justice / Judgment, Protector / Deliverer

Warnings Against Oppression and False Security (Micah 2)

What happens when we put our trust in ourselves instead of in God?

Micah 2 reveals God’s judgment against those who exploit others for personal gain and warns against trusting in false prophets who deny the truth. It reminds us of God’s justice and His call for His people to walk in righteousness.

Key Verse:
“Woe to those who devise wickedness and work evil on their beds! When the morning dawns, they perform it, because it is in the power of their hand.” – Micah 2:1 (ESV)

Background Context:
Micah 2 continues the prophet’s message of judgment against Israel and Judah. The chapter highlights the sins of greed and exploitation, as the powerful abuse their authority to oppress the weak. It also addresses the danger of false prophets who lead people astray by offering messages of comfort instead of calling for repentance. Yet, amidst these warnings, God’s promise of restoration shines through, showing His faithfulness to His people.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Micah 2

Woe to Oppressors

1Woe to those who scheme iniquity,
Who work out evil on their beds!
When morning comes, they do it,
For it is in the power of their hands.

      2They covet fields and then seize them,
And houses, and take them away.
They rob a man and his house,
A man and his inheritance.

3Therefore thus says the LORD,
“Behold, I am planning against this family a calamity
From which you cannot remove your necks;
And you will not walk haughtily,
For it will be an evil time.

      4“On that day they will take up against you a taunt
And utter a bitter lamentation and say,
‘We are completely destroyed!
He exchanges the portion of my people;
How He removes it from me!
To the apostate He apportions our fields.’

      5“Therefore you will have no one stretching a measuring line
For you by lot in the assembly of the LORD.

      6‘Do not speak out,’ so they speak out.
But if they do not speak out concerning these things,
Reproaches will not be turned back.

      7“Is it being said, O house of Jacob:
‘Is the Spirit of the LORD impatient?
Are these His doings?’
Do not My words do good
To the one walking uprightly?

      8“Recently My people have arisen as an enemy—
You strip the robe off the garment
From unsuspecting passers-by,
From those returned from war.

      9“The women of My people you evict,
Each one from her pleasant house.
From her children you take My splendor forever.

      10“Arise and go,
For this is no place of rest
Because of the uncleanness that brings on destruction,
A painful destruction.

      11“If a man walking after wind and falsehood
Had told lies and said,
‘I will speak out to you concerning wine and liquor,’
He would be spokesman to this people.

      12“I will surely assemble all of you, Jacob,
I will surely gather the remnant of Israel.
I will put them together like sheep in the fold;
Like a flock in the midst of its pasture
They will be noisy with men.

      13“The breaker goes up before them;
They break out, pass through the gate and go out by it.
So their king goes on before them,
And the LORD at their head.”

Reflection on Micah 2:

  • The Sin of Exploitation:
    Micah condemns those who plan and carry out acts of oppression, seizing fields and homes from the vulnerable (Micah 2:1-2). This reflects a heart hardened by greed and a disregard for God’s commands to care for others. Are you examining your actions and attitudes to ensure they align with God’s call to love and justice?
  • God’s Justice Against Oppressors:
    God declares judgment against those who oppress others, warning that their sins will lead to their downfall (Micah 2:3-5). This reminds us that God sees all injustice and will hold the wicked accountable. Are you trusting in God’s justice, even when it feels delayed?
  • The Danger of False Prophets:
    False prophets in Micah’s time denied God’s judgment and encouraged complacency (Micah 2:6-7). Their soothing messages led people further into sin. Are you testing the messages you hear against God’s Word, ensuring they align with His truth?
  • God’s Promise of Restoration:
    Despite the harsh warnings, Micah 2 ends with a promise of hope. God will gather His remnant and lead them as their shepherd (Micah 2:12-13). This shows His unwavering faithfulness to His people. Are you finding hope in God’s promise of restoration, even in the midst of judgment?

Summary Key Points:

  • Oppression Grieves God: He calls His people to act justly and care for others.
  • God’s Justice Is Sure: He will hold the wicked accountable for their actions.
  • Beware of False Prophets: Test every message against God’s Word.
  • Hope in God’s Restoration: He is faithful to redeem and restore His people.
  • Walk in Righteousness: Align your life with God’s commands, reflecting His character.

