Scripture:
2 Peter 2:1-11
Wed, 5 January 2022

Beware of False Prophets and Teachers

Observation:

What are the dangerous influences and destructive teachings of false prophets and teachers?

Deeper Reflection
FALSE PROPHETS AND TEACHERS WILL ARISE AMONG human societies and even church communities. They will “secretly bring in” (v.1), insidiously teach and spread heresies (i.e. beliefs that are against those of the historic Christian faith). Heresies are destructive to people’s present lives and eternal destinies, but many of these false teachings will not be detected because church leaders and members lack vigilance. Heresies include even denying the Master (i.e. the Lord Jesus Christ) who bought sinners with His blood (v.1). The false prophets and teachers will speak words that offend and show no respect for God’s way of truth (v.2). They will twist and distort the correct understanding of truth, such that truths will be presented as lies, and falsehoods will be promoted as facts. Evidence of these abound today.Have there not arisen around the world many celebrity preachers of the prosperity gospel – the teachings that tell hearers that believing in Jesus Christ entitles them to health and wealth in the here and now? Do we not see the rise of online falsehoods, disinformation and misinformation about human origins, spirituality and the end of the world? Are there not attempts at revisionist interpretations of Scripture to support unrestricted and unnatural sexual relations, and gender fluidity?Thus the false prophets and teachers will exploit ignorant and unstable people, as well as those who welcome the prospect of having a licence to sin or an endorsement of their sinful lifestyles (vv.2, 3, 10). As a result, there will be many who profess to be Christians but do not follow Christ, and live as though God does not exist.
Application:

What false teachings am I lately in danger of accepting to my detriment and possible destruction?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for leaders
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for Singapore: That God will continue to raise up godly leaders for our nation in the Church and in the government
  • Pray for self

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
John 20:19-21; Luke 4:14-21
Mon, 2 October 2023

Sent by the Lord

Observation:

What is the analogy that Jesus used in sending forth His disciples (v.21)?

Deeper Reflection
As we enter the month of October with our upcoming two Missions Sundays, let us focus our attention and prayers on Covenant EFC’s third Faith Exploit, “Disciple the Nations”. In today’s Scripture, verse 21 is a very significant statement that Jesus said to His disciples after His resurrection. And it applies equally to all those who are Jesus’ disciples today. There are three key observations we can make.First, the analogy that Jesus used – His having been sent by the Father – points us to Jesus’ foundational teachings that He came to accomplish the very will and works of the Father (Jn 4:34; 5:30, 36; cf. Lk 4:14-21). Second, the idea of Jesus’ disciples being “sent” reminds us that world missions is not a result of human initiative, but is God-initiated and God-directed. It is God’s mission in the world. Third, verse 21 reminds us that Jesus is not merely calling us to join God in His mission, but to relate to Him as our heavenly Father – in love, obedience and dependence.1Therefore, the more fundamental question is not “Are we being sent?” or “What must we do?”. Rather, it is “To what extent do we understand and treasure our sonship in relation to God our Father (Jn 20:17)?” So that, as beloved children of God, we will respond rightly to our heavenly Father who created us in His image, redeemed us in Jesus Christ, and called us to join Him in His mission. Out of gratitude and love towards God, we joyfully walk in the Lord’s will for us, and fully rely on His resources as we faithfully serve Him.
1 This is consistent with John’s emphasis in his writings on the Father-Son relationship that anchored and motivated Jesus in all that He did in submission and obedience to the Father’s will.
Application:

How do the purposes for which Jesus sends forth His disciples impact the
way I plan and live out the years of my life?

Prayer:
Dear Father in heaven, what manner of love You have bestowed on me that I should be called Your child! Every opportunity given to me to carry out Your will is a privilege for me to participate in Your glorious purposes. Help me to clearly discern the things that You want me to accomplish and to faithfully work at them with a heart that loves and depends on You and always seeks Your glory. Amen.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for leaders
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

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