Scripture Union Daily Guide 3 September 2020 Message
Topic: Warning Against False Teachings
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Opening Prayer: I open my heart to meditate on your word, teach me your ways oh Lord.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:1–16
Reflection
• Is there any command for me to obey?
• Is there any warning for me to heed?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 3 September 2020 Message:
Observe Paul’s warning in vv.1–2. Deception and false doctrines are the works of certain spirits manifesting through human agents. These agents are false teachers who reduce godliness to some man–made lists of rules and regulations to be followed in order to be a “good Christian”.
These man–made rules have the tendency of preventing unbelievers from believing the gospel. Look at v.3 for an example (also see Colossians 2: 8, 16–19). Abstaining from certain kinds of food may be helpful for health reasons but adds little or nothing to our spirituality (vv.4–5). What other forms of deception and false teachings have you observed in your own society? How are these affecting the gospel?
Paul gave specific instructions to Timothy on how to protect himself and his members from falling victim of those doctrinal confusions (vv.6–8 and 11–16). How can these instructions help us to face the challenges of postmodernism and widespread unbiblical doctrines today? Take note that godliness is not by our good works but purely based on believing in the finished work of Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9).
⁂ Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Practice/Word Application
• And So: Evil continues to thrive because the righteous does nothing about it. Think of what you can do to combat the activities of false teachers in your society.
HYMN – Yield not to Temptation,
1. Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin;
Each victory will help you some other to win;
Fight manfully onward, dark passions subdue,
Look ever to Jesus, He’ll carry you through.
Refrain
Ask the Savior to help you,
Comfort, strengthen and keep you;
He is willing to aid you,
He will carry you through.
2.Shun evil companions, bad language disdain,
God’s name hold in reverence, nor take it in vain;
Be thoughtful and earnest, kindhearted and true,
Look ever to Jesus, He’ll carry you through.
Prayer Points
• Lord Jesus, help me never to yield to deceptive spirits, no matter how enticing their offer may appear.
• Pray against sexual exploitation and religious intimidation in IDP/refugee camps; pray for the Christians among them to withstand such pressures; also ask for adequate provision and protection in these facilities.
• Offer a prayer of faith in line with John 1:12
Read the Bible in one Year
Psalms 143–145; 2 Cor. 13
Scripture Union Daily Guide 3 September 2020 – Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.
