Don't Trust Teachings that Distort God's Word

I recently read an article written by one of the popular ministries that promises health, wealth and comfort. I am always surprised how these ministries distort Scripture, and I'm concerned for the sincere Christians who fall captive.

Referencing Romans 4:17 and Matthew 12:34-37, this ministry claimed we can control our environment by what we say.(1)

Yet Romans 4:17 says God “calls into being things that were not.” It doesn’t say men can.(2)

In Matthew 12, the Pharisees claimed Christ's power came from Satan. So Jesus explained that words flow from good or evil in people's hearts, condemning or acquitting them. The context is man's words about God, not man's ability to change earthly circumstances.

Scripture never promises health, wealth, and comfort. Earthly life can be hard. Our physical bodies are wasting away, but Christians can focus on the wonderful eternity awaiting us (2 Corinthians 4:16-18; 2 Corinthians 5:1-5).

And we have the wonderful promise of God's presence with us in every situation, good or bad (Psalm 46:1).

Let's never listen to teachers who emphasize human words by distorting God's Word (Colossians 2:8).
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(1) Scripture tells us that peace and contentment come from having a positive, grateful outlook on life (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Philippians 4:8-9), but Scripture never promises health, wealth, and comfort.
(2) Christ-followers can do great things in Christ's power, according to Christ's plan. But we are not all-knowing so not everything we speak is part of God's plan. In addition, God does things for His children that they can't even imagine, let alone speak (Ephesians 3:20). Another passage often misused by health and wealth teachers is Proverbs 18:21. See a full explanation of that misuse here: The Power and Limit of Words.

To do a more thorough study on this subject, check out today's Bite Size Bible Study.

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