Beware of the Religious Teachers - We must be careful of religious leaders who pretend to be righteous but instead go around doing evil. It doesn’t matter how they might justify their deeds, or how self-deluded they may be, we must beware of them. There have been many religious people like this throughout history. Just think for a moment about the persecution, exploitation, and abuse that has taken place in the name of religion. Don’t be fooled by simply following what any religious leader says whether in a book, on TV, or online, until you’ve checked it out for yourself in the Word of God. Similarly, don’t simply accept what any organization tells you as being true, unless you have understood for yourself that it agrees with the principles that Jesus lived out and taught. The only way to protect yourself against false religious leaders is for your first allegiance to be to Jesus Christ and to his Word. If that is where you stand then you won’t be misled, and you won’t be disappointed when the hypocrisy of these people is exposed

"As he taught, Jesus said, 'Watch out for the teachers of the law. 

"'They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honour at banquets.

"'They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers.

"'These men will be punished most severely'” - (Mark 12:38–40, NIV).

As Jesus taught the religious leaders – the teachers of the law – are listened.

Everyone saw them.

But Jesus wasn’t afraid.

What Jesus said here is a lesson for all time. 

We must be careful of religious leaders who pretend to be righteous but instead go around doing evil. 

It doesn’t matter how they might justify their deeds, or how self-deluded they may be, we must beware of them.

There have been many religious people like this throughout history. 

Just think for a moment about the persecution, exploitation, and abuse that has taken place in the name of religion.

Don’t be fooled by simply following what any religious leader says whether in a book, on TV, or online, until you’ve checked it out for yourself in the Word of God.

Similarly, don’t simply accept what any organisation tells you as being true, unless you have understood for yourself that it agrees with the principles that Jesus lived out and taught.

The only way to protect yourself against false religious leaders is for your first allegiance to be to Jesus Christ and to his Word. 

If that is where you stand then you won’t be misled, and you won’t be disappointed when the hypocrisy of these people is exposed.

REFLECT

So, what are you doing every day to stay close to Jesus, and to learn more from the Word of God?

Is this part of your daily routine? 

What changes do you need to make to make sure that it is? Knowing God’s Word is a protection against lies and false teachings.

Dr Eliezer Gonzalez

Dr Eliezer Gonzalez is simply passionate about the gospel. With a background in teaching and management, the Lord called him to the gospel ministry and set him on an academic path. As a result, Eliezer earned two Master’s degrees (in Theology and Early Christian History), and then a PhD in Early Christian History. The Word Spreads Fast, and so do we. Good News Unlimited is led by Eliezer Gonzalez, who communicates the gospel of Jesus Christ with passion and conviction. 

goodnewsunlimited.com

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