In the early days of my relationship with Jesus, I made friends with a woman in the church. She had been walking with Jesus for much longer than me and, in my mind, was someone I could look up to spiritually. 

We spent time together talking about our faith, with me asking my never-ending list of thoughts and faith questions. She often shared about the new Christian-based book she read while quoting the author or some famous pastor I didn’t know. Her advice seemed wise, and I was like a sponge, soaking up everything she said.

I was getting more involved with my church at the same time and started doing Bible studies. I was even part of a group that worked through our church’s pilot discipleship curriculum. Through the Holy Spirit’s direction, I was experiencing tremendous spiritual growth.

As a result of this time studying God’s Word and experiencing spiritual growth, the foundations of my faith were firmly rooted in Scripture. 

Soon, I began to notice something I hadn’t before when spending time with my friend. She didn’t seem to be growing in her faith, and she spoke more about the authors of these faith-based New York Times Bestselling authors than she ever talked about God’s Word. What she said didn’t always align with Scripture and was based on the opinions of others versus what God’s Word says. 

When we study God’s Word and walk closely with Him through our prayer life, our heart grows a protective netting that helps us discern and capture the truth of God’s Word. False teachings, the self-focused ambitions of others—and everything else—fall through the netting, never taking root in our hearts. 

In 1 Timothy 4:16, Paul writes to Timothy, urging him to stay true to what is right for the sake of his salvation and those who hear him. As believers, the Word of God is available to us, and the Spirit of Christ lives within us. We may learn from what other Christians say about God, but we must come to know His living Word and His Spirit for ourselves. As you read and understand Scripture, the protective net you build in your heart will help you discern what other authors and commentaries say. Filter these words through that net while you hold tight to the truth of God’s Word and seek the Holy Spirit’s divine discernment. 

Let the Holy Spirit of God guide you through the pages of your Bible. Ask Him to open your heart to hear His Word and for wisdom and knowledge to understand it. Like a sponge, soak up His Word’s truth, love, and power. As Paul exhorted Timothy,

Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you (1 Timothy 4:16).

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Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.