The Deception of the False Doctrine Teaching and theology, to have claimed to offer profound spiritual insights and promises of prosperity and healing.
However, upon closer examination, these teachings reveal themselves to be distortions of biblical truth. One such doctrine is the Word of Faith movement, which, despite its popularity, falls short of presenting the genuine message of Scripture.
Let's take a look at why the Word of Faith doctrine does not align with the truth of God's Word.
Understanding the Word of Faith Doctrine
The Word of Faith movement emphasizes the power of words and positive confession, asserting that believers can speak their desires into existence by faith. This false teaching promotes the idea that faith is a force that compels God to act in accordance with our desires and declarations.
Key Problems with Word of Faith Teaching
Misinterpretation of Scripture: Proponents of the Word of Faith doctrine often misuse biblical verses of Scripture, taking them out of context to support their claims of prosperity and health (e.g., misapplying verses like Mark 11:23-24 and Romans 4:17).
False Promises of Prosperity: The focus on material wealth and health can lead those who believe this false teaching to pursue selfish desires rather than seeking God's kingdom and righteousness that in The finished work of the Cross (Matthew 6:33).
Denial of Suffering and Trials: Word of Faith teaching tends to deny the reality of suffering and trials, portraying them as signs of weak faith or lack of positive confession.
Manipulation and Exploitation: Some leaders within this movement use manipulative tactics, such as pressure to give financially or false promises of guaranteed blessings.
Purpose instead of Faith: So called teachers of The Word of Faith teach prioritizing purpose as their agenda instead of faith and neglects to place "Faith in Christ Crucified".
Contrasting with Biblical Truth
God's Word in truth which is Jesus and the finished work of the cross and faith that finished work acknowledges both God's sovereignty and the reality of of The Cross:
True Faith: Genuine faith involves trusting in God's character and His promises that came through The Cross, not in our ability to manipulate Him (Hebrews 11:1, 6).
God's Sovereignty: For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD. His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Faith in the times of Trials: The Bible teaches that trials and suffering will come but we must keep our eye on The Lord as James says: "that the trying of your faith worketh patience" Keeping our faith in Jesus and Him Crucified will deepen our dependence on God (James 1:2-4, Romans 5:3-5).
Guarding Against False Doctrine
Study Scripture: Study and spend time in your Bible regularly and in its entirety to discern truth from error because Scripture verifies Scripture and The Holy Spirit will never point us to any other direction except to The Finished Work of The Cross (2 Timothy 3:16-17, John 16:13-15).
Test All Teachings: Evaluate doctrines and teachings against the comprehensive counsel of Scripture and test every spirit to see if they are of God or not (Acts 17:11, 1 John 4:1-5).
Seek Discernment: Pray for wisdom and discernment from the Holy Spirit to recognize and reject falsehoods asking in Faith, nothing wavering (James 1:5-6).
As followers of Christ Jesus, we are called to uphold the truth of God's Word and guard against deceptive teachings that distort His Word. The Word of Faith doctrine, despite its allure, falls short of presenting the full counsel of Scripture. Let us remain rooted in the genuine gospel, trusting in God's prescribed order of victory that is the Cross, and seeking first The kingdom of God above earthly treasures. (Colossians 2:6-7)
The Word of Faith doctrine, with its emphasis on positive confession, material prosperity, and the manipulation of divine power instead of true faith, presents a distorted view of biblical truth. By misinterpreting Scripture, promoting a manipulative view of faith, denying the reality of true faith of the Cross, and fostering materialism, this false teaching can lead sincere believers astray. (Matthew 24:24)
As followers of Christ and The Cross, we must remain vigilant and discerning, testing all teachings against the truth of Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Let us anchor ourselves in the truth of God's Word and The cross, which reveals the true nature of faith in The Cross, knowing and following Jesus Christ above all else (Philippians 3:8).
