EP 32: The Dangers of a Diluted Gospel
Welcome
Hey there. Welcome to the Daughter of Delight Podcast! I’m so glad you are here and hope that you walk away from this episode feeling encouraged and all the more fired up for the Lord! Today’s conversation is a good one. And a timely one, too, if you ask me. We’re getting into the dangers of a watered-down Word and the importance of biblical literacy.
Review of the Week
Let’s take a look at the review of the week before we get started though! This week’s review comes from Blessed COG and she says, “I just listened to the episode on putting God first and it has really inspired me to stop pushing God on the side. I love how you didn’t sugarcoat anything, but still didn’t shame anyone for how we may sometimes neglect God. Great podcast! It’s inspiring and I definitely plan on listening to more episodes.” Thank you for your incredibly kind review, Blessed COG. It warms my heart to know that the Lord has used this podcast to encourage and convict you in ways that lead you not into shaming yourself but rather into His loving and grace-filled arms.
A Diluted Gospel in a Watered-Down World
It’s no surprise that this year has been an absolute doozy. To add to it, the watered-down gospel is becoming more and more popular. And that’s just not okay. This year has reminded me of two things in particular. First, the only thing I can be sure of in this life is the hope I have in Christ. And 2) Bible literacy matters. It matters SO much. Let me tell you why that is. Because it teaches us how to know why we believe what we believe.
Why Bible Literacy Matters
Have you ever found yourself in a conversation, or maybe even an argument with someone concerning a hot topic, or just Christianity in general, and you were unable to support what you believed to be true with a contextualized understanding of Scripture?When my husband Michael and I were dating, we butted heads a lot about a very hot topic in the theological world. And I’m not going to lie- our debates got HEATED. But here’s the thing...unlike my husband, I couldn’t validate my arguments with Scripture...just feelings and tears. This is why our little debates got so hot, so fast. I’m a little embarrassed to say that, but it’s true. I spent more time assuming the character of God regarding this certain topic than I had in approaching His Word about it. My flesh didn’t want to believe what His Word claimed to be true. Maybe you can relate to this in some way.
Truth Over Feelings
Either way, this is a prime example of why bible literacy matters. Because it allows us to back up what we believe concerning Scripture with a proper understanding of it- even if we don’t like it. Even if it makes us uncomfortable and confused. Because it’s not about how we “feel” about a certain Scripture or what we “think” Jesus would have done in a certain situation. Sis, being a proactive participant of bible literacy enables us to prioritize God’s truth over our feelings. And that’s HUGE! The fact of the matter is, the truth can be found in the Word of God and God alone and it’s our responsibility to know and walk in it- even if it’s offensive to our flesh at times. We are not meant to understand everything God has done, is doing or will do. And at the same time, it’s important to note that God has not hidden what He wants us to know! He delights in us when we delight in Him. So, before you try to have a conversation with someone about X, Y, or Z, make sure your stance is shared through the lens of His truth and not what your flesh “feels” or “thinks“ to be true. Bible literacy matters. Say it with me, Sis! Bible literacy matters!
The Dangers of Diluting the Word of God
With that in mind, today we are going to be talking about the dangers of watering down the Word of God. I hope you’ve got your listening ears ready, because it’s my prayer that this episode would encourage and challenge you to get in the Word so that you can successfully guard yourself against becoming susceptible to the watered-down gospel. It’s out there and it’s everywhere, unfortunately. So, we’ve really got to be mindful and on guard against it.
What is the Diluted Gospel?
Have you ever found yourself desiring the benefits of Christianity (like the forgiveness of sins), but not wanting the obligations that come with it (like the call of Matthew 5:44, to love your enemies)? Me too.It’s the nasty nature of our flesh, Sister. We want blessings without obedience, comfort without sacrifice and happiness without repentance. And to that I say, thanks be to God for His mercies that are new every single morning! Amen?It should come as no surprise to hear that Satan does not like the power of the gospel. If he can convince us to water it down, then it no longer changes lives! It no longer challenges us to the core of our being, but instead becomes something palatable and easy to swallow, having little to no effect on our lives or on the lives of others.Jesus came to radically transform life as we know it. As John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (ESV).Sis, if we’re subscribing to a diluted gospel, we are certainly not experiencing the life of abundance Christ came to give.My prayer for us all is that we would keep our eyes, ears and hearts fixed on the Father; that we would turn to His holy, infallible Word for the spiritual guidance our hearts crave before and over anything or anyone else; that we would be transformed more and more into His image as we spend more and more time at His feet, continuing to ask ourselves, “Am I truly, biblically and personally following Jesus?”
