STAND UP For The TRUTH did an interview with these godly men from ONCE LOST ministries, and I'll include this at the end (and another upcoming video with the author of this piece and yours truly will be added soon!).
By Flynn Huseby | October 14, 2025 | ONCE LOST ministries (republished with permission, unedited, unabridged (with the exception of hyperlinks and the subdivisions of Sections 1-3).
SECTION 1 ~ ~ ~
~PRESUPPOSITIONAL PITFALLS~
“Hear, you children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake not my law. For I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let your heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve you: love her, and she shall keep you. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom, and with all your getting, get understanding.” PROVERBS 4:1-7
“In God, I will praise His word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?” PSALM 56:4
Walking in the Spirit
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” GALATIANS 5:1,25.
Interestingly, we often associate Galatians 5 with doing the proper works, however, it is good for us to remember properly walking in the Spirit of Truth has much to do with how we actually know and understand God’s Word. It is clear the Bible commands us to obey from the heart and bear much fruit through the power of the Holy Spirit. However, too often, people focus on verses pertaining to the fruitful life without always taking much time learning how to correctly read and understand the whole of Scripture. Remember, Jesus called us not only to love the Lord our God with all our heart but also with all our soul and our MIND. We should love God with careful, Christ-centered, biblical thinking from Genesis through Revelation. This must mean our walk is more than “doing”. It also involves us rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15). But how do we do this? “Well,” you say. “That’s easy. We need to go to God’s Word.” While that certainly sounds right, there’s much more to consider.
If simply going to the Bible is the answer, then why is it that so many different groups, denominations, and even cults make such a strong claim of going to God’s Word and yet, so often, come to such different and often unbiblical interpretations? Perhaps they only claim to go to the Bible? Perhaps that’s true for some. And yet, many can quote Bible verses up one side and down the other… inside and out.
How can so many who actually read and quote the Bible travel in so many different directions? And how do we keep ourselves from doing the same thing? This article will attempt to tackle this dilemma, providing several beneficial landmarks that can hopefully keep us on track. It’s our sincere hope that readers will be both challenged and encouraged in the Lord.
OUR STARTING POINT
Let’s start at the beginning. I often remind my students if they get lost that it’s good to start back at the beginning. And covering this topic is no different. In order for us to ensure we’re currently on track, there are a few points we should be willing to carefully consider. (2 Corinthians 13:5)
First, we must be open to examining ourselves (with the help of the Lord) to see if we could possibly be off track somewhere in our current understanding of God’s Word. As the body of Christ, we all need to be willing to consider that we’re not 100% on track, regardless of the area.
Secondly, are we genuinely open to correction? We’ve all experienced riding in a car with someone who refused to ask for directions or was convinced he/she wasn’t lost. This is not only uncomfortable but also a waste of time and even potentially dangerous. Before cell phones, my wife and I set out to explore Beverly Hills, CA. On the way back to where we were staying, I got turned around, and we ended up in a pretty dangerous part of LA. And of course, the car was almost out of gas, and there were no gas stations to be found. Thankfully, we eventually found somewhere to use a payphone. Later, we joked about the place possibly being a chop shop. Who knows, but we were certainly thankful to be back on track.
Lastly, we must understand we all come to God’s Word with pre-conclusions. Some call these presuppositions. They might also be called pre-constructions. It is extremely important that we understand that we all have biases. We all have particular areas of belief that can potentially shape the way we see the world, ourselves, God’s Word, and even God, Himself. These presuppositions can be self-induced or subtly fed to us over time. Sometimes we may not even recognize that they’re there. But they can have a big influence on the way we understand and grow in the Lord. Because these presuppositions can have such a dynamic effect on our thinking, this article will focus mainly on examining this third point.
PRESUPPOSITIONS FOR ALL
As believers, we understand we were all once in darkness before accepting Jesus. We were lost in our sins and filled with endless selfish and devilish notions about God, this world, and our existence. We all understand we were infected with emotionally driven and me-centered philosophies and behaviors. We were filled with pride and guilt. The flesh wore the Maker’s crown, and we gladly chose it to be so. It’s pretty easy to see that all unbelievers are directed by presupposed conclusions, both from their fleshly hearts and the doctrines that seem to endlessly flow through this world, influencing hearts and minds.
What’s a little more challenging is perhaps understanding and recognizing that those same self-centered philosophies that so permeated us don’t simply go away once we’re born again. We must also realize the world’s doctrines not only flow through the world, still seeking to steer us, but they also meander through much of what we commonly call today’s church. We have just as much potential as nonbelievers to be influenced and led by worldly ideas. And the teachings are sometimes subtle and seductive, especially when they’re wrapped in Christian language. Once a false idea is liked and allowed in, it begins to direct or redirect our understanding. Depending on the idea, it has the very real potential of eventually influencing our understandings and actions in other areas. Those original ideas would then become our presuppositions or framework. They become so accepted in our thinking that they simply and quietly work in the background of our hearts and minds, filtering in or out new teachings based on whether or not they positively reinforce their own ideas.
PRESUPPOSITIONS VS ASSUMPTIONS
Aren’t presuppositions basically just assumptions? Not quite. It would be our contention that both assumptions and presuppositions can be troublesome, but there is a distinct difference. Presuppositions are much more invasive and long-lasting. They are often more subtle and go way beyond the basic surface level of observations. I can assume a particular thing, but it may or may not affect my deeper understanding which then infiltrates my entire framework. Perhaps we could say an assumption is like a typo or error in a computer code. But our presuppositions are the code. They are not necessarily glitches, rather entire lines of code that can build and replicate. Perhaps here is a good place though to remind readers that presuppositions are in and of themselves not bad. There are many presuppositions that are necessary and biblical. We simply need to be aware of them and understand why we retain the ones we do.
PRESUPPOSITIONS: A COUPLE WORLDLY EXAMPLES
How is it that people can be so convinced of something (have certain conclusions/suppositions) and not even realize where it came from (pre-conclusions/presuppositions)? Let’s consider a simple sports example.
Let’s say you meet a young man who’s a diehard Green Bay Packers fan. As you talk with him, he explains how he was completely immersed in the Green Bay Packers growing up. Everyone in their community consisted of Packers fans. They would faithfully watch and go to games year after year. They would constantly talk stats. He got more and more positive reinforcement as he grew in his knowledge of the Packers. He could quote almost every stat for every year. He knew about all the players and had read every book, not only about the Green Bay Packers, but also on Green Bay, the city. He was a serious, no-joke diehard fan.
From a child, he had been preconditioned and influenced by certain beliefs. These presuppositions then guided and allowed his infrastructure to be built in a particular direction. He had been conditioned to see things a certain way. Then, one day he met a girl who he quickly grew much in love with. But just before proposing, he discovered she was a big fan of the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings, both of which are huge rivals of the Green Bay Packers. Sadly, he decided he couldn’t marry her, even though he really wanted to.
