Issue 1309 – Spoiled Springs – November 29, 2023
It had been a long hike, but the walk into the spring was only about a mile more. The water there was always cold, refreshing and safe to drink. It was worth the hike.
This time, things were different. An enterprising beaver had built a dam, and the spring was now under water behind the embankment. So much for cold. So much for refreshing. So much for safe to drink. It would be an understatement to say we were disappointed.
Where there have been beavers around, the water is likely contaminated with Giardiasis (or beaver fever as it’s called in these parts). Beaver fever will leave you with a great deal of ugly abdominal distress for weeks and is highly contagious. It’s not the sort of thing you want to take a chance with.
The promise of the refreshing water couldn’t be delivered on.
Something similar happens with false teachers.
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. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
2 Peter 2:1-3
They promise what they can’t deliver. They promise living water but provide empty wells and spoiled springs. They promise freedom but deliver bondage. They promise salvation but deliver damnation.
Often, they prey on the vulnerable, taking advantage of those the truth was designed to free.
These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved. For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. 2 Peter 2:17-19
How do we know which teachings are false? By knowing what we believe and why we believe it. By diligent study of the Word. By making sure that we look at Bible passages in context and in comparison to the Word as a whole. By learning some solid Christian doctrine.
If you don’t know what you believe and why you believe it, then you may find yourself standing at the foot of a dry spring. You could be seeking living water but end up perishing of thirst instead.
Some claim that doctrine and theology are unimportant. While it is true that a person can know everything about them and still not be a believer, it is equally possible to have an enthusiastic heart and not know Jesus.
Orthodoxy (correct beliefs) and orthopraxy (right living) are not opposites; it isn’t a matter of one or the other. They are complementary; it’s both.
May you know the truth, and may that knowledge be apparent in how you live your life.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
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