Protection from Error
Jesus replied, “Your mistake is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know the power of God. Mark 12:24 NLT
Watch out! … And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself. Acts 20:31-32 NLT
Note the context of Mark 12:24 was Jesus being questioned by the Sadducees regarding the resurrection. Their belief was that there was no resurrection of the dead. Jesus corrects their error by pointing out their two fundamental flaws – they do not know the Word of God and they do not know the power of God.
Paul, when leaving the Ephesian church leaders with a final charge warned them to, “Watch out!” There would be those who would seek to lead them and the believers astray. Paul himself would not be around to protect them from errors; thus, he entrusts their protection to the same resources Jesus mentioned, knowledge of God and His Word.
The more we know the character of God, the more Kingdom leaders will be able to serve the flock of God under our care. Knowing God’s character and ways will enable us to recognize falsehood and point those we lead to the truth in His Word anchored in God’s nature. And knowing the Word of God, the Bible, allows us to instruct and mentor others in the ways of righteousness that align with His character.
As we begin this new year, join with me in renewing your focus on building depth in the knowledge of God and His Word. Commit your personal development time this year to a renewed focus on knowing more intimately the character of God and the study of His Word to address the pressing issues of our times. Many are looking for answers, finding few who can point the way.
May we all become like the men of Issachar described in 1 Chronicles 12:32 (NIV), “… men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do–200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command.”
Developing Kingdom Leaders - Tom Yeakley 