Understandably, this is a simple and worldly example, but it still demonstrates how easily and strongly our presuppositions can influence us. People are often motivated to think and make sometimes drastic decisions based on their presuppositions, and sometimes they really don’t know why.
A very real worldly example that influences a lot of people is evolution. Most people around the world, just through sheer popularity and mass acceptance, have blindly believed and received the teaching of evolution, at least in one form or another, as truth. Many scientists blindly accept biological evolution as fact, going about their daily tasks with the grandiose and foolish notions of evolution running in the background, quietly and carefully approving or disapproving of every thought coming in and going out. How many people look at a fossil and automatically think “millions of years”?
Why do they think that?
SECTION 1 ~ ~ ~
~PRESUPPOSITIONAL PITFALLS~
“Hear, you children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake not my law. For I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let your heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve you: love her, and she shall keep you. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom, and with all your getting, get understanding.” PROVERBS 4:1-7
“In God, I will praise His word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?” PSALM 56:4
Walking in the Spirit
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” GALATIANS 5:1,25.
Interestingly, we often associate Galatians 5 with doing the proper works, however, it is good for us to remember properly walking in the Spirit of Truth has much to do with how we actually know and understand God’s Word. It is clear the Bible commands us to obey from the heart and bear much fruit through the power of the Holy Spirit. However, too often, people focus on verses pertaining to the fruitful life without always taking much time learning how to correctly read and understand the whole of Scripture. Remember, Jesus called us not only to love the Lord our God with all our heart but also with all our soul and our MIND. We should love God with careful, Christ-centered, biblical thinking from Genesis through Revelation. This must mean our walk is more than “doing”. It also involves us rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15). But how do we do this? “Well,” you say. “That’s easy. We need to go to God’s Word.” While that certainly sounds right, there’s much more to consider.
If simply going to the Bible is the answer, then why is it that so many different groups, denominations, and even cults make such a strong claim of going to God’s Word and yet, so often, come to such different and often unbiblical interpretations? Perhaps they only claim to go to the Bible? Perhaps that’s true for some. And yet, many can quote Bible verses up one side and down the other… inside and out.
How can so many who actually read and quote the Bible travel in so many different directions? And how do we keep ourselves from doing the same thing? This article will attempt to tackle this dilemma, providing several beneficial landmarks that can hopefully keep us on track. It’s our sincere hope that readers will be both challenged and encouraged in the Lord.
OUR STARTING POINT
Let’s start at the beginning. I often remind my students if they get lost that it’s good to start back at the beginning. And covering this topic is no different. In order for us to ensure we’re currently on track, there are a few points we should be willing to carefully consider. (2 Corinthians 13:5)
First, we must be open to examining ourselves (with the help of the Lord) to see if we could possibly be off track somewhere in our current understanding of God’s Word. As the body of Christ, we all need to be willing to consider that we’re not 100% on track, regardless of the area.
Secondly, are we genuinely open to correction? We’ve all experienced riding in a car with someone who refused to ask for directions or was convinced he/she wasn’t lost. This is not only uncomfortable but also a waste of time and even potentially dangerous. Before cell phones, my wife and I set out to explore Beverly Hills, CA. On the way back to where we were staying, I got turned around, and we ended up in a pretty dangerous part of LA. And of course, the car was almost out of gas, and there were no gas stations to be found. Thankfully, we eventually found somewhere to use a payphone. Later, we joked about the place possibly being a chop shop. Who knows, but we were certainly thankful to be back on track.
Lastly, we must understand we all come to God’s Word with pre-conclusions. Some call these presuppositions. They might also be called pre-constructions. It is extremely important that we understand that we all have biases. We all have particular areas of belief that can potentially shape the way we see the world, ourselves, God’s Word, and even God, Himself. These presuppositions can be self-induced or subtly fed to us over time. Sometimes we may not even recognize that they’re there. But they can have a big influence on the way we understand and grow in the Lord. Because these presuppositions can have such a dynamic effect on our thinking, this article will focus mainly on examining this third point.
PRESUPPOSITIONS FOR ALL
As believers, we understand we were all once in darkness before accepting Jesus. We were lost in our sins and filled with endless selfish and devilish notions about God, this world, and our existence. We all understand we were infected with emotionally driven and me-centered philosophies and behaviors. We were filled with pride and guilt. The flesh wore the Maker’s crown, and we gladly chose it to be so. It’s pretty easy to see that all unbelievers are directed by presupposed conclusions, both from their fleshly hearts and the doctrines that seem to endlessly flow through this world, influencing hearts and minds.
What’s a little more challenging is perhaps understanding and recognizing that those same self-centered philosophies that so permeated us don’t simply go away once we’re born again. We must also realize the world’s doctrines not only flow through the world, still seeking to steer us, but they also meander through much of what we commonly call today’s church. We have just as much potential as nonbelievers to be influenced and led by worldly ideas. And the teachings are sometimes subtle and seductive, especially when they’re wrapped in Christian language. Once a false idea is liked and allowed in, it begins to direct or redirect our understanding. Depending on the idea, it has the very real potential of eventually influencing our understandings and actions in other areas. Those original ideas would then become our presuppositions or framework. They become so accepted in our thinking that they simply and quietly work in the background of our hearts and minds, filtering in or out new teachings based on whether or not they positively reinforce their own ideas.
PRESUPPOSITIONS VS ASSUMPTIONS
Aren’t presuppositions basically just assumptions? Not quite. It would be our contention that both assumptions and presuppositions can be troublesome, but there is a distinct difference. Presuppositions are much more invasive and long-lasting. They are often more subtle and go way beyond the basic surface level of observations. I can assume a particular thing, but it may or may not affect my deeper understanding which then infiltrates my entire framework. Perhaps we could say an assumption is like a typo or error in a computer code. But our presuppositions are the code. They are not necessarily glitches, rather entire lines of code that can build and replicate. Perhaps here is a good place though to remind readers that presuppositions are in and of themselves not bad. There are many presuppositions that are necessary and biblical. We simply need to be aware of them and understand why we retain the ones we do.
PRESUPPOSITIONS: A COUPLE WORLDLY EXAMPLES
How is it that people can be so convinced of something (have certain conclusions/suppositions) and not even realize where it came from (pre-conclusions/presuppositions)? Let’s consider a simple sports example.
Let’s say you meet a young man who’s a diehard Green Bay Packers fan. As you talk with him, he explains how he was completely immersed in the Green Bay Packers growing up. Everyone in their community consisted of Packers fans. They would faithfully watch and go to games year after year. They would constantly talk stats. He got more and more positive reinforcement as he grew in his knowledge of the Packers. He could quote almost every stat for every year. He knew about all the players and had read every book, not only about the Green Bay Packers, but also on Green Bay, the city. He was a serious, no-joke diehard fan.
