Discerning Truth: Guarding Against the Counterfeit Gospel

Devotional

Day 1: The Inevitability of False Teachers

False teachers will come, and they will attempt to distort the gospel for their own gain. It is crucial to be vigilant and discerning, especially as parents and leaders, to teach the true gospel to our children and communities. This responsibility is a daily commitment, not just a weekly Bible study. [43:03]

False teachers are an inevitable part of the Christian journey. They come with the intention of distorting the gospel for their own gain, often appearing genuine and trustworthy. As believers, it is our responsibility to be vigilant and discerning, especially as parents and leaders. We must teach the true gospel to our children and communities, ensuring that they are grounded in biblical truth. This is not a task that can be accomplished through a weekly Bible study alone; it requires a daily commitment to living out and teaching the gospel.

Being vigilant means constantly evaluating the teachings we encounter and comparing them to the truth of Scripture. It also means being proactive in our own spiritual growth, so we can recognize false teachings when they arise. As parents and leaders, we have a unique responsibility to model this vigilance and discernment for those we lead. By doing so, we help to safeguard the faith of our children and communities, ensuring that they are not led astray by false teachers.

2 Peter 2:1-2 (ESV): "But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed."

Reflection: How can you be more vigilant in discerning false teachings in your daily life? What steps can you take to ensure that you are teaching the true gospel to those around you?

Day 2: Testing the Spirits

John provides a clear test to identify false teachers: any spirit that confesses Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God. This distinction helps us discern true followers of Christ from those who are not. Understanding this is vital for maintaining the purity of the gospel in our lives and communities. [41:31]

In 1 John 4, we are given a clear litmus test to identify false teachers: any spirit that confesses Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God. This distinction is crucial because it helps us discern true followers of Christ from those who are not. False teachers may appear genuine, but if their teachings do not align with this fundamental truth, they are not from God. Understanding this test is vital for maintaining the purity of the gospel in our lives and communities.

Testing the spirits requires us to be knowledgeable about the core truths of our faith. We must be able to recognize when a teaching deviates from these truths and be willing to reject it, no matter how appealing it may seem. This discernment is not just for our own benefit but also for the benefit of our communities. By maintaining the purity of the gospel, we help to protect others from being led astray by false teachings.

1 John 4:2-3 (ESV): "By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already."

Reflection: Are there any teachings or influences in your life that do not align with the truth that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh? How can you apply the test of the spirits to discern their validity?

Day 3: Abiding in Christ

Our ability to overcome false teachings comes not from our own strength but from the Holy Spirit within us. Just as an air fryer needs to be plugged into a power source to function, we must stay connected to Jesus to live a life of true faith. This connection is maintained through daily practices like scripture reading, prayer, and being part of a gospel-centered community. [58:38]

Overcoming false teachings is not something we can do through our own strength or wisdom. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit within us that we can discern truth from falsehood. Just as an air fryer needs to be plugged into a power source to function, we must stay connected to Jesus to live a life of true faith. This connection is maintained through daily practices like scripture reading, prayer, and being part of a gospel-centered community.

Abiding in Christ means making Him the center of our lives and continually seeking to grow in our relationship with Him. It involves daily practices that keep us connected to Him and grounded in His truth. By doing so, we are better equipped to recognize and reject false teachings. This connection to Jesus is not just for our own benefit but also for the benefit of those around us. When we are firmly rooted in Christ, we can help others to do the same.

John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

Reflection: What daily practices can you incorporate into your life to ensure that you are abiding in Christ? How can you stay connected to Jesus in a way that helps you overcome false teachings?

Day 4: The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit's primary role is to point us to Christ in everything we do. It is not by our strength or wisdom that we discern truth but by the Holy Spirit's guidance. This understanding humbles us and keeps us reliant on God's power rather than our own. [53:52]

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in our ability to discern truth from falsehood. His primary role is to point us to Christ in everything we do. It is not by our own strength or wisdom that we can discern truth but by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This understanding humbles us and keeps us reliant on God's power rather than our own. The Holy Spirit helps us to see things from God's perspective and to recognize when something is not in alignment with His truth.

