The assistant pastor at my church is an identical twin. When he first came with his family there was no way I could tell which one he was. They could tell me who was who downstairs and if I didn’t remember what color each one was wearing I would go upstairs and not know what to call them. We saw our future assistant pastor off and on for several years but now he is at every church service. He teaches my children in church, he’s been to my house, and my husband and he often discuss motors and how to fix them. Now when his twin brother comes to visit I can tell which one he is. I didn’t have to become friends with both of them – just one. I knew the true nature of the one in our church and could discern between the twins.
Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Psalm 25:5
When I was a young adult I worried about cults. [Bear with me, this does tie together.] I worried that I didn’t know enough about them – who believed what, and which teaching was wrong, etc. etc. Should I take a course? What if they knocked on my door? Should I study about what each cult believed, who founded them, and what I should say if somebody wanted to talk about it with me? It seemed overwhelming and depressing.
Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. 1 Samuel 12:24
My pastor said something in a sermon that relieved me and helped me know that it would be ok. He said to study what is true and right. Then I would know when something is wrong. What hope that is – and not depressing, but encouraging. Study the truth to be able to recognize the error.
By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. Proverbs 16:6
Just as I can tell the twins apart by knowing the one in our church better, I can tell the wrong teaching by knowing the right teachings. I don’t have to worry about what to say because I can cling to the truth. I can study my Bible and be ready to answer with truth.
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Psalm 91:4
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. John 17:17
I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. 2 John 1:4
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