From a child, he had been preconditioned and influenced by certain beliefs. These presuppositions then guided and allowed his infrastructure to be built in a particular direction. He had been conditioned to see things a certain way. Then, one day he met a girl who he quickly grew much in love with. But just before proposing, he discovered she was a big fan of the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings, both of which are huge rivals of the Green Bay Packers. Sadly, he decided he couldn’t marry her, even though he really wanted to.
Understandably, this is a simple and worldly example, but it still demonstrates how easily and strongly our presuppositions can influence us. People are often motivated to think and make sometimes drastic decisions based on their presuppositions, and sometimes they really don’t know why.
A very real worldly example that influences a lot of people is evolution. Most people around the world, just through sheer popularity and mass acceptance, have blindly believed and received the teaching of evolution, at least in one form or another, as truth. Many scientists blindly accept biological evolution as fact, going about their daily tasks with the grandiose and foolish notions of evolution running in the background, quietly and carefully approving or disapproving of every thought coming in and going out. How many people look at a fossil and automatically think “millions of years”?
Why do they think that?
It’s because they have been pre-conditioned almost from birth to believe it to be so. These pre-conditions don’t just go away once we accept Jesus. This is why, arguably over 90% of Christians believe in evolution, at least at some level. It is easy for us to be influenced by our presuppositions. This is one reason we have so many warnings and instructions from Scripture to guard our hearts and minds in Christ.
“My son, attend to my words; incline your ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” PROVERBS 4:20-23
“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again, I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. [Worry] for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep [guard] your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” PHILIPPIANS 4:4-7
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” 2 CORINTHIANS 10:3-5
“As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him: rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware, so that no man spoils you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in Him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And you are complete in Him.” COLOSSIANS 2:4-6a
PRESUPPOSITIONS: A KEY BIBLICAL EXAMPLE
This key example in Matthew 16 is worth careful consideration when examining presuppositional beliefs and behavior.
In MATTHEW 16:14, it says,
“When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?”
So here, He’s starting to shine into their hearts and minds. He’s starting with what men say about the Son of Man. Why start here?
Two possible reasons… First, Jesus wants to help us understand that we can be genuinely influenced by men and not even know it. These influences would be presuppositions. Second, He is perhaps reminding us we shouldn’t fear what men think. A fearful, man-centered attitude will strongly influence what teachings we’re willing to allow both in and out of our hearts and minds.
MATTHEW 16 continues…
“And they said, Some say that You are John the Baptist: some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. He said unto them, But whom say you that I am?”
Now Jesus is shining the Light even more narrowly into the disciples. Here is what we all MUST be willing to do. We must be willing to lay down what men say, and truly come to Jesus, humbly allowing Him to teach us from His Holy Spirit and His Word. We must make it individual and personal. Just Jesus and me. We must allow Him to expose our hearts so anything fleshly gets removed.
“And Simon Peter answered and said, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed are you, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood has not revealed it unto you, but my Father which is in heaven.”
This is an example of a God-given presupposition, one that is designed to be a foundation on which all other teachings must be measured against. Is it any wonder that the world’s largest cult, Roman Catholicism, loves to redefine this very section of Scripture?
God alone should be the one teaching us from His Word. Of course, the challenge here is that He has instituted teachers/pastors/elders in order to help (under)shepherd local fellowships. This means, as we go to church, we need to already have our biblical filters (truth radars) up and hearts humbled, ready to discern truth from error, even at church. This is a must and is too easy to forget, especially when the pastor/elder at the pulpit is a good teacher.
Consider then what happened when Peter allowed his fleshly presuppositions to override the biblical truth given to him by the Father.
“From that time forth began Jesus to show unto His disciples how that He must go unto Jerusalem and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took [Jesus], and began to rebuke Him, saying, Be it far from You, Lord: this shall not be unto You. But He turned, and said unto Peter, Get behind Me, Satan: You are an offence unto Me: for you savor not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” MATTHEW 16:21-23.
Here Jesus gives us two very important insights. First, when we walk in the flesh, we will not understand the truth about Jesus correctly. Secondly, when we employ our fleshly presuppositions, the enemy is also allowed to inject his lies. Paul referred to this as allowing Satan to get a foothold.
“Neither give place [a foothold] to the devil.” EPHESIANS 4:27
How many of the Jews during Jesus’s earthly ministry missed the truth about Jesus because of their man-centered, fleshly religious presuppositions? Is it any wonder why the very next portion of Matthew 16 says,
“Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it.” MATTHEW 16:24-25
“You did run well; who did hinder you that you should not obey the truth? This persuasion comes not of Him that calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” GALATIANS 5:7-9
“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that you cannot do the things that you would. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” GALATIANS 5:16,17,24-26
PRESUPPOSITIONS: THREE SERIOUS PITFALLS
Although we don’t believe it’s biblical to say that genuine, born-again believers can lose their salvation, the Bible carefully, clearly, and consistently warns us against being deceived. Although Christians cannot be demon possessed, we must conclude that the enemy of our souls has very real strategies to affect and infect the bride of Christ. For the sake of simplicity, here are two basic satanic schemes aimed at Christians.
1) Make believers as ineffective as possible.The most effective way to do both of these is to get our minds off of Jesus and onto ourselves. You might think this is impossible to do, especially for someone who loves the Bible. However, there is a reason so much of the New Testament consists of warning and correcting genuine, Bible-loving Christians against false teachings and teachers.
2) Get them to be transporters of as many false doctrines as possible.
Conceivably, the master game plan for every one of Satan’s attacks is to seductively and subtly or not-so-subtly move us from the Firm Foundation of Jesus Christ. Much of the remainder of this article will serve to expose and examine these strategies.
~ CULTIC MENTALITY ~
One surefire way of effectively moving us from God’s Foundation is to convince the immature Christian to let men do the thinking for him. The basic definition of any cult is that the leader must do the thinking for you. You CANNOT think or judge for yourself. It’s amazing how many people are all too willing to hand over their minds to a man’s authority instead of God.
Sadly, this pattern is found in many religious groups such as Roman Catholicism and Jehovah’s Witnesses, just to name a couple. It is also prevalent in some churches. They will claim pastoral or apostolic authority over the sheep, insisting that they cannot be questioned. This, unfortunately, is all too common!
Once we’ve bought into this line of thinking, even a little, we begin to lean on the flesh, allowing false ideas to replace the truth. These would be the presuppositional seeds necessary to override both our own logical and subsequent biblical thinking. Some teachers are very overt in their approach to pressure people to relinquish their own thoughts. Others are much more subtle. They use group think, positivity, encouragement, and intelligently and carefully crafted words coated in Biblical language. These teachings are much harder to detect.
These teachers and teachings, albeit more challenging to discern, have some identifiable indicators that will be extremely beneficial as we continue down the trail.
