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Detox Part 6 – Overcoming Toxic Faith

Pastor Scott Applegate

Toxic: anything containing poisonous materials capable of causing sickness or death

“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 NLT

Sources of toxic faith:

  1. False teachers

“So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders. I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following. Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you—my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you.” Acts 20:28-31 NLT

  1. Dogmatic teaching that goes beyond the essential truths of the faith

“Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 NLT

“… learn from us the meaning of the saying, ‘Do not go beyond what is written.’ Then you will not take pride in one man over against another.” 1 Corinthians 4:6 NIV

  1. Religion instead of relationship

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 MSG

  1. Unloving churches and Christians

“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35 NLT

  1. Experiencing suffering

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NLT

  1. A different Jesus and a different Gospel

“You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed.”        2 Corinthians 11:4 NLT

Two extremes to avoid:

  • Legalistic Jesus
  • Light Jesus

Characteristics of healthy faith:

  1. A healthy faith begins and ends with Jesus plus nothing (Galatians 2:21)
  • Trusting in Jesus does not cost you a thing
  1. A healthy faith produces full devotion and discipleship unto Jesus (Matthew 16:24-25)
  • Following Jesus will cost you everything
  1. A healthy faith is a growing faith (2 Peter 1:5-8)
  • Growing in Jesus takes time and discipline
  1. A healthy faith is lived in community (Acts 2:42-47)
  • Living for Jesus is never done in isolation
  1. A healthy faith is a shared faith (Philemon 6)
  • Sharing Jesus is not an optional part of our faith