By understanding the deceptive nature of false doctrines like The Word of Faith movement, we can guard our hearts and minds against deception and embrace the authentic Gospel that is The Cross that leads to True Spiritual transformation and eternal life in Christ Jesus.
This is why people need to walk in the way of The Cross
Luke 9:23 (KJV) says: "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."
This verse captures a foundational principle of true discipleship laid out by Jesus Himself. Let's break down its implications and relevance in guarding against false teachings:
1. Denying Self
The first part of Luke 9:23 emphasizes the importance of denying oneself. To follow Jesus correctly, believers must renounce their own desires, ambitions, and selfish inclinations. This denial of self is contrary to the teachings of prosperity-driven or self-centered doctrines, like the Word of Faith movement, which often emphasize personal gain and fulfillment.
James 4:4 (KJV) Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Walking in the way of the cross involves a humble submission to God's will above our own desires (Matthew 26:39). This attitude of "self-denial" helps protect against the allure of false teachings that cater to human selfishness and materialism.
2. Taking Up our Cross Daily
Taking up one's cross daily signifies embracing the sacrificial aspect of following Christ. The Cross symbolizes suffering, selflessness, and faithful commitment to God. It reminds us that discipleship's of Jesus involves a willingness to endure hardship, persecution, and rejection for the sake of Christ (Matthew 16:24).
In contrast to Christ Crucified, false teachings often promise a life of comfort, prosperity, and worldly success. By embracing The Cross daily, believers are equipped to discern with the help of The Holy Spirit and reject teachings that prioritize personal gain over sacrificial obedience to Christ.
3. Following Jesus
The ultimate goal of discipleship is to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and faithfully. This means aligning our lives with His teachings, example, and mission. As we walk in the way of The Cross, we learn to recognize and embrace the truth revealed in God's Word.
Following Jesus guards against deception because it keeps our focus exclusively on Him as the source of truth and life (John 14:6). When we prioritize The way of The Cross we will have true fellowship with Christ and seek to emulate His character, we become less susceptible to the allure of false teachers and their doctrines.
In summary, Luke 9:23 highlights the transformative journey of true discipleship characterized by self-denial, daily commitment to walking by the way of The Cross, and wholehearted faithfulness in following of Jesus. The way of The Cross should be the life serves as a powerful weapon against false teachings and doctrines that contradict the truth and essence of The Gospel.
By embracing the way of The Cross daily, believers cultivate humility, perseverance, and discernment qualities essential for navigating the complexities of spiritual deception. As we heed Jesus' call to take up our cross and follow Him, we position ourselves to walk in The Truth, avoiding the pitfalls of false teachers and embracing the authentic truth of The Gospel that leads to eternal life.
Pray for all Saints so that may we continually seek to walk in the way of The Cross, anchored in The Truth of God's Word, and be lead by the Holy Spirit to discern and reject falsehoods that lead astray from the path of righteousness (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Here are several key Scriptures that support the denying self, taking up The Cross, and following Jesus in the context of guarding against false teachings:
Denying Self:
Matthew 16:24-25 (KJV): "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."
Mark 8:34-35 (KJV): "And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever 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; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it."
Taking Up the Cross Daily:
Luke 9:23 (KJV): "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."
Matthew 10:38 (KJV): "And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me."
Following Jesus:
John 10:27 (KJV): "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."
John 14:6 (KJV): "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
Guarding Against False Teachings:
Matthew 7:15-20 (KJV): "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits.
Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."
2 Timothy 4:3-4 (KJV): "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."
Seeking Wisdom and Discernment:
James 1:5 (KJV): "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
1 Thessalonians 5:21 (KJV): "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."
These Scriptures emphasize the importance of genuine discipleship, discernment, and adherence to The Truth of God's Word as essential safeguards against false teachings and deceptive doctrines. By following Jesus Faithfully and wholeheartedly, denying self, and seeking wisdom from God, (1 Corinthians 1:18) believers can go through spiritual challenges and remain grounded in the authenticity of The Gospel, the preaching of The Cross because it is The Power of God.
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