Title: *Guarding Against False Teaching: The Importance of Personal Bible Study.*

**Introduction**:

False teachings have existed since the early church, and Scripture warns believers to be vigilant. Today, subtle distortions of the Word often lead believers astray, turning them from sound doctrine to what the Bible calls “hearsay.” Understanding these dangers and the importance of personal Bible study is essential for every Christian.

### Examples of How False Ministers Twist Scripture

1. **Selective Quoting**:

- **Example**: Prosperity gospel preachers often quote *Philippians 4:13* (“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”) in isolation, implying it guarantees material success and wealth. However, the context is Paul discussing contentment in all circumstances—whether in plenty or want.

- **Illustration**: Imagine using a single page of a manual to assemble a complex machine. Without the full context, you may end up with a dysfunctional result. Similarly, taking isolated verses out of context can lead to misguided beliefs.

- **Scripture Support**: *2 Timothy 2:15* (ESV) says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

2. **Redefining Words to Fit an Agenda**:

- **Example**: Some false teachers redefine “love” in *1 Corinthians 13* to imply unconditional acceptance of all behavior, ignoring the Bible’s clear teachings on sin. While God’s love is deep and encompassing, it does not condone wrongdoing.

- **Comment**: Preachers may say, “If God is love, then He won’t judge anyone.” However, *Romans 6:23* reminds us, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

- **Quote**: Charles Spurgeon once said, “Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right.”

3. **Ignoring Difficult Truths**:

- **Example**: Teachers who preach only messages of comfort, avoiding teachings on judgment and repentance, twist the fullness of the Gospel. They may speak on *Jeremiah 29:11* (“For I know the plans I have for you…”) but neglect passages like *Matthew 7:21-23*, where Jesus warns that not all who claim Him as Lord will enter the Kingdom.

- **Illustration**: A diet of only sweets may taste good but eventually lead to malnutrition. Likewise, a gospel devoid of repentance and God’s holiness starves believers of the truth.

4. **Adding Extra-Biblical Revelation**:

- **Example**: Some ministers claim new, divine revelations contradicting or adding to Scripture. This is common in cultic teachings, where leaders may proclaim, “God has shown me something beyond what’s in the Bible.”

- **Scripture Support**: *Revelation 22:18* (ESV) warns, “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book.”

- **Comment**: When teachings go beyond or oppose what is written, believers must be discerning and return to *1 John 4:1*: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

### The Need to Study the Bible for Yourself

- **Scriptural Foundation**: *Acts 17:11* commends the Bereans for examining the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true. This example underscores that even respected teachers must be checked against the Word.

- **Illustration**: Just as someone who only takes others’ Word for financial advice may be misled, so too can a believer who relies solely on second-hand spiritual teachings.

- **Quote**: D.L. Moody once noted, “The Bible was not given for our information but for our transformation.”

### How to Guard Against False Teaching:

1. **Study Regularly**: Commit daily reading and meditating on Scripture. Use multiple translations and reliable commentaries for deeper understanding.

2. **Pray for Discernment**: Ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom as you read. *James 1:5* says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

3. **Discuss with Mature Believers**: Join Bible study groups and seek guidance from spiritually mature Christians grounded in Biblical truth.

4. **Know the Full Gospel**: Understand that the Gospel includes God’s love, grace, judgment, and a call to repentance. The whole counsel of Scripture balances hope and accountability.

### My Opinion:

False teachings often thrive where biblical literacy is low. Knowing Scripture intimately is not just for scholars; it is vital for every believer. In a world full of persuasive voices, only a deep and personal understanding of the Bible will anchor you in truth. As Paul encouraged Timothy, “Preach the word; be ready in and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2).

**Conclusion**:

Be aware, be vigilant, and never substitute others’ words for God’s Word. Let *Psalm 119:105* be your guide: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” With this light, you can discern truth from falsehood and walk confidently in the way God intends.