Application:
Examine your actions and attitudes for any signs of greed or injustice, and seek to align your life with God’s call to righteousness. Test the messages you hear against Scripture, ensuring they reflect God’s truth. Trust in God’s justice and find hope in His promise to restore and lead His people.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your justice and mercy. Help us to live in a way that reflects Your righteousness, acting justly and loving others as You have commanded. Protect us from false messages that lead us astray and keep us anchored in Your truth. Thank You for Your promise of restoration and for being our faithful Shepherd. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Discerning / Judging, False Prophets / Teachers, Leadership, Love, Obeying God, Purposeful / Intentional, Rebuke Wrong Behavior

Holding Firm to Sound Doctrine (Titus 1)

What does it mean to live a life that reflects godly character and commitment to truth?

In Titus 1, Paul speaks to the importance of sound doctrine, godly leadership, and personal integrity. This chapter reminds us that a life grounded in God’s truth transforms our hearts, shapes our character, and impacts those around us.

Key Verse: “He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.” – Titus 1:9 (NIV)

Background Context: Paul writes to Titus, a young leader whom he left in Crete to oversee the church. Titus’ mission includes appointing elders, correcting false teachings, and encouraging believers to live in a way that reflects their faith. Paul highlights the importance of choosing leaders with godly character and emphasizes the need to hold firmly to sound doctrine. The chapter reminds us that our beliefs should align with our actions, and our lives should be a reflection of God’s truth and holiness.

(Summarized and continued after scriptures)

Titus 1

Salutation

     1Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, 2in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago, 3but at the proper time manifested, even His word, in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior,

      4To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

Qualifications of Elders

     5For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, 6namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. 7For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, 8but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, 9holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.

      10For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain. 12One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13This testimony is true. For this reason reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith, 14not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth. 15To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. 16They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.

Reflection on Titus 1:

  • The Importance of Godly Leadership: Paul begins by describing the qualities of an elder, emphasizing that leaders in the church must be “blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain” (Titus 1:7). Leadership is not just about ability or position; it’s about character and integrity. Leaders are to be examples, living in a way that reflects Christ. This message isn’t only for pastors and elders but for all believers who are called to lead by example in their communities and families. Are you living in a way that reflects godly character? Seek God’s help to cultivate integrity, kindness, and humility in every area of your life.
  • Holding Firm to Sound Doctrine: Paul instructs Titus to appoint leaders who will “hold firmly to the trustworthy message” (Titus 1:9). Sound doctrine is essential because what we believe shapes how we live. False teachings can lead us away from God’s truth, but when we know and embrace biblical doctrine, we can stand firm against opposition and guide others toward faith. Are you grounded in God’s Word? Make time to study Scripture regularly, allowing it to guide and shape your beliefs and actions.
  • Living Faithfully in a Fallen World: The people of Crete were known for dishonesty and moral compromise, but Paul encourages believers to live differently, setting themselves apart through godliness. He addresses the issue of hypocrisy in verse 16, stating, “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him.” This verse challenges us to consider whether our actions align with our faith. Are you allowing your faith to impact how you live daily? Let your love for God be reflected in every choice, making your life a testament to His truth.
  • Guarding Against False Teaching: Paul warns Titus about false teachers who “disrupt whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach” (Titus 1:11). These individuals were more concerned with personal gain than with God’s truth. Paul’s words remind us to be discerning about the messages we accept and to stay vigilant against teachings that do not align with Scripture. Be mindful of who you allow to influence your faith. When you encounter new teachings, weigh them against God’s Word, seeking His wisdom to discern truth from error.
  • Encouraging and Correcting with Love: Paul instructs leaders to encourage others by sound doctrine and to refute opposition in a way that builds up the church (Titus 1:9). Encouragement and correction are both essential in the life of a believer. By encouraging one another, we help each other grow in faith; by correcting one another with love, we help prevent missteps and protect the integrity of our faith. Are you using your words to build up others? Look for opportunities to share God’s truth in a loving way, encouraging others to walk faithfully with Him.

