Category: False Teaching

Continue #7

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16 KJV).

A single word can mean the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

Following Paul’s lengthy non-legalistic (verses 38,39) sermon in the synagogue of Antioch of Pisidia (central Turkey), Acts 13:43 tells us, “Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.” Ministering later in the same area, Barnabas and Paul went about “confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith,…” (Acts 14:22).

Re-read Acts 20:28-30, Paul guiding the church leaders of Ephesus: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” There is a warning to “take heed” (watch out, be careful, exercise caution) here, and the Apostle repeated it years later in today’s Scripture when writing to Timothy who was serving as pastor in Ephesus (cf. 1 Timothy 1:3). In Acts chapter 20, the church leaders are to “take heed” regarding themselves and their congregations.

The Apostle’s counsel resumes: “Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified” (Acts 20:31,32). Satan’s work will go in the world and in the local church until Christ’s return, but we can prepare for it and act accordingly so as to minimize it. By teaching “the word of [God’s] grace,” we lessen the effectiveness of Satan’s lie program. Conversely, if we do not understand the Word of God’s Grace (which can only be identified via dispensational Bible study), then we teach denominational absurdities and thereby further Satan’s lie program….

Continue #6

Monday, May 11, 2026

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16 KJV).

A single word can mean the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

For a moment, think of the prophetic program of Acts 3:21. Overall, Israel did not continue in the Divine revelation given them through their Old Testament Prophets or Hebrew Bible, the Books of Genesis to Malachi (refer to Moses’ words in Deuteronomy 4:1-10). However, regarding Israel’s believing remnant, the Little Flock of Luke 12:32, the Messianic Church of Matthew 16:18, the “church” (“called-out group belonging to the Lord”) in Acts 2:47, the Bible reports in Acts 2:42: “And they continued stedfastly [firmly/resolutely, were unwavering] in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Though national Israel was under Satan’s influence and thus apostate (standing away from the truths of JEHOVAH God, the LORD God—chiefly, committing the sin of refusing Jesus as their Messiah), a believing remnant within it was following Christ’s 12 Apostles’ teachings.

As touching our mystery program of Romans 16:25,26, Satan’s present evil world still convinces individuals to abandon the right side of issues and go over to the wrong side. Sometimes it is inadvertently or mistakenly, people just being so utterly clueless that they have no spiritual stability and therefore believe practically anything they hear from religious leaders. The graver situation, the more serious matter, is how certain others have made a conscious choice to believe and teach lies. Paul advised the elders of Ephesus: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse [distorted, corrupted] things, to draw away disciples after them [to gain a following, to start a cult!]” (Acts 20:28-30).

False teachers will not continue in sound doctrine, and, unless we continue in sound doctrine, we have no option but to become their victims….

Continue #5

Saturday, May 9, 2026

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16 KJV).

A single word can mean the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

Notice: the key term distinguishing between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying is “continue,” persisting in teaching and believing sound Bible doctrine or grace doctrine. The opposite is “revert,” as in “turn back” or “regress” or “relapse.” Ephesians 4:17-19 exhorts, “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.”

What happens to those whose Christian life dies (fails to function properly) is they increasingly rely on their own understanding, turning to the Bible less and less, eventually throwing it away altogether—or, they keep the Bible, but do not “rightly divide” it (2 Timothy 2:15).

“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:6-9). These Galatians did not continue in “grace,” but went back to the Law: they were swiftly “removed” from Pauline influence. These too did not “continue” in, or “endure,” “sound doctrine:” “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:3,4).

To ensure victorious Christian living, we must progress in grace edification instead of returning to our former (heathen) thoughts and ways….

NOTE: In order to bring you a special study tomorrow, we will temporarily break away from this devotionals arc….

Continue #4

Friday, May 8, 2026

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16 KJV).

A single word can mean the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

Remembering they who teach “other doctrine,… fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions… having swerved [from faith unfeigned, a good conscience, charity out of a pure heart] have turned aside unto vain jangling; desiring to be teachers of the law” (1 Timothy 1:4-7), bearing in mind the younger Christian widows “wax[ing] wanton against Christ… having damnation, cast[ing] off their first faith… already turned aside unto Satan” (1 Timothy 5:11-15—re-marriage, to unbelievers), having in view those who “teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness” (1 Timothy 6:3-5), but (especially in the context) considering those who will “depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy” (1 Timothy 4:1,2), Paul in today’s Scripture alerts Timothy to remember that God’s (and, our) chief enemy Satan diligently labors to destroy the Church the Body of Christ and prevent the work of the ministry in the local church!

