The Danger of Many Bible ‘Experts’

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. - Colossians 2:8

While enjoying a transatlantic ocean trip, a famous Hollywood actress noticed a gentleman sitting at the next table suffering from a bad cold. So she looked over at him and asked, “Sir, are you uncomfortable?”

The man looked back at her and gave a nod.

“I’ll tell you just what to do for that cold,” she said. “Go back to your room, drink lots of orange juice, and take two aspirin. Then cover yourself with every blanket you can find and sweat the cold out. I know what I’m talking about. I’m an actress.”

The man smiled warmly and said, “Thank you. But I’m a doctor.”

These days, it seems everyone considers themselves experts even if they’ve only read an article or seen something online about a particular subject. And while the recent information explosion we’ve seen around the world has its benefits, one drawback is that there’s so much misinformation out there, it’s hard to know whom to trust.

This is especially true when it comes to biblical teaching, as many of the so-called “preachers” and “theologians” today have gained a platform by teaching things that run counter to biblical doctrine. So be careful of letting charisma and charm determine what teaching you accept. Make sure you’re putting yourself under solid, biblical teaching and you’ll grow rock-solid in your faith!

Prayer Challenge

Ask God to guide you to the right teachers and to give you discernment to recognize when you’re hearing false teachings.

Questions for Thought

False teaching will almost always give glory to man instead of to God. Read the serpent’s words in Genesis 3:5. Was the temptation of Satan to exalt man or God?

Think of a time when you heard teaching you knew wasn’t biblical. What was it about that teaching that caused you to recognize it as false?