Summary Key Points:

  • Godly Character Matters in Leadership: Our actions should reflect Christ, whether we are leaders in the church or examples in our daily lives.
  • Sound Doctrine Is Essential: Knowing and holding onto biblical truth helps us stand firm and avoid being misled by false teachings.
  • Aligning Actions with Faith: Our lives should reflect what we believe, showing others the authenticity of our faith.
  • Be Vigilant Against False Teachings: Discernment is crucial in ensuring that what we believe aligns with Scripture.
  • Encourage and Correct in Love: Build others up by sharing truth and encouraging faithfulness, using both love and correction when necessary.

Application: Reflect on how your life reflects the truth of God’s Word. Are there areas where you need to grow in character, integrity, or faithfulness? Take time to deepen your understanding of sound doctrine by studying Scripture. Pray for discernment and for the courage to stand firm in God’s truth. Look for ways to encourage others in their faith, correcting gently when needed, and helping to build up the body of Christ.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word and the truth that guides us. Help us to hold firmly to sound doctrine and to live lives that reflect Your love and holiness. Strengthen our character and our faith so that we can be examples of Your grace to those around us. Give us discernment to recognize false teachings and wisdom to speak truth in love. May our lives honor You and build up others in faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Discerning / Judging, False Prophets / Teachers

Beware of False Prophets (Ezekiel 13)

Have you ever encountered someone claiming to speak for God, only to discover their message was deceptive and misleading? Sometimes they even tell you exactly what you want to hear, but it is not a message from God.

In Ezekiel 13, we confront the dangers of false prophets and the importance of discerning truth from falsehood in our spiritual journey.

Reconnect: In the preceding chapters of Ezekiel, we witnessed God’s warnings of impending judgment and the call to repentance for the people of Israel. In Ezekiel 13, the focus shifts to the presence of false prophets among the people, spreading lies and leading them astray from the truth.

Ezekiel 13: Ezekiel 13 opens with a stern rebuke against the false prophets who have arisen among the people of Israel. These prophets claim to speak on behalf of God, yet their messages are nothing but lies and deceit, causing the people to trust in falsehoods and reject the true word of the Lord.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 13

False Prophets Condemned

      1Then the word of the LORD came to me saying, 2“Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who prophesy, and say to those who prophesy from their own inspiration, ‘Listen to the word of the LORD! 3‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Woe to the foolish prophets who are following their own spirit and have seen nothing. 4“O Israel, your prophets have been like foxes among ruins. 5“You have not gone up into the breaches, nor did you build the wall around the house of Israel to stand in the battle on the day of the LORD. 6“They see falsehood and lying divination who are saying, ‘The LORD declares,’ when the LORD has not sent them; yet they hope for the fulfillment of their word. 7“Did you not see a false vision and speak a lying divination when you said, ‘The LORD declares,’ but it is not I who have spoken?”’”

      8Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD, “Because you have spoken falsehood and seen a lie, therefore behold, I am against you,” declares the Lord GOD. 9“So My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and utter lying divinations. They will have no place in the council of My people, nor will they be written down in the register of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel, that you may know that I am the Lord GOD. 10“It is definitely because they have misled My people by saying, ‘Peace!’ when there is no peace. And when anyone builds a wall, behold, they plaster it over with whitewash; 11so tell those who plaster it over with whitewash, that it will fall. A flooding rain will come, and you, O hailstones, will fall; and a violent wind will break out. 12“Behold, when the wall has fallen, will you not be asked, ‘Where is the plaster with which you plastered it?’” 13Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD, “I will make a violent wind break out in My wrath. There will also be in My anger a flooding rain and hailstones to consume it in wrath. 14“So I will tear down the wall which you plastered over with whitewash and bring it down to the ground, so that its foundation is laid bare; and when it falls, you will be consumed in its midst. And you will know that I am the LORD. 15“Thus I will spend My wrath on the wall and on those who have plastered it over with whitewash; and I will say to you, ‘The wall is gone and its plasterers are gone, 16along with the prophets of Israel who prophesy to Jerusalem, and who see visions of peace for her when there is no peace,’ declares the Lord GOD.

      17“Now you, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people who are prophesying from their own inspiration. Prophesy against them 18and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Woe to the women who sew magic bands on all wrists and make veils for the heads of persons of every stature to hunt down lives! Will you hunt down the lives of My people, but preserve the lives of others for yourselves? 19“For handfuls of barley and fragments of bread, you have profaned Me to My people to put to death some who should not die and to keep others alive who should not live, by your lying to My people who listen to lies.”’”

