Context
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Over the last few weeks, there seems to be a whole slew of things referencing the lies of the world, particularly the idea of “wolves in sheep’s clothing” of religions like Mormonism or Charismatic Christianity
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This week, let’s discuss a few of the common lies that we face
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To start with here, my intent is not to lambaste religions nor is it to try and sway you toward one of them. The idea here is to see the common tells for misuse of scripture that we can better see it in our own lives and the lives of those around us. Additionally, it is to try and equip you to have answers to those lies.
“When the LORD your God cuts off before you the nations whom you go in to dispossess, and you dispossess them and dwell in their land, take care that you be not ensnared to follow them, after they have been destroyed before you, and that you do not inquire about their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods?—that I also may do the same.’ You shall not worship the LORD your God in that way, for every abominable thing that the LORD hates they have done for their gods, for they even burn their sons and their daughters in the fire to their gods.
“Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it. —
Deut 12:29-32
Mormonism
- Additions of scriptures to build new theology
- Making of use of things that cannot be known
- Most of you are probably a bit familiar with the South Park episode which depicts Joseph Smith translating two tablets, which slightly differ
- Joseph Smith also procured a set of mummies and papyrus to craft “The Book of Abraham” in which he proclaimed himself to be a foretold prophet that would lead people to God (making himself second only to Jesus)
- Exploiting fear of excommunication
- Those that questioned his narrative were publicly shamed
Charismatic Christianity
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Broad acceptance of everything as good (with the intent of reclaiming the counterfeit for Christ)
- Their logic:
- Counterfeits exist
- Therefore anything real is also faked
- We should study the counterfeit that we may learn more about the truth of God
- Their logic:
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Exploiting lack of biblical knowledge by twisting scripture
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Examples:
- In the above example, they may twist something like 2 Tim 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. - When the ark was stolen by the Philistines and then surrendered back as it was “Cursed” becomes “We must take back God-truths” (1 Samuel 4:10-11, 1 Sam 5)
- Ex 34:29-35 becomes twisted into auras
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord…
- In the above example, they may twist something like 2 Tim 3:16-17
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Substitution of imagination
- Teachers will encourage their students to close their eyes and think about what God may share
- Once shared, they’ll say “you know what you just did? You prophesied” — No. You didn’t.
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Sways those that seek truth as the message is more “user-friendly” than faith and obedience
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In the name of meeting people where they are at, delving into their sin along side them (twisting the fact that Paul cites pagan literature to pull in a gentile audience (Titus 1:12, Acts 17:23))
Important
Question: What are some other common things you hear or see of friends or family that is a twisting or distortion of God’s word? Share it so that we may all be guarded.
Combating the Snares
Alright, so what do we do with all of that?
- Strengthen your faith, that you can ask for God’s discernment in what cannot be known
- Grow in your understanding scripture, that you are guarded against falsehood
- Regular prayer, petition with God that he give you clarity and seek HIS truth before “your” truth