Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. – Colossians 2:8 (KJV)
The scribes and teachers of the law were experts in translating and teaching the Old Testament during the time of Jesus.
They were familiar with the literal biblical texts but lacked spiritual understanding of the essence.
Today, many preachers in their eagerness to impress their audiences attempt to explain away every single scripture. While doing this, they take away from the simplicity of the gospel of Christ (2nd Corinthians 11:3).
Also, many curious and well-meaning students have inadvertently bought into deception and error in their zeal to dig ‘deep’ in understanding scriptures.
The bible is full of definitive cautions for young converts and even long-time Christian leaders to beware of false and heretical doctrines that are now widespread among contemporary preachers.
These false teachers are very subtle in their approach and play on biblically shallow and ignorant minds. They water down fundamental issues of the Christian faith to accommodate everyone in the name of ‘love.’
These teachers isolate and interpret scriptures to make a point or to react to another preacher’s stand on issues, thereby unknowingly contradicting many other scriptures.
Beware of those who cannot admit that there are scriptural standpoints they do not fully understand and have no experiential knowledge of.
Beware of preachers that feel comfortable adding or removing from bible verses, explaining scriptures from head and brain knowledge and claiming complete understanding.
Our understanding as humans is limited and we will give account for every way we misinterpret the bible. Beware!!!
PRAYER: Lord, please constantly remind me that scriptures are not subject to private interpretation (2 Peter 1:20). Please help me to make it a priority to be faithful to scriptures and humble enough to seek help with whatever I do not understand. May I never fall into error or lead others into error in Jesus name. Amen.