      20Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I am against your magic bands by which you hunt lives there as birds and I will tear them from your arms; and I will let them go, even those lives whom you hunt as birds. 21“I will also tear off your veils and deliver My people from your hands, and they will no longer be in your hands to be hunted; and you will know that I am the LORD. 22“Because you disheartened the righteous with falsehood when I did not cause him grief, but have encouraged the wicked not to turn from his wicked way and preserve his life, 23therefore, you women will no longer see false visions or practice divination, and I will deliver My people out of your hand. Thus you will know that I am the LORD.”

Key Points:

  • False Prophets Exposed: God charges Ezekiel to confront the false prophets who have been deceiving the people with their lies. These prophets have fabricated visions and predictions, claiming to have received divine revelation when, in reality, they speak from their own imaginations.
  • Danger of Deception: The presence of false prophets poses a grave danger to the spiritual well-being of God’s people. Their lies lead the people astray, causing them to put their trust in falsehoods and reject the true message of repentance and obedience.
  • Call to Discernment: In the face of deception, God calls His people to exercise discernment and wisdom, distinguishing between the true prophets of God and the false prophets who speak lies. Those who truly seek God must test every spirit and message against the truth of His word.
  • Divine Judgment: God declares judgment against the false prophets and their deceptive practices. Their lies will be exposed, and they will be held accountable for leading His people astray. The day of reckoning is coming when the truth will be revealed, and justice will be served.

Call to Action: In light of the warnings against false prophets in Ezekiel 13, let us heed the call to discernment and vigilance in our spiritual lives.

  • Test Every Spirit: Be vigilant and discerning in evaluating spiritual teachings and messages. Test everything against the truth of God’s word, and do not be easily swayed by persuasive words or impressive signs.
  • Seek Truth and Wisdom: Cultivate a deep knowledge of God’s word and a discerning spirit guided by the Holy Spirit. Seek wisdom and understanding from God, asking Him to guard your heart and mind from deception.
  • Stay Grounded in Truth: Anchor your faith in the unchanging truth of God’s word, remaining steadfast in your commitment to follow Him faithfully. Let His word be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path, guiding you away from falsehood and into the path of righteousness.

As we navigate a world filled with deceptive voices and false prophets, may we cling to the unchanging truth of God’s word and walk in discernment and wisdom. Let us remain vigilant against deception, trusting in the Lord to guide us into all truth and protect us from the schemes of the enemy.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your word, which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Grant us discernment and wisdom to recognize falsehood and deception in all its forms. Help us to stay grounded in Your truth, walking in obedience and faithfulness all the days of our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Contentment, Faith / Trusting God, False Prophets / Teachers, Money / Finances / Wealth, Wise

Living a Godly Life: A Wealth Beyond Riches (1 Timothy 6)

Have you ever pondered the pursuit of wealth and its place in the life of a believer?

In 1 Timothy 6, the Apostle Paul provides profound insights into godly living, addressing not only the pursuit of material riches but also the significance of contentment, faith, and the true treasure that transcends worldly wealth.

Join us as we delve into this timeless passage and discover the wisdom it holds for us today.

Reconnect: In the preceding chapters of 1 Timothy, Paul has been instructing Timothy, his young protege, on various aspects of leadership and conduct within the church. He emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine, godly character, and the appointment of qualified elders and deacons. Now, in chapter 6, Paul turns his attention to a topic that continues to be relevant—wealth and the pursuit of godliness amidst the challenges of materialism.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture)

1 Timothy 6

Instructions to Those Who Minister

     1All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against. 2Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brethren, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and preach these principles.

      3If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, 4he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, 5and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. 6But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. 7For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. 8If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. 9But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

      11But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. 12Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15which He will bring about at the proper time—He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.

      17Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 18Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.

      20O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge”— 21which some have professed and thus gone astray from the faith.
Grace be with you.

Summary Key Points:

  1. The Dangers of Pursuing Wealth (1 Timothy 6:6-10): Paul starts by highlighting the virtue of contentment and the dangers associated with the relentless pursuit of wealth. He underscores that godliness with contentment is a great gain and warns against the love of money as the root of all kinds of evil.
  2. A Charge to the Wealthy (1 Timothy 6:17-19): Paul provides specific instructions to the wealthy in the congregation, urging them not to put their hope in uncertain riches but in God. He encourages them to be generous and willing to share, recognizing that such acts store up treasures in heaven.
  3. Guarding the Faith (1 Timothy 6:20-21): In the closing verses, Paul exhorts Timothy to guard the deposit of faith and avoid the empty chatter and contradictions of those who claim knowledge but deviate from the truth.

