Observation
I don't know how you wouldn't and couldn't be deceived unless you are sanctified by the truth of God continually. If all that you ever have is regurgitated word, you are missing nutrients and getting the word seasoned by opinions and not truth. I'm not being critical of teachers of the word, I listen to teachers of the word several times a week, and I myself teach the word. What I am saying is that I would only know the truth according to their interpretation if I didn't take time to study it myself.
Nevertheless we need others to help us study the Word of God. We need them to show us how, to give us new insights, and to challenge us to go deeper. But that relationship should never replace our intimate, quiet time with Christ.
Application
For a long time I took what was said by a pastor as truth and lived according to what he said. That is very dangerous and a trap from the enemy. I would get so frustrated because I could never live up to the pastor's standards of Christianity. I associated my failure in his eyes with failure in Christ's eyes as well. Eventually I found myself imprisoned in the chains of depression.
Is it the pastor's fault? No, it was mine and by the grace of God I have learned so much from it. There will always be people trying to tell me what the most important thing is for my walk with Christ. I can either believe them, or take it to God and His word and find out what He wants from me. I have found and continually find blessed freedom in God's word. People are fickle, but God is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore.
Prayer
Father, thank You for sanctifying me in Your truth. Please continue to do so. I long to know You more intimately, to taste and see that You are good all day, everyday. Father, please also let no unwholesome word come from my mouth as I teach others. I do not want to teach doctrine according to my own precepts, but according to Your word and Your leading.
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