~BOOKS vs THE BOOK~
One major indicator is when teachers consistently point to man-made resources. This popular method is revealed when teachers default to pointing people to other resources rather than the Bible. I’ve watched Joel Osteen hold up the Bible and declare, “I believe every word of this book.” He then put it under his lectern, spending the entire time teaching false doctrine in the name of Christ. While, at first glance, this might seem obvious, it isn’t always the case. If you notice a pastor or teacher quoting other people, be sure to dig deeper. If a pastor, for example, almost always quotes from reformed or Calvinistic teachers, then that should be more than a little revealing.
The other common tactic is to recommend resources such as podcasts, books, and articles that support that teacher’s ideas. While this is not necessarily wrong, if it’s happening consistently, then one might conclude that pastor/teacher is more interested in the writings of men then of God. He may also be seeking to deflect your attention away from his own teachings. We can also assume those recommended teachers have done an effective job of planting many presuppositions into that pastor’s thinking.
Again, there is nothing wrong with reading or listening to other resources. However, if those resources send you deeper and deeper down the rabbit hole of man’s ideas, you may very well end up more lost than found, picking up many false ideas along the way. Good, Godly writing should always point us back to Jesus and His Word. This then leads to the second indicator. This is a more challenging path to navigate because it directly involves the Bible.
~IDENTIFYING THE TACTICS & TERRAIN~
Arguably, the most challenging path to navigate when it comes to biblical teachings and teachers is the Bible itself. Is it actually possible that there are sincere, godly teachers that may not understand they are teaching false doctrine? Absolutely. For the sake of this article, false teaching and false teachers can both employ these tactics. Most likely, false teachers will employ them knowingly, while sincere teachers of the Word may not even recognize what they’re doing (This is one essential reason we need the body of Christ). Like any attack, we need to learn to recognize the actual tactics, techniques, and terrain in this “battle” of foundations.
SECTION 2 ~ ~ ~
Below, we’ll take time to break this indicator down into many of the actual building blocks devilishly intended to lead us off the narrow way, off the true and eternal Foundation.
> BIBLE VERSE TROJAN HORSES
These false doctrines all begin with seeds typically allowed in over time. These false seeds often enter when people prioritize the reading of other people’s writings instead of God’s Word. But for the student of God’s Word, Satan may employ a more nuanced attack. Subtle teachings are typically allowed in by using Scripture as their trojan horses. This is vital to understand. Satan did no less with Jesus in the wilderness. We would be foolish to assume this tactic can’t work on us, especially if we are unaware of these strategies or already have our defenses down.
> PRESUPPOSITIONAL NARRATIVES
Bible verse trojan horses can only be effective when Bible verses are pulled out of context. Only after they’re emptied of their actual meaning can they be refilled with false presuppositions.
There’s a reason we say, “Context is king.” The problem, even here, is that people can craftily and philosophically create their own context. They will develop entirely separate narratives from the Bible. They will call these “context”, when in fact, they are, in reality manmade or devilish narratives. They will convince hearers of a new narrative by pulling a few Bible verses out and use them, in a sense, like a bridge, to lure people to their unbiblical narrative. This is why it is critical to understand the Bible in its correct context.
Teachers employing these methods will often paint a beautifully woven tapestry of presupposed ideas, sewing in a verse here or there. But the end game is to get hearers to move away from Scripture and embrace an entirely separate story, one that is always antithetical to God’s Word. The people who are convinced using this presuppositional, bait and switch method will often first need to believe the narrative enforced and reinforced by men’s persuasive philosophical, creative, and often charismatic teachings through every means necessary (Today, one of the most influential means for this is social media. See the note below). This is perhaps one reason Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote,
“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 CORINTHIANS 2:1-5
Once the new story is accepted, the hearer will be slowly fed more handpicked Bible verses that are continuously and arrogantly injected with more of the false narrative, always keeping the new meaning close enough to the truth so as not to give away the plot. When the hearer ventures out on his own, reading the Bible for himself, he will have essentially been inoculated from at least some of God’s Word. He will inevitably begin to only see verses that match and reinforce his new hidden “code”. This is also called confirmation bias. He will only see those verses in their newly assigned context.
He’ll begin to only notice verses that agree with his newfound narrative, his newly developed “context”.
Seductive Sidenote: Once this step occurs, because this new foundation is formed from the flesh, not the Spirit of God, the hearer will often grow emotionally and spiritually attached, believing he’s been more enlightened. This is a key reason many hearers who buy into false doctrine are unwilling to relinquish control. They will inevitably fall into the gnostic trap, believing they’ve been given a “hidden mystery” by God, but nothing could be further from the truth. Satan is truly a seductive strategist.
This is one of many reasons, Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote,
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.
Once the hearer is totally surrendered, the presuppositional narrative plus falsely defined Bible verses/concepts will serve as his new foundation. Nothing other than this ungodly narrative will be allowed to visit, at least for long. This is why those seduced by false teachings often have such a difficult time hearing and understanding anything other than the false foundation that now actively governs their thoughts and actions.
To continue the facade, the new devotees must remain vigilant, hanging tightly to their falsely understood Bible verses and concepts. After all, these serve as the pillars in their new construction. But those who recognize false doctrines often do a disservice to the deceived. You see, both believers and non-believers have employed and embraced a method that will likely prove harmful or at least ineffective when approaching and teaching Scripture.
There’s a reason we say, “Context is king.” The problem, even here, is that people can craftily and philosophically create their own context. They will develop entirely separate narratives from the Bible. They will call these “context”, when in fact, they are, in reality manmade or devilish narratives.
> PROOF TEXT BATTLES
Essentially, what the deceived hearer has been taught to do isn’t read the Bible, not really. What he/she’s been taught is how to proof-text the Bible. While this can be helpful in some instances, long term it can severely limit a believer’s ability to both discern and understand God’s Word in its actual context.
By doing this, we can also limit the Holy Spirit’s sanctifying work in us. If the deceived hearer has his arsenal of “proof texts”, regardless of their erroneous meanings, and the born-again believer comes with his proper proof texts, it’s like a gun battle. In the end, no one is really reasoning through God’s Word. All that we’re left with is a battle of proof texts taking place on two completely different foundations.
It’s the Word of God, not individual words, we’re sharing. And to do that, we certainly need to understand more than just a handful of proof texts.
The old saying here bears repeating…
“A text without context is simply a pretext for a prooftext.”
> PARTIAL VS SOLID FOUNDATION
The other issue is if a maturing believer simply continues to employ the proof text method of studying, he will typically leave himself vulnerable for false teaching to invade his own thinking. Proof texting will not ensure lasting stability because it takes more than a few bricks to lay a solid foundation. For stability and endurance to occur, we MUST allow the entirety of God’s Word to be our foundation, continually digging into Scripture, mining for more and more of the Solid Rock.
While the truth cannot be destroyed, our biblically-based narrative, i.e. our foundational understanding, certainly can be attacked. In Psalm 11, David, led by the Lord, wrote,
“If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” PSALM 11:3.