Call to Action:

As we reflect on the message of 1 Timothy 6, let’s consider these practical steps:

  1. Cultivate Contentment: Take time to reflect on your attitude toward wealth and possessions. Cultivate contentment by recognizing the blessings you already have and avoiding the trap of materialism.
  2. Practice Generosity: Whether you have much or little, embrace the practice of generosity. Seek opportunities to bless others, whether through financial giving, acts of kindness, or sharing your time and talents.
  3. Guard the Faith: Just as Paul encouraged Timothy to guard the deposit of faith, commit to deepening your understanding of biblical truth. Stay rooted in sound doctrine and be discerning when faced with teachings that deviate from God’s Word.
  4. Engage in Meaningful Discussions: Initiate conversations with fellow believers and loved ones about the pursuit of godliness and contentment in a materialistic world. Share your insights from 1 Timothy 6 and encourage one another in your faith journeys.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the wisdom and guidance found in 1 Timothy 6. Help us, Lord, to cultivate contentment in our hearts and to recognize the true wealth that comes from godliness. Teach us the joy of generosity and the importance of guarding the deposit of faith. May our lives reflect your love and truth in a world often consumed by material pursuits. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Discerning / Judging, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, False Prophets / Teachers, Seeking God, Study the Word

Discerning True Teaching from Deceptive Doctrines (1 Timothy 4:1-5)

Have you ever questioned the authenticity of the teachings you encounter in the world today? With various voices vying for our attention, it can be challenging to discern true wisdom from deceptive doctrines.

In 1 Timothy 4:1-5, the apostle Paul provides essential insights into this ongoing spiritual battle. Let’s explore how we can safeguard our faith by recognizing and adhering to the truth.

Reconnect: In the preceding chapters of 1 Timothy, Paul, writing to Timothy, offers guidance on church leadership, conduct, and the importance of prayer. Now, he turns his attention to a critical issue: discerning true teachings from deceptive doctrines.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture)

1 Timothy 4:1-5

Apostasy

     1But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, 2by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, 3men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. 4For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; 5for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.

Summary Key Points:

  1. The Age of Deception: Paul warns Timothy that in the latter times, some will depart from the faith and follow deceitful spirits and teachings of demons. It’s essential to recognize that deception can infiltrate the church, so believers must remain vigilant and discerning.
  2. Identifying False Teachings: As examples, Paul specifically addresses false teachings that forbid marriage and certain foods. He explains that God created these things to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
    • True wisdom discerns and acknowledges that God’s definition of “food” should guide our choices. Many will consider this statement from our culture and time and conclude Paul was saying we could eat anything so long as we are thankful. However, discernment considers this scripture from the perspective of Paul’s time and culture. When he speaks of food, he refers to what God defines as food, not everything we could put in our mouth and eat… and not everything we consider ‘food’ today in our culture.
    • Paul was talking about those who would exclude things God considered ‘food’ and teach it was wrong in God’s eyes for us to eat it.
  3. The Role of God’s Word: The antidote to deceptive doctrines is the Word of God. We must seek truth in the word and challenge commonly accepted ‘doctrine’ or understanding against the written word of God. Our foundation for discernment is rooted in Scripture and a prayerful heart.

The example of food used above is just one example where teachings even in some churches are leading many in the wrong direction. There are many more… such as current views on abortion, homosexuality, transgender, ignoring Sabbath, ignoring God’s appointed times (Leviticus 23), and so on.

Call to Action: As we navigate a world filled with diverse teachings and ideas, let us commit to challenging cultural norms even within the church and studying and meditating on God’s Word regularly. We should seek discernment through prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth. Additionally, let’s engage in conversations with fellow believers to share insights and discuss how to apply God’s wisdom in our lives.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Word, which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. As we encounter various teachings and doctrines, help us discern what aligns with Your truth and what does not. May Your Holy Spirit guide us, granting us wisdom to recognize deceptive doctrines and remain steadfast in Your Word. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Discussion Prompt: Share your thoughts on how you discern true teachings from deceptive doctrines in today’s world. How can you strengthen your foundation in God’s Word and prayer to remain rooted in truth?

