The Freshman
READ: Revelation 22:18-19
Picture yourself in a college classroom. The professor that is giving the lecture says some things that contradict the Word of God. He or she may change some of the Bible’s teachings or may add to the Bible’s teachings. You might be tempted to believe what you are hearing. God, however, gives a warning in the closing chapter of Revelation. “If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book.” (Revelation 22:18)
We all will be tempted to change or add to the Word of God. We must step up to this challenge and hold firm in our faith. This challenge is a test of our knowledge of God’s Word. We must be able to recognize when others add to the Scriptures. As we better understand the Scriptures, we will be able to witness our faith more easily. God also gives us a warning about the consequences of changing the written Word of God. “And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.” (Revelation 22:19) God’s punishment will not come lightly to those who change the Scriptures.
So, we must be aware of false teachings and not add to or change the Word of God. We may be just “freshman” on a college campus, but we must never stop being masters and teachers of God’s truth. Stay in the Word.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: How would you respond to someone’s challenge to your faith? Would you be able to recognize when someone adds something or changes something written in the Bible? How can we better understand the Word of God?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Thank God for the fellow Christians he has placed in your life. Pray for guidance as we are challenged in our faith. Pray for courage and strength to testify our faith to those who challenge us.