The same is true on the flip side. This is why it is so important to reason with believers caught up in false doctrine by using the whole of Scripture.
If a deceived hearer is to be freed from his false system, it must be the foundation that’s destroyed. To do this, the Bible often is most effective when employed in context. The false hearer is then forced to get away from his unbiblical narrative and begin examining the firm foundation laid by Jesus Himself. This is what the enemy wants to prevent from ever happening.
Lest we forget…
“The word of God is living, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” HEBREWS 4:12.
> HINDERING OUR UNDERSTANDING
One final pitfall worth pointing out is related to that of Satan’s and the flesh’s desire to limit our growth in Jesus. If Satan isn’t as effective with getting a believer to buy into false doctrine, then he can certainly switch tactics, moving forward with limiting our growth as much as possible. There are few simple ways this can be done. However, for this article, let’s consider the “Limited Landscape” method (Interestingly, all the tactics used in limiting our growth can still prove successful for furthering false foundations as described in the previous section).
The main issue again comes from problematic presuppositions. If we start with certain beliefs even if they’re correct and then go to the Scriptures to validate them, we will inevitably limit our understanding.
> LIMITED LANDSCAPE
In psychological terms, this is called our salience landscape. While psychological philosophies and methodologies are often riddled with many false and often damaging doctrines, some areas are based more simply on logical observation. This seems to be one of the latter. In truth, we will never be able to pull all information in at one time because it’s simply too much. Our minds are designed and trained to pull in what we need at the time and to leave the rest. Here’s an example.
When driving, we cannot possibly absorb every detail coming at us from every direction. If we tried it, an accident would be inevitable. When driving, we are trained to see very particular things and let other things slip right by. This is arguably true in all areas of life. It stands to reason that we only ever have part of the picture when travelling through this world.
Another example of this would be if we buy a new car. If I just buy a white Honda, I may very well find myself noticing all the white Hondas on the road. Or if I’m ready to buy a house, I begin noticing all the “For Sale” signs in front of houses.
Companies understand this all too well. They spend billions every year on their advertising for this very reason. They want you to notice them and them alone. Typically, it takes tons of annoying repetition, but sadly, it often works. Leaders reconditioning an entire society, like Hitler, understood the need for carefully pushing their presuppositions employing many of the techniques discussed in this article as often as possible in order to make effective and lasting changes.
> MORE OR LESS
What’s interesting here is that people can certainly be trained to see more and also to see less. Consider someone who has been trained in an elite military unit. After years of instruction and deployment, he may enter a room and almost intuitively register threats, exits, etc. Yet most of us may simply not see what he sees. The same is true for training people to see myopically. Sleight of hand magicians are masterful at this. They will get the participant so fixated in one direction that he will not even be aware of what’s happening just to the side.
Just as the created world is real and true, so is God’s Word. The Bible is God’s sufficient book given to us by our omnipotent and omniscient Creator, and yet, people can clearly be trained to miss whole sections of Scripture while reading entire books of the Bible. Believing false presuppositional narratives is one major factor why.
Another reason this limited landscape effect occurs is when someone is taught to simply go to God’s Word for the purpose of reinforcing already presupposed ideas. Regardless of whether the beliefs are right or wrong, if we haven’t derived them from the context of Scripture, we need to be careful simply going to God’s Word to essentially reinforce what we already think is correct. This is not about the information being wrong, but the approach. This method can lead to the Bible simply providing “stones” that reinforce or support our previously held personal beliefs. This may lend credibility to ourselves, foolishly and incorrectly confirming that we are actually the ultimate arbiters of truth.
At the end of the day, we need to excavate our truth from Scripture, not use Scripture as a prop to reinforce our preconceived notions. Once someone is taught to only see particular ideas in God’s Word, whether right or wrong, they may unintentionally develop a sort of tunnel vision when reading the Bible. Like someone driving down the road, they will only see a part, not the whole of God’s Word.
Consider another analogy. Let’s say an archaeologist has had a unique theory for years, never really finding much proof. A new dig opportunity opens up so he begins with only one thing in mind. He must find evidence for his presupposed belief. He carefully sifts through the dirt, brushing aside many amazing artifacts, ignoring them for the hope that he might finally find the evidence he’s longing for. The same can happen when we approach the Bible. Now, no one is advocating that we approach the text always assuming we can’t know anything for sure. That would be foolish.
But, when we go to God’s Word, we must go with a sincere desire to allow the entirety of the text to speak, exposing any and all foolish, unbiblical narratives and presuppositions. To do this, we must approach God’s Word in humility, allowing the Holy Spirit alone to light our way.
A simple question that might reveal our own heartfelt habits…
Do we find ourselves going to Scripture to simply prove our points, or are we more consistently approaching Scripture to first and foremost feast and grow in the grace and truth of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ?
> AN APPROPRIATE APPROACH TO APOLOGETICS
At Once Lost Ministries, we love apologetics.
In 1 PETER 3:15, God reminds us through Peter,
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer [apologia] to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”
A large part of our focus as a parachurch ministry is to lovingly encourage and equip believers so they can confidently and biblically go out in the power of the Holy Spirit to share the glorious Gospel to the lost. However, apologetics come with a few of their own serious pitfalls which are extremely important to recognize.
Apologetics mainly consists of research and information compiled by people in order to better equip believers in trusting the Bible and intelligently converse with people of other belief systems. Apologetics, while extremely beneficial, can NEVER replace the personal study of God’s Word. Some people might be tempted to get lost in the never-ending world of fascinating facts regarding every false thing or attempt to plumb the depths of the Bible’s reliability.
While helpful, if these tasks replace the daily study of the Bible, we will both be inhibiting our growth and potentially reorienting ourselves to see men’s words as more reliable than God’s. Because of our innate temptation to turn to and trust in men’s teachings, apologetic teachings have the potential of leaving us susceptible to later receiving improper presuppositions because of our biblically lacking and unstable foundation.
It may also cause us to begin going to God’s Word only to see those areas that we’ve been apologetically studying, again limiting our biblical landscape. While there’s nothing wrong with finding verses to help us when discussing with people from particular religions or philosophies, it may again limit our view of what God is really trying to teach us about Himself.
> APOLOGETICS NOTES:
It is worth noting a couple of other areas that are often missed in 1 PETER 3:15. Again, Peter wrote, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer [apologia] to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”
Usually, people tend to focus on the “apologia”/answers, however, the verse actually puts the most important part first. “Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts.” We need to make sure our hearts remain humble and Spirit-led, not flesh fed.
Also, Kyle recently and correctly pointed out that the word for “reason” is logos in the Greek. Logos is also used when describing Jesus as the Word. “In the beginning was the Word [Logos].” JOHN 1:1.