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

False Prophets / Teachers, Guide, Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Study the Word

Navigating the Law: Unraveling the Truth (1 Timothy 1:1-11)

Ever wondered about the role of the law in the life of a believer? Join us as we dive into 1 Timothy 1:1-11, where Paul addresses Timothy with wisdom about the law.

Uncover the layers of Paul’s teachings, dispelling misconceptions about the law and discovering its enduring significance for believers today.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture.)

1 Timothy 1:1-11

Misleadings in Doctrine and Living

     1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus, who is our hope,

      2To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

      3As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, 4nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith. 5But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion, 7wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions.

      8But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers 10and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching, 11according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. The Purposeful Context of Paul’s Letters: Explore the crucial understanding that Paul’s letters, including those to Timothy, were crafted for specific communities facing particular challenges. Recognize the importance of interpreting these teachings within their historical context rather than applying them universally to all Christians.
  2. The Goodness of the Law: Delve into Paul’s affirmation that the law is inherently good when applied appropriately. Examine the misconception surrounding the law’s relevance and how Paul distinguishes between proper and improper teachings. Unravel the core message that the law serves as a guide, confirming right and wrong, convicting, and aligning believers with the Holy Spirit.
  3. Navigating Strange Doctrines: Investigate Paul’s warning against strange doctrines and fruitless discussions, emphasizing the need for a proper understanding of the law. Reflect on how deviations from the true intent of the law can lead to confusion and a departure from the foundational teachings of the faith.

The letters of Paul are often used out of context to make the case that the law and instruction of the LORD has been completely abolished or fulfilled. We must remember also that each of the letters of Paul is addressed to a specific community or group of people and he is addressing very specific issues they are experiencing. These letters were not written with the audience in mind of Christians 2000 years later. They were written to Jews and Gentiles contemporary to Paul’s life and writing, and not to all of them, but rather specific letters to specific audiences.

Paul writes his letters to Timothy, after the death and resurrection of Christ.  We see, however, that Paul himself tells Timothy that the law is good, if applied properly. He does not rebuke people for teaching the law, but rather those who are teaching it incorrectly. He calls them out for getting lost in fruitless discussions about genealogies and such or teaching strange doctrines. Strange doctrines would refer to new and different understandings of the law, not to the understanding of the law traditionally held prior to Christ’s death. Else he would likely use different words to indicate that it was “outdated” or “fulfilled” rather than “strange”.

Paul asserts the law is still good and relevant. It confirms for us what is right and wrong. It convicts us of improper behavior and attitudes. It confirms the leading of the Holy Spirit, as YHWH will not contradict himself.

Take time to reflect on the core message here and how it contradicts what is taught in many churches today. Paul asserts the law is good, it is not a burden to be set free from. If we are to use the law properly, than we must study and understand it and the context in which it was given and used as a guide for God’s people. We can not simply dismiss it or ignore it. We should not assume that everyone who accepts the name of Christ if fully transformed and led by the Spirit so completely as to no longer need the law as a guide. We need only look around us to see that is not the case.

I think the point he makes here is that one who is led by the Spirit will walk consistent with the teaching of the law and thus the law is not necessary for them.

However, the law can still confirm for us that we are walking the right way and listening truly to the Spirit instead of our own sin nature or the adversary. If I already know by heart how to do a task, then I may no longer need the instructions. The instructions are still valid and have not changed just because I may not need to refer to them.

Let’s engage in a thoughtful discussion about the role of the law in our lives today. Share your insights in the comments—how do you perceive the law’s relevance?

Challenge yourself to explore the Hebrew roots of our Christian faith, seeking a deeper understanding of God’s timeless guidance.

Explore the resources provided on our pages, Focused Ministries – Understanding Hebrew Roots and Study Hebrew Roots of Christianity and embark on a journey of discovery.

