Beware of Strange Doctrines (2)

“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is? They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”  “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:13-16).

In the above verses when Jesus asked the disciples who people say he is; Peter gave the right answer as it was revealed by the Father to him.  It’s amazing that the same Peter rebuked Jesus when he said that he was going to suffer, be killed and raised on the third day.  The bible says in verse 22 that Peter called him aside and began to rebuke him.  Our Lord Jesus recognised who was speaking and he rebuked Satan because he said that He was seeing things from a human point of view, not from God’s.  If we do not see things from God’s point of view, we will miss His plan or purpose for our lives. 

We also have to make sure that we listen to advice or opinion that are line with God’s point of view.  In verse 24 of the same chapter, Jesus then went to say that if any man wants to be my disciple or follower, he should deny himself or turn from his selfish ways, take up their cross and follow him.  Following Jesus means not doing your own thing, you can’t be a follower of Christ and be selfish.  It means giving up what you think is right and walking with God says it’s right.  It doesn’t mean that we are robots; it means that we willingly follow his ways and do what He asks us to do. 

The benefit of following Christ is not only in this life but in the life to come.  This is because if you hang onto to your life, you will lose it but if you give up your life for his name sake, you will save it (verse 25). 

I leave you with this verse in Matthew 16:26

 “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world and lose your own soul?  Is anything worth more than your soul?”

I pray that you will truly be a follower of Jesus Christ.

God’s servant,

Dupe 

Beware of strange doctrines (1)

“Why can’t you understand that I’m not talking about bread? So again I say, ‘Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.  Then at last they understood that he wasn’t speaking about the yeast, but about the deceptive teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (Matthew 16:11-12)

The above verses tell us to beware of the strange doctrines that are contrary to the true doctrine of Christ. The word ‘beware’ means to be careful, cautious, to look out, to watch out, to take heed and think twice about something.  This verse is reminding us to be careful or watch out for strange doctrines.  The word strange means odd, weird, and abnormal; in this case, we are talking about doctrines or teachings that are not in line with God’s word.  The only way we can identify strange doctrines is if we know the true doctrines of Christ; we should take time to study the word of God and fellowship with the Holy Spirit so that we can grow in the grace of God.

“Like new-born babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation” (1Peter2:2).  The only way to grow spiritually is to crave and live on the pure spiritual milk. If you are feeding on strange milk or diluted word of God, you will not grow as you should.  Your spiritual growth is your responsibility.  I pray that you will grow in the grace and knowledge of God as you feed on the true milk of the word.

Shalom,

Dupe