I recently read an article that lists 12 common half-truths many of us have accepted as facts. Here are a few: peanuts aren’t really nuts (they’re legumes), a palm tree isn’t a tree (it’s a plant), a koala bear isn’t really a bear (it’s a marsupial), and a penny is actually worth more than one cent—costing about two cents to make. Whether they are of consequence or not, we find ourselves swimming in half-truths.
God’s people found themselves living with a half-truth, and Jeremiah had to send a letter to correct them (Jeremiah 29:1). Word had reached the prophet in Jerusalem that some of the exiled false prophets were predicting Babylon would collapse . . . soon, and that those exiled would be able to return to their homeland. Jeremiah, being the true prophet that he was, felt a pastoral obligation to warn his brothers and sisters against self-delusion. He charged the exiles to get comfortable and pursue as normal a life as possible because their exile was going to be long, not short (Jeremiah 29:5-7). Because God was the ultimate agent of the exile, He would be the ultimate agent of their freedom. Instead of listening to and believing the half-truths of false prophets, they were to wait in humble submission for God’s deliverance (Jeremiah 29:10-11).
To avoid falling into the traps of false teachers and their teaching, we need to expect that some will be deceived (1 Timothy 4:1). Test everything that is said by the truth of the Scriptures and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit; hold to what is good and live God-honoring lives (1 Thessalonians 5:21); and continue to submit to God and resist the father of lies and half-truths (John 8:31-32,44; James 4:7).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Ruth 2:1-23
More:
Read 2 Timothy 2:17-18, and learn about New Testament false teachers. What half-truth(s) were they attempting to sell?
Next:
What lies/half-truths do you see affecting followers of Jesus today? How and why do people accept and live with these false ideas?
Gary Shultz on March 16, 2015 at 5:51 am
Yes it would seem many times the truth is sliced much thinner than half. Many confessed Christians slice it another way, they take only the parts of God’s word they like dismissing the rest as not applicable, not relevant, and not acceptable. They hang their belief on a collection of different nice things that work for them, omitting the disciplines needed to reach life as God intended. We need to model a disciplined, yet full life devoted to Christ, not ourselves. Thank you.
Tom Felten on March 16, 2015 at 9:41 am
Good thoughts, Marvin. I’m reminded of what Paul wrote, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work” (2 Thessalonians 3:16-17). The wisdom found in God’s Word provides the foundation for the decisions we make and helps us avoid false teaching and half-truths..
terwi1td on April 8, 2015 at 4:53 pm
Thanks for sharing Marvin, this reminds me of something I learned from another Pastor a couple of years ago. We are all living with lies in us, whether we know it or not, that we have come to believe as truth. It is not until we discover these hidden lies with God’s help, and see them for what they are that we can be truly free. Thanks again.