How is it that so many Bible readers can believe such very different things about the Bible? It is hard to follow the line of reasoning sometimes, as individuals on two different sides of an issue try to use the same Bible to argue different positions. How is that possible?
Often it has to do with to whom or what they’re listening. Paul wrote, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits” (1 Tim. 4:1). Deceiving teachers cause some to depart from the faith. This was the exact warning in other epistles, when the apostle warned about being “deceived” by “smooth words” (Rom. 16:18), “empty words” (Eph. 5:6) and “persuasive words” (Col. 2:4).
Be careful! The words of some preachers and teachers are not “sound words” (2 Tim. 1:13), but their “smoothness” and “persuasiveness” may deceive you to think they are “sound words.” And, help others to, “Take heed what you listen to” (Mark 4:24).