Let this be a community where we navigate the truth together, embracing the goodness of God’s law and its significance for our lives.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Envy / Jealousy / Coveting, False Prophets / Teachers, Holy Spirit / Ruach HaKodesh, Joy / Happiness / Rejoicing, Selfishness, Share the Good News, Strife, Study the Word, Thankfulness

Rejoice When the Gospel Is Preached

Ask the Spirit to help you share with boldness the truth of Christ. Give thanks for those who bring the truth of God’s word to people. Recognize, however, that there are many who teach it from false motives and sadly, many of them do not preach it in truth, but rather tell people what they want to hear.  Test everything you hear against the truth of scripture and keep that which is good and true.

Philippians 1:12-20

The Gospel Is Preached

     12Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, 13so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, 14and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear. 15Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; 16the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. 18What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice.
Yes, and I will rejoice, 19for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

Rejoice that the gospel is preached. Pray for discernment in understanding the truth of the gospel. Do not just accept whatever is said about Christ, but test everything against the Bible. False teaching tickles the ears but leads people away from Christ, all the while they believe they are following Him.  Pray for the Spirit to be with those who share the gospel and give them wisdom and discernment and boldness and courage. Pray for Yeshua to be shared with the world boldly and truthfully, without filtering the message for fear of offending people with truth. Pray that the Lord would use even our personal suffering to His glory and the glory of the gospel of Christ.

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Knowing, False Prophets / Teachers, Hypocrisy

You Can’t Fool Jesus By “Looking Good” In Your Faith

Context is very important in understanding scripture properly. We must be careful to understand the context of verses we read and seek to understand in order to properly apply them.

Take time to review the whole context of Mark 11. Jesus had just entered Jerusalem to much fanfare and attention. It was approaching the last week of His earthly ministry. He confronted the hypocrisy at the temple whereby the place of worship had been turned into a “robber’s den”. He turned the tables of the money changers. He used a fig tree to demonstrate to His disciples the hypocrisy of the Jews who claim to serve God and put on a good appearance externally, but who bear no fruit. The punishment for claiming God by name and rejecting Him in action, as demonstrated by Jesus’ treatment of the fig tree, was direct and tangible. He withered the tree.

With that as a backdrop, Jesus and His disciples came again to Jerusalem and received some questions from the chief hypocrites… I mean priests. Their inquiry was not a genuine effort to understand Jesus. Mark 11:18 already indicates they were plotting to destroy Jesus… and Jesus knows it.   

Mark 11:27-33

Jesus’ Authority Questioned

      27They came again to Jerusalem. And as He was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to Him, 28and began saying to Him, “By what authority are You doing these things, or who gave You this authority to do these things?” 29And Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question, and you answer Me, and then I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30“Was the baptism of John from heaven, or from men? Answer Me.” 31They began reasoning among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ 32“But shall we say, ‘From men’?”—they were afraid of the people, for everyone considered John to have been a real prophet. 33Answering Jesus, they said, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Nor will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

Jesus has little time or empathy for hypocrites who claim God, but reject Him and do their own thing. He knows the people asking the question are just trying to trap Him. He treats them accordingly. He quickly turns the tables on them and sets His own trap. They refuse to answer, and so does He. Checkmate.

What does this mean for you and me? Jesus can see right through us when we claim to honor Him with our lips but reject Him with our attitudes and actions. He is not fooled as we can sometimes fool other people or even ourselves. Instead of trying to “look good” in our faith and still live how we want to, let us seek to genuinely and wholeheartedly sacrifice our desires to the service of our Lord and Creator. Let us ask for His help and then genuinely turn away from our plans and yield ourselves to the walk that Jesus calls us to live in following Him.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please help me not to try to fool You. I may fool myself, but never You. Help me to be fully honest and transparent with You. You know everything already anyway. Help me to embrace Your authority and accept Your rebuke without challenging it. Let it guide me to draw closer to You. Amen. 

 Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Discerning / Judging, False Prophets / Teachers, Hypocrisy, Teachable, Traditions / Holidays, Unteachable / Foolish

Do Not Set Aside The Commandments of God for the Tradition of Men

Yeshua firmly reminds us to seek to understand and live according to the commandments of Yahweh rather than the traditions of men. Many of us have read the scripture in Mark 7 and just thought… “Those Pharisees were really lost.” But I challenge each of us to dig deeper. The same is true in our churches and society today around the world. There is often a push to set aside the commandments of Yahweh as “irrelevant” or “obsolete” and to instead live according to tradition of our family, our culture, or even our church.