Relying on the Holy Spirit means being open to His leading and being willing to follow His guidance, even when it goes against our own understanding or desires. It involves a daily surrender to His will and a commitment to seeking His direction in all areas of our lives. By doing so, we can be confident that we are walking in truth and not being led astray by false teachings.

John 16:13 (ESV): "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come."

Reflection: How can you be more open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your daily life? What steps can you take to ensure that you are relying on His power rather than your own?

Day 5: Caution with External Sources

Not all popular Christian teachings align with biblical truth. We must be cautious about the external sources we consume and always measure them against Scripture. This discernment helps us avoid being led astray by charismatic but false teachers. [01:06:50]

In today's world, we have access to a vast array of Christian teachings and resources. However, not all of these teachings align with biblical truth. It is essential to be cautious about the external sources we consume and to always measure them against Scripture. This discernment helps us avoid being led astray by charismatic but false teachers who may appear genuine but are not teaching the true gospel.

Being cautious with external sources means being selective about the teachings we allow into our lives. It involves evaluating the content we consume and comparing it to the truth of Scripture. By doing so, we can ensure that we are not being influenced by false teachings and that we are staying grounded in biblical truth. This discernment is crucial for maintaining the purity of the gospel in our lives and communities.

Acts 17:11 (ESV): "Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so."

Reflection: Are there any external sources you are currently consuming that may not align with biblical truth? How can you be more discerning in evaluating the teachings you encounter?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, OV Church. Today, we delved into 1 John 4, focusing on the theme of "Counterfeit Gospel." We began by acknowledging the inevitability of false teachers who will come to distort the gospel for their own gain. John warns us to test every spirit to discern whether they are from God. This is crucial because not everyone who claims to follow Christ truly does. We must be vigilant and discerning, especially as parents and leaders, to teach the true gospel to our children and communities.

John provides a clear litmus test: any spirit that confesses Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, while those that do not are from the spirit of the antichrist. This distinction is vital because it helps us identify false teachers who may appear genuine but are not. We also discussed the importance of understanding that our righteousness and ability to overcome false teachings come not from our own strength but from the Holy Spirit within us.

We explored the necessity of abiding in Christ, likening it to an air fryer that needs to be plugged into a power source to function. Similarly, we must stay connected to Jesus to live a life of true faith. This connection is maintained through daily practices like scripture reading, prayer, and being part of a gospel-centered community.

Finally, we touched on the importance of being cautious about the external sources we consume, as not all popular Christian teachings align with biblical truth. We concluded with a story about Costi Hinn, who was saved from a false gospel through the power of the Holy Spirit and the truth of Scripture. As we take communion, let us remember the true gospel and the sacrifice Jesus made for us.

###

Key Takeaways

1. centered community. [58:38]
4. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit's primary role is to point us to Christ in everything we do. It is not by our strength or wisdom that we discern truth but by the Holy Spirit's guidance. This understanding humbles us and keeps us reliant on God's power rather than our own.

5. Caution with External Sources: Not all popular Christian teachings align with biblical truth. We must be cautious about the external sources we consume and always measure them against Scripture. This discernment helps us avoid being led astray by charismatic but false teachers.

### [58:38]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[37:21] - Introduction and Personal Story
[38:47] - Bad Advice and Its Consequences
[40:01] - False Teachers and Their Tactics
[41:31] - Testing the Spirits
[43:03] - The Inevitability of False Teachers
[44:34] - Parental Responsibility in Teaching the Gospel
[45:59] - Judging Christianity by False Teachers
[47:32] - Identifying True Teachers
[49:05] - Major Beliefs and False Religions
[50:38] - Content of the Message
[52:14] - Unity in Christ Despite Theological Differences
[53:52] - Overcoming by the Holy Spirit
[55:29] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[57:05] - Abiding in Christ
[58:38] - Righteousness Through the Holy Spirit
[60:20] - Jesus Offers Rest
[62:00] - Knowing the Gospel Well
[63:45] - Being Part of a Gospel Community
[65:14] - Importance of Small Groups
[66:50] - Caution with External Sources
[68:25] - Story of Costi Hinn
[70:00] - Communion and True Gospel
[72:56] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to 1 John 4:1, what are believers instructed to do with every spirit? Why is this important? [41:31]
What is the clear test provided in 1 John 4:2-3 to identify if a spirit is from God? [41:31]
How does John describe the relationship between believers and false teachers in 1 John 4:4-6? [53:52]
What analogy did the pastor use to explain the necessity of abiding in Christ, and how does it relate to our spiritual life? [57:05]

