While preparing to lead a fall Bible study on the New Testament book of Hebrews, I explored three different studies to see which one would be the perfect fit. I explored the first one, and it required way too much reading on background, culture and word definitions. The second study, the author spent 3 of the 8 chapters of Hebrews in the Old Testament talking about the tabernacle. It became redundant. I explored the third option, and I discovered that just because a study is listed as a Bible study does not necessarily mean it is true to Scripture.
The first thing I noticed was that this study lacked good transition and proper punctuation which made it confusing.
Excerpt from Chapter 4, Questions 1-3:
- “What does God tell us we must do with the message, the gospel or good news, in order to enter God’s rest?” __________________________________________________________________________________________________
The authors go on to say, “Like epoxy glue, if both mixtures are not combined the glue has no power to hold. We must HEAR, then we must Act. Without action our faith remains like a stillborn embryo.” (This was a good question and comment by the authors but what follows is very confusing.)
- “When we did God complete his work?” ______________________________________________________________________
- “When was your problem that you are struggling with solved?” ______________________________________________________________________
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Poor punctuation and confusing transition was one thing but then a huge red flag with sirens blaring sounded in the next chapter.
Excerpt from Chapter 5, Questions 10-13:
- Was Jesus’ petition to escape death answered? (Verse 7) Relate this to Genesis 3:4 ______________________________________________________________________
Authors went on to say, “We know and talk about His ‘death’ on the cross, yet in verse 7 we see that His petition to be saved from death was granted.”
- How is this answer from prayer a reality? ______________________________________________________________________
- On what basis was this request granted? ______________________________________________________________________
- What interesting fact do we learn about the maturing of Jesus from verse 8? ______________________________________________________________________
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1 Corinthians 1:18 says, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.” (NIV)
In 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Paul emphasizes the foundational nature of the gospel message saying, “What I received I passed on to you as of first importance, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures…” (NIV)
Any teaching that deviates from this central message is a denial of the core truth of Christianity. This is an example of warning against false teachers and the importance of holding fast to sound doctrine, which includes a firm belief in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection as the central act of redemption.
I am not sure if this false teaching on the authors’ part – that Christ requested to escape death and that it was granted Him – was intentional or not, but the point is that it jars against the Word of God. Hence, my goal for this blog is to alert unsuspecting Bible study leaders and participants of the danger of false teachers. After all, Bible studies are the perfect place for the enemy to cause deception. Pretty much like the Garden of Eden.
Even if you are not involved in Bible study, be alert to everything you read and hear. Remember, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. He also disguises himself like an angel of light. Be on guard.