Luke 21:8

Here Jesus gives His disciples of that day and His future modern day disciples (that would be us!) a heads up regarding both the imminent event of the destruction of the temple and the future events which would occur prior to the Great Tribulation. We are to set our sights upon with interest what we hear and take to heart so that we will not be deceived. Let’s face it, we are easily duped – it has been this way since the Garden of Eden. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus again tells us:

15 "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Matt 7:15-20 (NIV)

Their words can sound so palatable, so correct, so on target – like fruit which tastes so sweet on the lips yet turns sour when ingested and applied. It is therefore important for Christians to have a firm grasp of the Truth of God’s Word. It is His revealed will to us and He never goes counter to it. We can trust it. It is true Truth. When people are taught how to spot counterfeit money, they are made to examine the genuine. There is no end to false doctrine. We could spend all of our time in the study of that which misses the mark. In my opinion, as believers, our efforts are much better invested in both the learning and application of God’s Word. We are to be zealous in this pursuit as Scripture tells us:

15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Tim 2:15 (NIV)

In knowing and understanding God’s Word we will be able to discern when faced with false doctrine. Always take what you hear back to the Word of God for confirmation – otherwise it is just someone else’s opinion and what does that matter? God’s Word can be very convicting and if we are unwilling to deal with the light that He gives us through His Word – not changing but continuing to go our own way, we will most certainly quit reading it because it is simple too difficult to be face to face with our guiltiness if we are unwilling to turn. God never goes to the next “issue” in our life until we deal with the one He is working on! Sometimes I wish He would pick another flaw instead of the one He is dealing with! I may want to stay angry or selfish or prideful! Yet He lovingly always draws me back into fellowship through His Word. We do ourselves a great injustice by not giving it priority in our lives. It helps us to maintain proper focus – equipping us with the spiritual “food” we desperately need to function in the abundant life God desires for His children. Scripture tells us:

45 When Moses finished reciting all these words to all Israel, 46 he said to them, "Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. 47 They are not just idle words for you--they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess." Deut 32:45-47 (NIV)

Psalm 119 is a beautiful Psalm regarding God’s Word. A few of the verses below may whet your appetite for further study:

30 I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. 31 I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD; do not let me be put to shame. 32 I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free. Psalms 119:30-32 (NIV)

45 I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. 46 I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, 47 for I delight in your commands because I love them. 48 I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees. Psalms 119:45-48 (NIV)

89 Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. 90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. 91 Your laws endure to this day,
for all things serve you. Psalms 119:89-91 (NIV)

130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. Psalms 119:130 (NIV)

165 Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. Psalms 119:165 (NIV)

“I am sorry for the men who do not read the Bible every day. I wonder why they deprive themselves of the strength and of the pleasure.” Woodrow Wilson