Mark 7:1-13

Followers of Tradition

      1The Pharisees and some of the scribes gathered around Him when they had come from Jerusalem, 2and had seen that some of His disciples were eating their bread with impure hands, that is, unwashed. 3(For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they carefully wash their hands, thus observing the traditions of the elders; 4and when they come from the market place, they do not eat unless they cleanse themselves; and there are many other things which they have received in order to observe, such as the washing of cups and pitchers and copper pots.) 5The Pharisees and the scribes asked Him, “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with impure hands?”

6And He said to them, “Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written:
‘THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS,
BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME.

      7‘BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME,
TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN.’

8“Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.”

      9He was also saying to them, “You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition. 10“For Moses said, ‘HONOR YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER’; and, ‘HE WHO SPEAKS EVIL OF FATHER OR MOTHER, IS TO BE PUT TO DEATH’; 11but you say, ‘If a man says to his father or his mother, whatever I have that would help you is Corban (that is to say, given to God),’ 12you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or his mother; 13thus invalidating the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down; and you do many things such as that.”

We must truly challenge ourselves to test everything against the holy scriptures. There are many examples where we as Christians have strayed in large numbers from the commands of Yahweh. An easy, basic example is activities around Sabbath. Do Christians truly seek to obey Yahweh’s command around Sabbath weekly? Do we avoid work? Do we rest and seek Him on this day each week? The facts are we do not even celebrate our day of worship broadly on the same day that He commanded. From the beginning He created the earth and rested on the seventh day, which for us is Saturday. Jesus and the disciples recognized Sabbath in what would correspond to our current Gregorian calendar as Friday at sundown to Saturday at sundown. We have created and follow traditions of men instead of those laid out by Yahweh and demonstrated even by Yeshua!

Similar exploration could be fruitful regarding holy days, or appointed times. Yahweh lays out the holy days in Leviticus 23, and elsewhere, that we are commanded to obey for all generations. However, rather than celebrate these (e.g. Passover), we instead have created our own traditions to replace them. We create a new tradition of men to celebrate the birth of Christ and then blend it in with pagan celebrations and traditions and cling to it as if it is from Yahweh. We do the same with resurrection, pursuing pagan practices like Easter eggs instead of celebrating Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, as commanded.

God commands us to not have graven images as part of worship, but in many cases man puts carved images of Yeshua or Mary in their churches where we worship. Yahweh commands us not to covet, or to be envious of what others have. Yet our culture is saturated with an attitude of needing to have what others have, even if we can’t afford it. People go into debt so far they can never dig out.

Yahweh calls us to trust in Him, but instead most put their trust in money. Scripture warns us that we can not serve two masters. We will love one and hate the other. We must choose if we trust and serve our Father or money.

Yahweh calls us to repentance. It is the first teaching from Yeshua in His earthly ministry and the first for the disciples whom He sent out. It is ripe throughout the history of Yahweh’s prophets in the messages they bring. It is the very core of our faith. However, culture and society claim that all people are inherently good instead of sinful. We are told to accept people the way they are rather than call for and lead them to change. Why is it that our culture insists we are not supposed to talk about gluttony, but rather just accept people as they are… which is not helping them at all. In the USA there is a tremendous obesity problem resulting in all sorts of health issues impacting people’s lives. Why are we not supposed to speak the truth about homosexuality and other sexual identify confusion? Why are we not to engage one another to repent regarding coveting or sex outside marriage? The tradition of men continues to march on away from the commands of Yahweh, insisting that accepting everyone as they are, without repentance, is good. But our Father tells us to lovingly confront one another and help one another to repent and change our behaviors.

I could go on. The traditions of men continue to push out and overshadow the commands of Yahweh broadly in our world today. Seek prayerfully where you need to make changes in your life to obey Yahweh more, and the traditions of men less.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father please bring about an awakening to contrast the ways of man from Your ways. Bring about the restoration of all things to return to Your ways and bring You glory. Defeat the plans of the wicked. Raise up and defend the righteous for Your name’s sake. Open the eyes of Your people to their sin and disregard for Your commandments and lead us to repentance on a broad scale across our nation and the world. Help us to have the strength and courage to challenge and test what we have long accepted as correct and further to walk away from those things for which we need to let go so we can return to Your ways instead of the ways of man. Amen. 

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.