5 Red Flags We're Feasting On a Diluted Gospel
To help us be on guard, here are five red flags to be mindful of when it comes to a diluted Gospel message.We make it sound like following Jesus is easyWithout God’s grace, following Jesus would be impossible. Matthew 19:25-26 says, “When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (ESV).After committing your life to Jesus, you will find yourself failing at it– every day, for the rest of your life. It really is that hard! Yes, it’s the best decision you’ll ever make, but you cannot expect the day you accept Jesus into your life to be the silver bullet for all your sin, doubts, and struggles. As children of God, we need Thee every hour.
We take the text at surface level
God calls us to go deeper. The gospel message is simple, but also extremely complex! God wants us to wrestle with the mystery of His word. Take the story of Esau, for example. You can find it in Genesis 32:22-32. God has more blessings for us in the wrestling than outside of it.
We take Scripture completely out of context in order to justify our actions and/or opinions
Oh, how dangerous this is! We just talked about bible literacy here a few minutes ago, but this is what happens when we don’t seek out a contextualized understanding of Scripture. We are to read the verse in its context, reflect on what the verse means within its context, & then ask ourselves how its meaning impacts our lives. You can learn more about how to do this through my 5-day email series called Rooted.
We neglect the parts of Scripture we do not like
2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (ESV). Therefore, all of Scripture calls for our undivided attention- whether we like it or not. We can’t just pick and choose which Bible verses we accept. To reject some of God’s authority is to reject it all. Either we accept all of the Bible, or we accept none of it.
We delight in sugar-coated preaching
It is our responsibility to be sure we are sitting under the teaching of a good shepherd- one who preaches the whole, uncompromised Word of God. We need substance--sound orthodoxy--not fluff.
2 Timothy 4:1-5
In 2 Timothy 4:1-5, Paul shares a charge with Timothy to preach the word. He reminds Timothy that God will ultimately hold him accountable for faithfulness to the one true message of Scripture. He says, “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound[a] teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (ESV).Paul gave Timothy this charge for two reasons. First of all, in verse 3: For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching. Timothy must preserve and remain steadfast because people will be fickle and fall away. The second reason Paul gives Timothy this charge is to point him to a gospel-centered endurace; the same endurance Paul has and speaks to in verses 6-8. He says,“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing” (ESV).
Do Not Accept the Diluted Gospel
The charge that Paul gives Timothy here is one we should all pay close attention to. Communicating the truths of God’s Word is not something that should be taken lightly, and the sad reality is this is a very common thing. The watered-down Gospel seems to be more popular and accepted than the one true Gospel. God will hold those who are communicators of His truths accountable one day. And it is my prayer that when I look upon His face He would speak the words of Matthew 25:21 over me: “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master’” (ESV).
Delight in Sound Doctrine
Sis, it is SO important for us to be able to recognize sound doctrine. Don’t you agree? This alone is one of the greatest ways to determine if we or the people we entrust with the privilege to aid us in our understanding of the Word delight in a watered-down Gospel. Now that we have covered 5 major red flags for a watered-down Gospel, I want to wrap things up today by sharing some helpful and important questions for you to ask yourself as you consider whether or not you are listening to the sugar-coated words of a false teacher.
Questions to Consider When it Comes to a Diluted Gospel
These might sound familiar to you because I also shared this list of questions in episode 08, which I highly recommend you take a listen to after this episode, by the way! It’s on the threat of false teachers and how to identify them. It definitely pairs well with today’s episode. The watered-down Gospel is very appealing but also incredibly deceptive. I hope and pray these questions help give you the eyes to see and the ears to hear rich and sound orthodoxy.
- Does sound doctrine matter here?
- Is the preacher in love with the glory of God in the Gospel?
- Was the Gospel preached?
- Is there a spirit of greed for money and material gain?
- Is there a system of accountability for leadership present within this body?
- Pay attention to the prayers. Do they force or declare God to grant things?
- Did the sermon point me to Jesus or myself?
- Is this a church where God’s Word is faithfully taught?
Thank You
Thank you so much for tuning in to today’s episode. My prayer is that the Lord used it to challenge you to be more intentional in prioritizing bible literacy and sound orthodoxy in order to be on guard against the watered-down Gospel that is just too prevalent in today’s world.
What Was Your Favorite Takeaway?
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Please Rate & Review
If you are loving the podcast, I would LOVE for you to leave an iTunes review. It takes just a second but let me tell you, it makes such an impact. I would be so grateful Sis. Thanks so much for being a part of the Daughter of Delight community and for supporting the podcast. Words cannot even express how grateful I am for your place here. Talk with you next Wednesday! Bye for now.
More
Did you enjoy today's episode on the diluted gospel? Check out last week's episode on the presidential election and the sovereignty of God here!Be sure to check out our Daily Delight devotionals, as well!