Text- Jeremiah 6:16- "Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.”
Sequel to the discussion we just concluded on the subject of convictions, it is needful to sound a reminder to us, especially in this 21st Century of showbiz and pop culture, that we as Christians are not to find ways to fit in; we are always to ask for the old paths.
We need to recognize that for us as believers, our convictions must be based on “SOLA SCRIPTURA” (The Bible alone), not VOX POPULI (The voice of the people). The voice of the people is not the voice of God; the voice of God is echoed through His Word.
The Holy Bible is the sole infallible rule of faith and practice, and popular opinion cannot change that. Anything based on human ideas and opinions is merely theory or philosophy, so in delineating between right and wrong, a Christian must ask from scriptures, not for surveys.
Why ask for the old paths? We are to ask for the old paths because that is where the good way is, and it remains the same forever. See, no matter how hard anyone tries:
The Holy Bible can by no means be revised.
The gospel cannot be rebranded to suit the civil society.
No scientific discovery can invalidate the infallible Word of God.
The Christian faith cannot be redefined based on current trends.
God cannot be 'reinvented' neither can His standards be improved upon.
Therefore, as Christians, we are expected to pattern our behavior and lifestyle after God's standard, as written in the Bible, not societal or contemporary-day standards.
Therefore beloved:
Don't be blown away by the wind of false doctrines sweeping through the world.
“Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times, some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons” (1Timothy 4:2) Beloved, we are in those days now!
Get to The Word, and know Him for yourself. “And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17: 10-11) You must be like the Berean Jews!
Don't go after men that will tickle your ears, go after those that teach the undiluted Word of God. “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; so that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect” (Matthew 24:24) This is happening already, so beware!
Remember, we will not be judged by the standards of this world, but by the standards of His Word, even when those standards seem to be so unpopular in our days.
PRAYER
Father, in these days where there are lots of errors out there, help me to endure sound doctrine, to daily live by it, and to find rest for my soul in Jesus Name.
Image Credit: biblicalproof.wordpress.com