Observe how the Devil attacks sound doctrine, for sound doctrine is what God uses to work in believers. The adjective “sound” in “sound doctrine” (1 Timothy 1:10; 2 Timothy 4:3; Titus 1:9; Titus 2:1) has the sense of “healthy” or “wholesome” (so rendered in 1 Timothy 6:3). In Greek, it is “hygiaino,” from whence “hygiene” is derived. If there is a removal of sound doctrine—or none to begin with—spiritual insanity and spiritual filthiness result. Pastor Timothy therefore must watch himself and his doctrine, for lack of discretion will lead to his spiritual downfall… and his congregation will perish with him!

Today’s Scripture and the previous verse: “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” For Timothy and his audience to be “saved” (delivered, healed, rescued) from false doctrine and its attendant spiritual illness, he must “continue” in what he has learned from the Holy Spirit through our Apostle Paul….

A Prayer According to God’s Will

Thursday, May 7, 2026

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;” (1 Timothy 2:1-3 KJV).

On this United States’ National Day of Prayer, we pray you pray according to the Lord Jesus Christ’s will for today!

Today, religious people—the general public, clergy, and government officials—will assemble nationwide, like they do every year, and pray for spiritual and moral revival of the “Christian” (?) United States of America. We commend their noble efforts, but God’s Word says there will be no godly revival of any of the world’s Gentile nations until Jesus Christ returns to earth at His Second Coming (Isaiah 11:9; Isaiah 59:20–60:3; Zechariah 8:20-23; Revelation 11:15; et cetera).

The LORD’s words to King Solomon are often quoted on this day: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Friends, this is certainly God’s Word, but has nothing to do with Gentiles in the United States in the Dispensation of Grace. This verse has a context often overlooked—the nation Israel under the Mosaic Law, praying in relation to God’s Temple in Jerusalem (verses 15,16). Actually, that Temple was destroyed over 19 centuries ago! Unlike Israel, the United States was never a divinely-founded nation. The American people as a whole are not God’s people like Israel was.

Rather than praying 2 Chronicles 7:14, remember today’s Scripture (God’s Word to us Gentiles). The verse following today’s Scripture says, “[God] Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). Pray for those in authority, that they would trust Jesus Christ alone as their personal Saviour, and then grow in His Word to them so they can make wise decisions on behalf of the people they govern.

Saints, please remember this work of the ministry requires monthly financial support to operate (Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:16-17; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Those who prefer electronic giving can donate securely here: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux. Anyone who wishes to donate by regular mail can visit https://333wordsofgrace.org/contact-us-mailing-address-for-donations/ for details. Thanks to all who give to and pray for us! Unfortunately, since our ministry audience is so large and our ministry staff is so small, I can no longer personally respond to everyone. Thanks so much for understanding in this regard. 🙂

Continue #3

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16 KJV).

A single word can mean the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

See chapter 5 of Paul’s first epistle to young Timothy: “[11] But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; [12] Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. [13] And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. [14] I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. [15] For some are already turned aside after Satan.”

Finally, we read from the sixth chapter: “[3] If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; [4] He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, [5] Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. [6] But godliness with contentment is great gain. [7] For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. [8] And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. [9] But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. [10] For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

Whether chapter 1, or chapter 4, or chapter 5, or chapter 6, First Timothy contains warning after warning after warning after warning regarding how Satan actively attacks Christian/grace doctrine. These deeds are particularly in the context of ministry, the local church, where young Timothy himself serves the Lord. Paul knows Timothy must learn that a single word means the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

NOTE: In order to bring you a special study tomorrow, we will temporarily break away from this devotionals arc….

Continue #2

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16 KJV).

A single word can mean the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

Turn now to chapter 4 of 1 Timothy, today’s Scripture and context, paying special attention to the opening verses of 1-5: “[1] Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; [2] Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; [3] Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. [4] For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: [5] For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

“[6] If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. [7] But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. [8] For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. [9] This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. [10] For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

“[11] These things command and teach. [12] Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. [13] Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. [14] Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. [15] Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. [16] Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”

First Timothy presents additional advice….

Continue #1

Monday, May 4, 2026

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16 KJV).

