Tag: Gospel Truth

Stop Believing in Nonsense!

Paul’s warning to the Colossians couldn’t be clearer: “Be careful not to allow anyone to captivate you through an empty, deceitful philosophy that is according to human traditions and the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” He doesn’t mince words. Why? Because the stakes are eternal. The Colossian church faced a tidal wave of false teaching—mysticism, legalism, and syncretism. These “philosophies” sounded profound but pulled people away from the sufficiency of Christ.

Today, we’re swimming in our own sea of nonsense, and the undertow is strong. Consider the self-help industry, which promises transformation through affirmations and “manifesting your truth” but leaves people empty and more self-absorbed. Or the rise of progressive Christianity, where core doctrines like sin, repentance, and substitutionary atonement are dismissed as relics of a bygone era. When we prioritize being “authentic” over being holy, we’ve bought into a Christ-less philosophy.

Look no further than bestselling authors like Rachel Hollis (Girl, Wash Your Face) or Glennon Doyle (Untamed), who preach a gospel of self-reliance disguised as empowerment. The mantra? “You’re enough.” But are you? Scripture says otherwise. Without Christ, we’re hopelessly lost, no matter how many self-care routines or vision boards we craft.

And let’s not ignore the insidious creep of postmodern thought into the church itself. When Andy Stanley calls for the “unhitching” of the Old Testament, he treads dangerous ground. Paul didn’t call us to abandon the roots of our faith but to anchor ourselves firmly in the fullness of Christ.

Even social justice movements, while supposedly well-intentioned, routinely devolve into performative virtue signalling because they are untethered from Gospel truth. These movements are merely empty philosophies because they address symptoms but ignore the heart issue: sin. The Gospel isn’t about reforming systems—it’s about transforming hearts (Which will lead to systemic reform, we are putting the cart before the horse). Without Christ, activism becomes just another idol.

So, how do we stop believing in nonsense? By measuring every philosophy against the Word of God. If it denies Christ’s sufficiency, diminishes the authority of Scripture, or elevates self above God, reject it outright. Fill your mind with what is true, noble, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). Don’t let the world’s empty promises rob you of the joy and freedom found in Christ alone.

Christ is sufficient. Don’t settle for anything less.

The Greatest Gift

In 1 Corinthians 12–13, Paul speaks to the beauty and diversity of spiritual gifts but shifts focus to what truly matters. While gifts like prophecy, teaching, and leadership are important for building up the church, Paul reminds us they are temporary. In chapter 13, he highlights the things that last forever: faith, hope, and love, with love being the greatest of all.

Paul’s words challenge our perspective on what we should desire most. It’s natural to long for visible gifts that gain recognition or seem to make the biggest impact. Yet Paul calls these gifts “partial” and “incomplete” compared to what is eternal (1 Corinthians 13:9–10). Teaching will one day no longer be needed when we know God fully. Prophecy and tongues will cease when the perfect kingdom comes. But faith, hope, and love endure because they are rooted in God’s eternal nature.

This doesn’t diminish the value of spiritual gifts but reorients our priorities. Gifts are tools for serving others here and now, but faith, hope, and love prepare us for eternity. Faith connects us to God, hope sustains us through trials, and love reflects God’s character and binds His people together. Paul writes, “Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:8) because it is the very essence of God Himself (1 John 4:8).

What does this mean for us today? While we should seek to develop and use the gifts God gives, we must also remember that they are a means to an end, not the end itself. Are we as eager to grow in love, to deepen our faith, or to anchor our lives in the hope of Christ’s return? These are the things that will not fade away, even when all else does.

Take a moment to reflect: Are your desires shaped more by what seems impressive or by what will last forever? True greatness in God’s kingdom isn’t measured by visible gifts but by the unseen work of faith, hope, and love in our hearts and lives.

Compassion Without Compromise

Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 9:19–23 reflect his deep commitment to the Gospel and his flexibility in approach: “To the Jews I became like a Jew…to those under the law I became like one under the law…to those without the law I became like one without the law…to the weak I became weak” (NET). His goal wasn’t to compromise God’s truth but to meet people where they were so they might be saved.