Ultimately, we should always be focused on learning and sharing every answer with a soft, humble heart that’s filled with the Spirit of God, pointing everyone, ultimately to Jesus Christ, the Logos. We should not seek to simply give people facts about the Bible or against other religions or philosophies. Rather we should seek to use those facts to point them to Jesus and the glorious Gospel found in God’s Word, the Bible.
Lastly, and perhaps most obvious, apologetics are presented by men, and while we are told to be ready always, we must be sure we’re not replacing God’s Word with man’s teachings. The other unintended consequence has to do with many of the apologetics ministries themselves. While some of the information may be helpful, a good percentage of apologetics ministries have connections to Reformed and Calvinistic doctrine.
Just because a ministry can produce sound, extra-biblical apologetics materials doesn’t mean it can also rightly divide the fulness of God’s Word. One should not automatically lend credibility to the other. It is arguably beneficial then to delineate between ministries that provide useful resources in assisting with reinforcing and supporting biblically based conversations, and those ministries which focus mainly on helping people exegete God’s Word correctly.
Some apologetics resource topics may include Creation Science, Witchcraft and the Occult, Roman Catholicism, Calvinism, Eastern Mysticism, and Islam. While these ministries may provide well researched and presented information, we need to use godly wisdom in remembering we are never to relinquish our study of God’s Word to any man. Many of these men are great speakers, but that does not mean we need to believe everything they teach in areas of Scriptural doctrine. This line is easy to cross.
Note: Keep in mind, not all apologetics teachings are created equal. An apologetics ministry may be wonderful in one particular field. However, that doesn’t mean it will be biblical in every area.
An easy example of this is seen when considering Creation Science apologetics. Many ministries will NOT teach that the earth is around 6,000 years old. They will teach many great facts of intelligent design but will not teach what the Bible actually says regarding creation and the age of the earth as revealed in the genealogies from GENESIS 5. Ultimately, we will each be accountable to weigh every teaching, regardless of the ministry, against the plumb line of God’s Word.
Another simple question that might reveal our own heartfelt habits…
Where do we go first? Are we more drawn to go to our favorite apologetics site? Or do we hunger for God’s Word, seeking to feast first on Scripture?
Prioritizing any other book instead of The Book of books will inevitably slow our growth in our knowledge and understanding of the Author and Finisher of our Faith. While we may be knowledgeable in many areas of apologetics, we may find ourselves still a babe who is unskillful in the Word of God.
“Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing you are dull of hearing. For when for the time you ought to be teachers, you have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For everyone that uses milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongs to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” HEBREWS 5:11-14
Discernment isn’t simply knowing the wrong and right of things. The discernment skills designed to keep us safe and growing in Jesus come as we carefully study the “Word of Righteousness”.
> FIRM FOUNDATION VS FIRM IN OUR WAYS
There’s often more danger the longer we’ve been believers because we get so set/cemented in our ways. When Christians first get saved, it seems they are a bit more malleable, perhaps similar to elementary students learning new concepts. However, by the time a child has graduated college, many of his opinions, thoughts, and ideas have solidified. It often takes a lot to change our beliefs and actions as we get older. We get “set” in our ways. This can also be true for born-again believers. We need to be careful to come to God’s Word like children, not children who get tossed around by every wind of doctrine, but children of our Heavenly Father ready to hear and understand His Word. This is a big part of walking in the Spirit. This is a big part of taking up our cross every day.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” ROMANS 12:1-2
> BIBLE STORIES VS THE WHOLE OF THE BIBLE:
Being a Christian school teacher of over 20 years, I can unequivocally say that, regardless of whether at Christian school, homeschool, home devotions, or church/Sunday School, there’s a strong temptation to simply teach children Bible stories, not the Bible itself. Perhaps this is because it’s easier or because those teachers are themselves underequipped. While there is a place for teaching Bible stories, the goal of every believer should be to know and teach God’s Word contextually, consistently, and chronologically/historically.
To merely teach people Bible stories will inevitably lead them open later to potentially receiving worldly “stories” wrapped in biblical language.
> TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN
Sometimes we might get caught up in a false system of doctrine, especially early on. Especially considering we’re babes in Christ, still needing the milk of the Word. But after many months we start taking our first baby steps, searching the Scriptures, and we begin to realize that our current church teachings simply don’t measure up. We continue feasting on the Scriptures and really growing in love with God and His Word, maybe for the first time, and it’s amazing! Eventually, we’re convicted to leave our current fellowship or are asked to leave, being correctly convinced from God’s Word that many of their teachings are unbiblical.
After leaving, we start looking for a “solid”, Bible-teaching church. The search begins. Eventually we end up at a church that actually opens their Bibles and really seems to love the truth. One Sunday morning, the pastor begins a mini-series about false doctrine, and wouldn’t you know it. The false teachings we recognized from our previous church are featured in his series. “That’s it!” we say to ourselves. “This is the church for us.” So far, so good. Everyone’s really welcoming and encouraging. Some share stories of coming out of similar churches.
So, what’s the problem? We’re finally at a Bible-teaching church, filled with fellowship, and like-minded believers. Let’s take a step back and look at the first church in this example. Although the first church had some false doctrines, it still taught from the Bible, albeit not well. They had tremendous community and fellowship and many like-minded people. Herein lies the issue. While attending the first church, we were really never taught how to carefully and biblically discern the “Word of righteousness.” We were never taught how to rightly divide the word of truth. In other words, we were not carefully equipped. Paul likened this to having zeal without knowledge. (Romans 10:2) This is most often not a good combination. So… when we left the first church, even though there was growth in God’s Word, we have to conclude we may be left even more susceptible for other false teachings than before.
How could that be?
Great question. After leaving the first church, we now have an understanding in at least one area that is unbiblical. However, this doesn’t mean we actually are strong in the truth of God’s Word itself. Recognizing errors from Scripture isn’t the same as understanding God’s Word. So now we settle at a church that we perceive is Scripturally sound, teaching God’s Word. But why? Because they agree with a biblically recognizable error? Because they are at least boldly and logically reading their Bibles from the pulpit? This transition may very simply be the other side of the same coin. But this time, we are so eager to embrace the Bible that we make a huge mistake. Just like the first church, we replace following God with following men.
But this time it’s more subtle because we’re so desirous to follow what we think is the Bible and these teachers have the ability to sound biblical. They speak biblical words and sound intellectual and philosophical. But just because they can use words from the Bible eloquently and logically, doesn’t necessarily mean they’re any better. The problem now may even be worse because we’re fooled into thinking everything they say is actually biblical. But in the end, we may still simply be following men.
