Being cautious of "teachers"

As Christians, we have to always be on guard as to what we hear and read these days, even on Christian websites, pages by Christians, and even other Christians. When I say other Christians, I mean sometimes our brothers and sisters in Christ may be misunderstanding something in God's Word, and might be "teaching" their misunderstandings to other Christians. There are Christian websites, that might support ideas and doctrines that not in line with God's Word. You might find a sharp looking "Christian blog" that might have the honest of intentions (or maybe not), that might not be aware they are misleading people regarding bible doctrine because they do not realize they are in error themselves.

That being said, I want to make it clear that I do not claim to have any more authority in the Word of God than anyone other born again believer that might read this blog. A lot of the more in depth devotionals you will read on this site is directly from notes I have taken during sermons. I believe my church is extremely doctrinally sound, therefore I am confident in my notes that are derived from the teaching done at church. If I do post something related to doctrine written by myself, it has been previewed by other trusted Christians to validate the wording and to make sure there can be no misunderstanding.

However, I urge everyone to come to their own peace about their bible concerns through their prayer life, bible studies, and counseling with their trusted Christian mentors. If you believe I can help, I will be glad to in any way I can.

I'm seeing more often in Christian themed conversations warnings of false teachers and the like. I believe that the more grounded in the Word of God you are, the closer in fellowship you are with God and will have a "spirit check" about everything you encounter. This has definitely been my experience. I am a double checker. If I am in doubt about something someone tells me or something I read, I file it in the "later" folder of my mind until I have a moment to look it up for myself. There was a time in my life when I was spending a GREAT deal of time studying the bible to prove to myself why I believed what I believed. In that, I mean, I knew in my heart what I believed was right according to the bible, it was the being able to have a verse or passage come to mind when speaking to someone that supported what I believed. To be able to have a conversation about topics.

I believe this is a good thing. It is important to be able to give an answer to why you believe what you do, the bible says so:

2 Timothy 2:15

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

1 Peter 3:15
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

I believe that knowing firsthand the "whys" of your beliefs, you are able to guide through the muddled waters of the internet (or others) and not get pulled into wavelengths of thinking that might lead you astray in your own walk with God. By having that knowledge behind you, you are better able to approach things with the "I know what I believe and why" instead of "I want to learn more about God and this sounds good / this person seems to really know what they're talking about".

Because "false" teachers can be directly misleading you, or indirectly misleading you.*

The mightiness of God: digging deeper

Really, the words speak for themselves, but I'm including cross references and word translations for this quick devotional so we can gain a greater understanding and appreciation for what is being said in this Old Testament passage:

Job 37
22 Fair weather (in golden splendour he comes) cometh out of the north: with God is terrible (awesome) majesty.

23 Touching the Almighty, (1) we cannot find him out: (2) he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of (abundant) justice: he will not afflict (oppress).

24 Men do therefore (3) fear him: he respecteth not any that are (4) wise of heart.

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(1) "we cannot find him out":
1 Timothy 6:16
"Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen."

(2) "he is excellent in power, and in judgment,"
Job 9:4
He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered?

Job 36:5
Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom.

(3) "... fear him"
Matthew 10:28
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

(4) "... wise of heart"
Matthew 11:25
At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

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I have seen the verse before that had the point that God does not respect men (and the reference leaves me now, do you know which one I'm thinking of?), but I have never seen a passage that drives that point home more than this one. You think reading the Old Testament that it's a about God coming in judgement of those who do not follow him, but this is completely applicable to us, as the wise in heart. Yes, we have His wisdom if we are born again, but even with the wisdom He allows us as his children, we will never have his "respect" like we would from another human.

It is humbling to think of the sheer holiness of the God Almighty, don't you think?