Anchor Devotional

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Steer Clear of Lies

“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through … liars, whose consciences have been seared.” 1 Timothy 4:1-2

Both of Paul’s letters to Timothy call us to guard the truth against the church’s enemies. The false teachers described here will profess Christ but wander into all kinds of error. Paul doesn’t mince words about it; he calls their lies and attempts to add rules the teachings of demons.

The way to counter such legalism is with a healthy dose of truth. You see, God created everything and called it all “good.” He wants us to enjoy what He has made. But we must not add to the simplicity of the gospel, imagining that holiness can be earned if we just abstain from certain things.

This helps us understand when a good gift becomes an idol. Ask yourself, Can I gratefully partake of God’s good gifts within the proper bounds of His Word? Or do I misuse them through gluttony, greed, bias, and lust? On the other hand, do I abstain from such good gifts to produce holiness? Idolatry can take either form, and breaking away from these is hard. Instead, turn your heart to Jesus, to His perfect life lived for you, and to the joy you have in Him.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS
1 Timothy 4:1-5

INSIGHT
Lord, guard our hearts from idols. Keep us from misusing our gifts. Instead, help us partake wisely, with thanksgiving, of all You’ve given us to enjoy. Amen

THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
2 Samuel 1-2
Psalm 136
Ephesians 3-4

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