This is why this article started with Galatians 5. We are called to walk in the Spirit. We are exhorted to keep in step and be led by the Spirit of God. Paul warns us earlier in Galatians…
“I marvel that you are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preaches any other gospel unto you than that you have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” GALATIANS 1:6-12
SECTION 3 ~ ~ ~
TO FOLLOW OR NOT TO FOLLOW… MEN
For the purpose of this discussion, it doesn’t necessarily matter the error. In each and every case, the original danger is our desire to follow men, and this desire is destructively deceptive. Like a virus, our desire to please men quietly appears dormant, all the while working behind the scenes. And this desire is within every human being. We have a deep, self-centered drive to love ourselves, and that seductive enemy will inevitably skew our view of everything, even God’s Word. And yes, this happens even to genuine, born-again believers. This is why Paul reminds us of the necessity to die daily (1 Corinthians 15:31). This is why one of the major roles of the Holy Spirit is to bring the Word of God to mind (John 14:26). This is one of the major reasons we need to keep ourselves around people who genuinely and sincerely love and know God’s Word (Hebrews 10:23-25).
We could conclude, because we all have the flesh, we all have fleshly presuppositions… things we have been previously taught… things we’ve previously constructed and accepted in our hearts. The challenge for all of us is that many of our preconstructed notions are approved of and often originate from our own selfish hearts and minds. Jesus reminds us, “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” MATTHEW 12:33-37
Let’s be very honest and mindful that we are all easily motivated by the flesh. Regardless of the area, we all have weak points. May we also remember that what we consider “strong” points in our walk with the Lord may very well be our weakest points. After all, we typically choose to seek Him in our weakness, not in our “strength”. Trusting in our strengths can sometimes be recognized in what we pursue for an abundance. And in truth, most cannot handle an abundance of what they seek unless the Lord has prepared us.
One example of this would be the abundance of money. Not many seem to be able to handle wealth. Money, some say, simply magnifies a man’s current condition. If a man is selfish with a little, having a lot of money will typically only magnify that heart.
There is a case to be made for the same with knowledge.
Perhaps you’ve left a church with very little Bible teaching. You leave and go to a church that appears to teach much more and more carefully from the pulpit. This is a church overflowing with “knowledge”. You might be inundated with “knowledge”, but do you have your senses carefully exercised to discern what they’re actually teaching?
Consider the reminder from the Lord through Paul,
“Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if any man think that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.” 1 CORINTHIANS 8:1-2.
This also reminds me of someone stranded with very little food for months. Once rescued, he will not be able to simply stop at the nearest all-you-can-eat buffet. The body won’t be able to process it all. This is often true, as well, for the babe in Christ. He needs Godly milk before discerning whether the meat is biblical or not.
Okay, so poor teaching churches are a problem and so are churches which appear to teach a lot. So, what’s the answer? How about we see what the Bible has to say on the matter.
What did Jesus tell Nicodemus? Nicodemus was amazed at Jesus’s declaration about being born again (JOHN 3:3).
Jesus then said, “Marvel not that I said unto you, You must be born again. The wind blows where it lists, and you hear the sound thereof, but cannot tell from where it comes, and where it goes: so is everyone that is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said unto Him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Are you a master of Israel, and know not these things? Truly, truly, I say unto you, We speak that We do know and testify that We have seen; and you receive not Our witness. If I have told you of earthly things, and you believe not, how shall you believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man has ascended up to heaven, but He that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” JOHN 3:7-15.
If we were to summarize the beginning section of what Jesus is saying, perhaps we could say it like this, “Nicodemus, haven’t you read the Scriptures? Why aren’t you seeing what the Scriptures actually teach?” Jesus is very clearly rebuking Nicodemus for not knowing the Word of the very God he claimed to represent, for not ‘seeing’ what was actually in the whole of Scripture.
A couple chapters later, what did Jesus say to the religious leaders?
“And the Father Himself, which has sent Me, has borne witness of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His shape. And you have not His word abiding in you: for whom He has sent, Him you believe not. Search the scriptures; for in them you think you have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me. And you will not come to Me, that you might have life. I receive not honor from men. But I know you, that you have not the love of God in you. I am come in My Father’s name, and you receive Me not: if another shall come in his own name, him you will receive. How can you believe, which receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that comes from God only? Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuses you, even Moses, in whom you trust. For had you believed Moses, you would have believed Me: for he wrote of Me. But if you believe not his writings, how shall you believe My words?” JOHN 5:37-47.
How did Jesus answer the devil? “It is written… It is written… It is written.” Matthew 4:4-11
“But [Jesus] answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” MATTHEW 4:4
Here’s the thing. Going to the Bible isn’t the full and final solution either. After all, Satan already knew the Bible. The Pharisees already knew the Bible. Nicodemus already knew the Bible. Jesus wasn’t merely reminding us to go back to God’s Word. It is deeper than that. He’s telling us we need to not simply know where we’re going, but how we’re getting there. And this can only be answered when we understand why we want to go in the first place.
In Luke 10, Jesus doesn’t simply tell the lawyer to read God’s Word. He shines the Light of God right into his foolish and arrogant heart by asking one simple question. “How readest thou?”
“And behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted [Jesus], saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? How readest thou?” LUKE 10:25,26
THE ULTIMATE GOAL
So, if going to the Bible isn’t the ultimate answer, what about:
2 TIMOTHY 3:16
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
This, of course, is excellent. However, when we consider the whole of God’s Word, is doctrine the ultimate goal? Are correction and instruction the final goals? If we’re biblically consistent, we’d have to say, No. That almost feels heretical for me to type, but it’s true. If sound doctrine is my ultimate goal, then I must focus first and foremost on learning correct doctrine, hanging onto correct doctrine, and rooting out bad doctrine. My whole existence should be doctrine, doctrine, doctrine. But if that’s the case, what’s been left out? Jesus Christ.
We can become so set on believing in the correct doctrine that we miss the point of believing the correct doctrine. Am I saying we shouldn’t bother with doctrine? God forbid. The point here is that we have to be careful not to let the flesh lead in this pursuit. If the flesh leads our doctrinal endeavor, it will never allow us to move beyond this ‘signpost’.
While doctrine, correction, and instruction in righteousness are all essential, they’re simply signposts, not our ultimate destination. Should our doctrine be carefully understood and biblically sound? Absolutely. However, even though doctrine is necessary in point us in the right direction, it is not designed to be a substitute for the actual destination… Jesus Christ.
“And when they had lifted up their eyes they saw no man, save Jesus only.” MATTHEW 17:5-8 [emphasis added]
“After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram. I am your shield, and your exceeding great reward.” GENESIS 15:1 [emphasis added]
John, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, gave us the conclusion on the whole matter…
“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” 1 JOHN 5:20.
Jesus ultimately came to give men understanding so we could all personally and truly know Him. This is the ultimate goal. He is our ultimate destination!
And if we are to understand and know Jesus, we MUST know the whole of His Holy Word! This is God’s desire.
So, it would stand to reason that Satan will do everything he can to corrupt and contaminate our understanding of God’s Word, which, once embraced, will inevitably lead us, at best, to a very shallow and childish understanding of Jesus. At worst, we will end up with a completely amalgamated view of Jesus based on the false foundation born from devilish doctrines/presuppositions which are fed by the flesh. If we are to reflect the true Jesus, this end game should be deplorable to us!