A single word can mean the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

Recently, a dear brother in Christ made an inquiry of me. Exactly how do preachers and teachers undergo the transformation from good to bad? In Christendom’s denominations—and, unfortunately, even in the supposed “Grace Movement”—these individuals take up the right side of issues and then adopt the wrong side of issues. I myself have seen it for almost 20 years in ministry. From where exactly are these people coming? Their entrance seems to occur instantly, as if they “appeared out of thin air.” Alas, such is not the case. The matter we are describing here can best be explained by this quote that another dear brother in Christ shared with me: “Big change takes longer to happen than you think it would, and then it happens faster than you thought it could!”

Before exploring today’s Scripture, it would greatly advantage us to survey other verses directed to Pastor Timothy. These lay out the reason for the admonition or warning of today’s Scripture: “As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm…. This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme” (1 Timothy 1:3-7,18-20).

There are more such passages in 1 Timothy….

To Kneel or Not to Kneel in Prayer? #6

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,…” (Ephesians 3:14 KJV).

Does today’s Scripture insinuate the “proper posture of prayer” is kneeling?

Friend, if you want to kneel to pray, raise your hands to pray, bow your head to pray, or close your eyes to pray, that is your business, but do not expect God to smile upon you more or give you what you want simply because of such positions or movements. Also, keep this in mind: it does not make you “more spiritual” or “better” than someone who does not kneel to pray, who does not raise their hands to pray, who does not bow their head to pray, and who does not close their eyes to pray. Do not be sucked into the trap of formalism. Posture can be—and has been—faked in religion for thousands of years. Kneeling does not automatically equate to humility or spirituality, just as standing does not necessarily mean arrogance or worldliness.

Whether you get down on your knees, or lift your hands, or bow your head, or close your eyes… it makes no difference to God when you pray. We should pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17)—so that means prayer is far more than physical posture, for it is absolutely impossible to always have eyes closed, always have heads bowed, always have hands up, and always have knees down. How your outward body is positioned in prayer is totally irrelevant. What matters is the inner man. Is faith or unbelief guiding you? Is it done in Bible understanding or Bible ignorance?

Pour out your soul before the LORD, as Hannah did in 1 Samuel 1:15, talk to Him in light of what He told you in His rightly divided Word. If the Word of Christ dwells in us richly in all wisdom (Colossians 3:16), then pouring out our heart before the LORD will reinforce in our minds what He has said to us. This is what is pleasing to Him. If we do not know His words to us, then we had better get over to Romans to Philemon and start reading and believing, so we can drive out the superstition, foolishness, carnality, childishness, and darkness that so easily beset us during prayer-time!

To Kneel or Not to Kneel in Prayer? #5

Monday, April 27, 2026

“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,…” (Ephesians 3:14 KJV).

Does today’s Scripture insinuate the “proper posture of prayer” is kneeling?

A seminary-educated preacher and teacher/professor once proposed that more Christian people needed to get down on their knees while they prayed. What that poor brother did not learn from his so-called “Christian institution of high learning” was edification in sound Bible doctrine and admonition about formalism (making a big deal about outward appearance, form, ceremony, rite, ritual).

“Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias [Isaiah 29:13] prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:7-9; cf. Mark 7:6,7). If you carefully read these contexts, you will notice substantial religious busyness in Judaism—especially assorted washings of hands, cups, pots, brazen vessels, and tables (Mark 7:3,4,8). It was a stunning spectacle that seemed to foster wholesomeness or purity. However, they were neglecting their filthy, sinful hearts of unbelief, recognizing no need to seek God so He could clean these (Matthew 23:25-33). Whether Isaiah’s time, or Christ’s earthly ministry 700 years later, lost Jews sang psalms and talked about “God” (“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips”), but there was no corresponding heart of faith (“but their heart is far from me”). Undoubtedly, countless Christ-rejecting Jews were on their knees too, praying this and praying that. Mere form means nothing, but underlying doctrine does!

It is not arrogant to pray while standing, just as it is not necessarily humble to pray while kneeling. Moreover, we should “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). It is impossible to kneel constantly. After all, we do have to sleep, walk, drive vehicles, and work a job! To reduce prayer to a mere physical position, to assert “the proper posture of prayer is kneeling,” is to advertise Bible ignorance. Prayer is simply talking to God in light of His words to us (and this we should always do), and we do not have to speak audibly either. There is no requirement to kneel, close our eyes, or lift up our hands….