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Researchers estimate that up to 10,000 physicians have fake medical licenses. They claim you can buy counterfeit diplomas, transcripts, and references. Pity the person who is being treated by a phony physician. Experts say fake credentials exist for every field, from architecture to zoology. That doubtlessly includes fake credentials for teaching the Scriptures. That’s why Jesus alerted us to watch out for wolves that come in sheep clothing. The writer of the book of Hebrews tells us to guard against false teachers. We can do this by observing both the character as well as the message of those who profess to be authentic teachers. In chapter 13, he writes, “Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.” He says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” So we need not fear that faith in Jesus Christ as God’s sacrifice for our sin will ever become obsolete. As in the writer’s day, so in our day, standing on the side of Christ sometimes means ridicule, rejection, or the advice that we should go along to get along. The author says our behavior must always honor Jesus the Christ as our Lord. He says we do that by offering Him our praise, our obedience, and by doing good deeds for others.