Let us also carefully consider verse 21, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.”
Could the pursuit of sound, biblical doctrine actually become idolatrous? It’s this author’s conclusion that making doctrine our primary pursuit may indeed have that potential. The good news is if those genuinely seeking the truth of God’s Word start to veer off track, they’ll usually be open to redirection sooner than later. If we’re not, then perhaps we need to examine our own hearts, humbly asking God to expose any wickedness that might need to get nailed to the cross.
Should we go to God’s Word? Absolutely!!! However, we must be careful, diligent, and humble as to HOW and WHY we are going. This is what Jesus meant when He asked the lawyer, “How readest thou?”
So let’s apply this as our final question to help reveal our own heartfelt habits…
“How Readest Thou?”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A FEW QUESTIONS TO TAKE TO THE LORD WHEN APPROACHING GOD’S WORD
First and foremost, are you born again? God’s Word asks us all to carefully examine ourselves.
“Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith; prove your own selves.” 2 CORINTHIANS 13:5.
If you’re not sure if you’re going to Heaven, pray and read John 3.
Are there any fleshly conclusions you’ve applied to God’s Word?
Have you allowed a man’s teachings to reinterpret how you understand God’s Word, even in the slightest?
Are there particular areas of Scripture you’ve avoided? Why?
Keep in mind, the last three of these are not necessarily to be answered immediately. These are questions directed at the Lord. Ask Him to show you. (Psalm 139:23-24). Also, don’t wait for an answer. Keep reading your Bible. God is good at teaching us as we are going through His Word.
A FEW RECOMMENDATIONS WHEN READING GOD’S WORD
Although these sound basic, it’s often getting back to the basics that renews our first love. (Revelation 2:4)
PRAY for Godly understanding to know Jesus first and foremost.
Lay down your commentaries, book studies, and perhaps even your reading programs for a while.
Turn off your phone and all its distracting feeds, notifications, and opinions.
Take a break from listening to your favorite teachers for a while. After all, they’re just people. Let God’s Word be your primary joy.
Consider applying an inductive study method to allow Scripture to interpret Scripture. This will hopefully also open the door for the Holy Spirit to guide and provide understanding WITHOUT all the voices surrounding you. It will also hopefully provide a simple and helpful way to focus on Jesus, growing us upward, not simply outward, and certainly not inward.
NOTE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Carefully and prayerfully consider the seductively powerful influence of social media’s algorithms. Social contagion is a very real thing. It’s easy enough to be fooled into believing plenty of erroneous philosophies in today’s emotionally driven world. Then we add social media and its powerfully persuasive algorithms to the mix, and it’s pretty much game-over for many people, even born-again believers.
The other problem here is how quickly social media surrounds us with an echo chamber of like-minded thinkers. While this might be beneficial, it can be extremely harmful if the community that’s formed hinders our individual understanding of God and His word. Of course, no one would assume he/she is in that situation. Are we willing to make sure? Can you turn off your social media feeds? Can you simply get back to God’s Word in prayer and humble adoration? What would be the danger?
FINAL ENCOURAGEMENTS
When searching the Scriptures, may we humbly pray for the Lord to renew our minds (Romans 12:1-2). We are not only called to love God with all our heart, but also all our mind (Mark 12:30). We are called to have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:14-16). While having teachers is God’s design, it was never His plan for us to usurp His Word with the words of men. We are never called to be followers of men. Nor are we to fear them. Both are from the flesh. May we all joyfully let the Lord lead us by His Holy Spirit so we can truly understand and know Jesus, our precious, personal, and powerful Creator, Savior, and Coming King.
“Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come.” JOHN 16:13
“But you have an unction from the Holy One, and you know all things. I have not written unto you because you know not the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth… Let that therefore abide in you, which you have heard from the beginning. If that which you have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, you also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that He has promised us, even eternal life. These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing which you have received of Him abides in you, and you need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as He has taught you, you shall abide in Him.” 1 JOHN 2:20-26
“For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 TIMOTHY 1:7
“And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”
“This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But you have not so learned Christ; if so be that you have heard Him, and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” EPHESIANS 2:11-24
STAND UP FOR THE TRUTH With Mary Danielson with Kyle Peart and Flynn Huseby
ONCE LOST Video Presentation with Flynn Huseby and guest, James Fire - coming soon!
POEM 1
“[Jesus] said unto him…
How Readest Thou?” Luke 10:26
Christ’s question must concern,
Each eager, praying one who would discern
The real meaning of the Book of books,
When through its pages he with patience looks.
Some read to bring themselves into repute,
While showing others how they can dispute,
And others read it with uncommon care,
But all to find some contradiction there.
Some read to prove a pre-adopted creed,
Thus understand but little what they read
And every passage of the book they bend
To make it suit their own determined end.
’Tis one thing, friend, to read the Bible through;
Another thing to read to learn and do;
’Tis one thing, too, to read it with delight
And quite another thing to read aright.
~Author unknown
POEM 2
HOW READEST THOU?
LUKE 10:16
’TIS one thing now to read the Bible through,
Another thing to read, to learn and do;
’Tis one thing now to read it with delight,
And quite another thing to read it right.
Some read it with design to learn to read,
But to the subject pay but little heed;
Some read it as their duty once a week,
But no instruction from the Bible seek;
Whilst others read it without common care,
With no regard to how they read or where,
Some read it as a history, to know,
How people lived three thousand years ago.
Some read to bring unto themselves repute,
By showing others how they can dispute;
Whilst others read because their neighbors do,
To see how long ’twill take to read it through.
Some read it for the wonders that are there,
How David killed a lion and a bear;
Whilst others read—or rather in it look—
Because, perhaps, they have no other book.
Some read the blessed Book—they don’t know why,
It somehow happens in the way to lie;
Whilst others read it with uncommon care,
But all to find some contradictions there.
One reads with father’s specs upon his head,
And sees the thing just as his father did;
Another reads through Campbell or through Scott,
And thinks it means exactly what they thought.
Some read to prove a pre-adopted creed,
Thus understand but little what they read;
And every passage in the Book they bend
To make it suit that all-important end.
Some read the Book to find that God is love,
Whilst others read—the opposite to prove.
Some people read, as I have often thought,
To teach the Book, instead of being taught.
And some there are who read it out of spite;
I fear there but few who read it right.
So many people in the latter days,
Have read the Bible in so many ways.
That few can tell which system is the best,
For every part contradicts the rest.
But read it prayerfully, and you will see,
Although men contradict, God’s words agree;
For what the early Bible prophets wrote,
We find that Christ and His apostle’s quote,
So trust no creed that trembles to recall
What has been penned by one and verified by all!
So HOW and WHY are YOU reading God’s Word today?
No comments:
Post a Comment