Performance Review #4: False Teaching

Steven Lake Posted on Posted in Life Well-Lived Tagged with ,

Passage:  Revelation 2:18-29

Verse: “To him who overcomes and does My will to the end, I will give authority over the nations.” Revelation 2:26

Evaluation of:  The church of Thyatira [theme is false teaching]

Evaluator: The Son of God whose …

  • Eyes are like blazing fire
  • Feet are like burnished bronze

Strengths:  I know …

  • Your deeds
  • Your love and faith
  • Your service and perseverance
  • You are now doing more than you did at first

Weakness: Nevertheless I have this against you …

  • You tolerate a false prophetess whose false teaching leads to sinfulness

Steps:

  • Only hold on to what you have until I come
  • Do not hold to Satan’s so-called “deep-secrets” [demonism]

Warnings:

  • I have given the false prophetess time to repent, but she is unwilling.
  • I will cast her on a bed of suffering.
  • I will make her followers suffer intensely, unless they repent.
  • I am He who searches hearts and minds.
  • I will repay you according to your deeds.

Incentives:  To him who overcomes, and does My will to the end, I will …

  • Give you authority to rule the nations with Me
  • Give you the morning star [either Christ or eternal life]

Application:
When our children were small they loved to sift sand a.nd then delight in the treasures that remained – colored rocks, missing toys or lost coins. You and I must be “sand sifters” as we hear or read about spiritual things. There are many false teachers on television, radio, the print media and even in the church. They dilute, add onto, and distort the Good News and lead many astray. Jesus says, “Only hold onto what you until I come.”  Be a “sand-sifter!”

Prayer:
“Lord, I ask you to give me discernment and wisdom as I take in messages about You and Your will. Give me ears that hear the truth and a will to obey it. Amen.”

© 2014 Steven A. Lake

About

Dr. Steve Lake is a retired educator with over 30 years experience in the American public schools. He has served in a variety of position, including teacher, elementary school principal, junior high principal, Associate Superintendent, retired from public education as Superintendent of Schools in Lincolnwood, IL. He has his Bachelors, Masters and Doctor of Education degrees from Northern Illinois University. For the past 25 years Steve has attended and been a member of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington and Northfield, IL. At Willow Creek Steve has taught adult classes on spiritual gifts, life purpose, and spiritual disciplines. He has ministered overseas in Angola, Zambia, Honduras, Germany, and Russia. Steve is co-founder of Designed to Serve, a ministry that equips Christians to live out their unique God-given calling. Steve is married and has two adult children who are married.