This passage demonstrates a beautiful balance between compassion and conviction. Paul adapted to different cultural norms and practices, not to dilute the Gospel but to remove unnecessary barriers. For instance, he honored Jewish customs when among Jews and respected Gentile freedoms when among Gentiles. However, he never compromised Christ’s commands or the core truths of salvation. Paul’s flexibility was driven by a singular purpose: that he might “by all means save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22).

This principle challenges us today. How often do we insist on our own preferences or traditions at the expense of reaching others? Compassion calls us to understand and engage with people in their context, but this must always be rooted in Christ’s truth. Whether it’s learning someone’s culture, finding common ground, or adjusting our methods, we’re called to prioritize the Gospel over personal comfort.

Meeting someone where they are doesn’t mean affirming sin or compromising righteousness. Paul’s approach shows that we can hold fast to the Gospel while extending grace and empathy to others. Consider how Jesus Himself did this—eating with sinners, speaking to the Samaritan woman, and healing on the Sabbath. He embodied truth and grace perfectly, offering salvation without ever wavering from God’s standards.

Are there ways you can reflect this in your own life? Maybe it’s learning to communicate the Gospel in ways that resonate with someone’s background or letting go of traditions that have become barriers rather than bridges. Let’s follow Paul’s example of compassion without compromise, always pointing others to Christ’s unchanging truth.

To Judge or Not to Judge

The phrase “Judge not, lest ye be judged” has become a cultural catchphrase, often used to discourage any form of moral discernment. Yet in 1 Corinthians 5, Paul offers a strikingly different perspective, reminding us that judging is not only appropriate in some contexts—it’s necessary. Paul tells the Corinthian church to cast out a brother engaging in blatant and unrepentant sin, saying, “For what do I have to do with judging those outside? Are you not to judge those inside?” (1 Corinthians 5:12, NET).

Paul’s teaching here clarifies a common misconception. Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:1 aren’t a blanket prohibition against all judgment but a warning against hypocritical and self-righteous judgment. We’re called to examine our own hearts before addressing sin in others (Matthew 7:3–5). Paul builds on this, differentiating between judging outsiders—those who don’t claim to follow Christ—and judging those within the church who profess faith but live in open rebellion against God’s commands.

This kind of judgment isn’t about condemnation but restoration. The goal of church discipline, as harsh as it may seem, is redemptive. By removing the immoral brother, the church sends a clear message that sin cannot be tolerated in the community of believers, while also creating space for repentance and reconciliation. Paul writes, “Deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 5:5).

In a world that often prioritizes tolerance over truth, this passage challenges us to embrace a higher standard of love—one that doesn’t ignore sin but confronts it for the sake of holiness. It also reminds us to leave ultimate judgment of the ungodly to God, who judges with perfect justice and mercy.

Are there areas where you’ve avoided addressing sin because it feels uncomfortable or counter-cultural? Paul’s words urge us to be bold yet humble, seeking restoration and standing firm in the truth of the Gospel.

Whose Praise Do You Seek?

Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 3 are a profound reminder that the foundation of our lives and ministries must be Jesus Christ. Everything we build on that foundation will ultimately be tested by fire, revealing whether it was done for God’s glory or to gain the fleeting approval of others. It’s tempting to seek praise from people, but Paul makes it clear that our work is ultimately evaluated by God, not by human standards.

When we live to please others, we risk compromising God’s call on our lives. Paul cautions the Corinthians not to boast in human leaders or wisdom because they belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God (1 Corinthians 3:21–23). This realignment of perspective is crucial. If we’re ashamed to stand firm in God’s truth because it might make us unpopular, we’re ultimately ashamed of Him—and that’s a sobering thought. Jesus Himself said, “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words…the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when He comes in His glory” (Luke 9:26).

This doesn’t mean we should actively seek to upset people or ignore the importance of kindness. As Paul says in Romans 12:18, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people.” However, when faced with a choice between obedience to God and the approval of man, the answer should always be clear. Pleasing God isn’t about arrogance or defiance but about faithfulness.

In a world that increasingly prioritizes popularity and consensus, ask yourself: Whose praise do you seek? Are your decisions shaped more by fear of disapproval or by a desire to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23)? Living for God’s glory may not always make sense to others, but it’s the only life that will stand the test of eternity.