1. This morning we studied the Lord's warning in Luke 8:18: "Take heed therefore 'how' ye hear." 2. This evening we are concentrating on the Lord's warning in Mark 4:24: "Take heed 'what' ye hear." 3. The parable of the sower reveals 'how' we are to hear as well as 'what' we are to hear ["the word" -- Mark 4:14]. 4. In our lesson we are examining additional instructions: a. given by Jesus b. given in the New Testament letters. Discussion: I. LET US FIRST EXAMINE INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN BY JESUS
A. (Matthew 7:15-20) Jesus taught His followers to "beware of false prophets." B. (Matthew 16:5-12) The disciples were slow to understand, but Jesus taught them to beware of the teaching of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. C. (Matthew 24:4-5,11,24) Jesus revealed the goal of false teachers -- "to deceive." D. With these instructions from the Lord before us, let us examine . . . II. INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN IN THE NEW TESTAMENT LETTERS
A. (Romans 16:17-18) False teachers are to be avoided. B. (1 Corinthians 15:33) We must not be deceived about the effects of evil influence (see vs.12). C. (Galatians 1:6-9) Those who pervert God's Word are accursed. D. (Ephesians 5:6-7) To avoid the punishment given to false teachers, we must not listen to them. E. (Colossians 2:8) False teachers are often very talented speakers, but we must not allow them to spoil us. F. (2 Timothy 2:16-18) The false teaching of Hymenaeus and Philetus had the effect of a cancer. G. (2 Peter 2:1-3) Peter pointed out the widespread influence of false teachers -- many follow them. H. (1 John 4:1) John touched on the number of false teachers, showing that they have existed for a long time. I. (2 John 9-11) False teachers must not be supported. J. (Revelation 22:18-19) John pointed out what will happen to those who alter God's Word. Conclusion:
1. The passages we have covered lead to a conclusion -- "take heed 'what' ye hear." 2. Let us avoid the mistake of the man of God in 1 Kings 13. a. He was given instructions (vs.7-9). b. A prophet told him something else (vs.15-19). c. A lion killed the man of God (vs.20-24). 3. Realizing that the destiny of our souls is at stake, let us remember what happened to the man of God in 1 Kings 13, let us listen to the instructions given by Jesus, and let us heed the instructions given in the New Testament letters.