Interpretation Questions

Why is it crucial for believers to test the spirits, and what might be the consequences of failing to do so? [41:31]
How does the concept of abiding in Christ (John 15:5) help believers overcome false teachings? [58:38]
What does John 14:6 imply about the exclusivity of Jesus as the way to God, and how does this challenge popular beliefs about multiple paths to God? [49:05]
How does the role of the Holy Spirit, as described in the sermon, empower believers to discern truth from falsehood? [53:52]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you encountered a teaching that seemed off. How did you handle it, and what steps can you take to better test the spirits in the future? [41:31]
In what ways can you ensure that you are abiding in Christ daily? Consider specific practices like scripture reading, prayer, and community involvement. [58:38]
How can you teach the true gospel to your children or those you mentor, ensuring they are equipped to recognize false teachings? [44:34]
Think about the external sources you consume, such as books, podcasts, or social media. How can you be more discerning about their alignment with biblical truth? [01:06:50]
Have you ever relied on your own strength or righteousness instead of the Holy Spirit? How can you shift your focus to depend more on the Holy Spirit's guidance? [53:52]
How can you actively participate in a gospel-centered community to strengthen your faith and discernment? Consider joining a small group or serving in a ministry. [01:03:45]
Reflect on the story of Costi Hinn. How can his experience with a false gospel and subsequent transformation inspire you to seek and share the true gospel? [01:08:25]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "For those of you out there that are exploring Christianity or maybe you're a skeptic to Christianity, I ask you don't judge Christianity and more importantly don't judge Jesus based on these false teachers. Don't judge Jesus based on these false teachers they are by definition not true Christians." [45:59] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Jesus is offering something far better. He's offering himself for you. He's offering you his perfect life for your imperfect one, his eternal riches for your sins, and he's offering to take all of your burdens, your hurts, and your brokenness for peace. His yoke is easy and his burden is light." [59:38] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We cannot earn our salvation but it's a free gift through from God through Jesus. So we know these false teachers are coming into the world, we know that you know how to spot a true teacher from a false teacher, and we know that is the power of the Holy Spirit inside of us that helps us do that." [01:00:20] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The source of our righteousness is not our works, it's not how often you go to church, it's not how often we pray, it's not how much money we give to the church. Those things are nice and you know we should do them. That is not where we get our righteousness from. It is only through the Holy Spirit." [58:38] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "If you're tired of striving, maybe you're exploring Christianity, maybe you're following Christ right now but you're trying so hard to be perfect, Jesus is offering rest for you. We cannot earn our salvation but it's a free gift through from God through Jesus." [59:38] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "We are the first of our children. We are the ones whose responsibility it is to teach them the true gospel, to teach them what is true and what is false. My favorite verse it won't be on the screen on this is Deuteronomy 6:4-7... You shall teach them diligently your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise." [44:34] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We know these false teachers are coming and now we know that we can tell them out by what they say about Jesus and the last part of the last point that John's making is my favorite is that God's already overcome these false teachers. God's already defeated them." [52:14] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We overcome these false teachers not by our own strength or wisdom or intellect but it's by the Holy Spirit. He is the one that points us to Jesus. I remember reading the book somewhere that one of the main kind of jobs the Holy Spirit has in our life is as a spotlight ministry that his role in our lives is to point us to Christ in everything that we do, everything that we think, everything that we say." [53:52] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We need to spend time with Jesus and we need to spend time with him and we need to spend time with him and we need to do that daily. We do that through the means of grace he's given us through scripture reading, through prayer, through gospel community. He is the one that is the perfecter of our faith. He is the one that has given us eternal life." [01:00:20] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Be a part of a gospel community. You know we don't live the Christian life alone. If you're a member here at OV Church you're there congratulations you did step number two I'm proud of you good job gold stars for everyone. But there's another step you can take if you're a and two of them look like this one is it's serving on a team together." [01:03:45] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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