Scripture: “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” – Jude 1:21
Examination: Jude is warning believers to be wary of those who have infiltrated their assembly to spread false doctrine. He cautions that the false teachers may not be easily recognized, so the Christians must be diligent to hold to what they know is the truth.
Application: After my mother-in-law passed, I had the responsibility of going through her belongings to determine what should be kept and what could be donated to a local charity. One item was a beautiful set of silverware, and I remember her polishing it on a few occasions. Upon examination, I discovered her collection was actually multiple sets of silverware mixed together. One group of utensils was sterling silver, which was of great value, and another was silver-plated and not worth much at all. The reason was that one set was made of a costly precious metal, while the other was an imitation and had only a thin coating of silver over other more common materials. It was hard to tell the difference, but since I knew what to look for, I could distinguish which set to keep and which to give away.
In today’s world, there are many different Christian denominations, and within those denominations, there are often many different subgroups. The differences often are based upon culture, history, and traditions that have been passed down through time. Ultimately, the source of one’s beliefs must be based upon the Scriptures alone.
Because there are so many distinct divisions within the religious realm, we must be diligent to know the Bible ourselves, not rely simply on the man, or in some cases, the woman, standing behind the pulpit. Acts 17:11 shares the example of the Bereans, who strove to authenticate what they heard preached. “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Even when a Christian belongs to a church with a pastor who diligently searches the Word of God for his messages, it continues to be the responsibility of the hearer to read the Scriptures as well.
God loved us so much that He wanted us to know Him personally. To do that, He gave us His Word, the Bible. Within its pages is the love story between Creation and its Creator. Even when we sinned against Him, the Bible details the restorative plan God had to reconcile us to Himself. Additionally, the verses of Scripture provide teachings on how we ought to live, how we should worship and honor the Lord, how we can serve Him… there is so much within the Bible that God wants us to know. There is no way that sitting in a one-hour church service each week will provide us everything God desires for us to know about Him. We must be diligent to study and know the Bible ourselves. 2 Timothy 2:15 clearly defines our responsibility, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
If we do not make time to spend in God’s Word, we will be utterly defenseless when false doctrine invades our places of worship. We will rely on the interpretation of men instead of the illumination of the Holy Spirit, and fall prey to deception as the truth of God’s Word is slowly adulterated with the lies of Satan.
Be like the Bereans. They knew that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2 Timothy 3:16). God’s Word is just like His love; it is undisputed, it’s been proven, and it endures forever!
Memory Verse: “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” – Isaiah 40:8
The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star, and reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care, God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled, and pardoned from his sin.
O love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure: the saints’ and angels’ song!
(from “The Love of God” by Frederick Leyman)