mishandling the Word of God will ultimately bring one tremendous problems, lack of blessings, other struggles and eventually; God holds the Teacher more responsible than the student……
how can a demoniclly inspired charlatan offer anything of value??
Is it OK to lie to people, especially prospective Christians?
Doesn’t the Bible speak of accountability,?,,, and honesty,,, and how you can’t serve God and Satan simultaneously?
Rick Warren’s Use of Scripture
Rick Warren incorporates various Bible translations in his writings. However, many of these contemporary versions are not direct translations that strictly maintain the original wording. Instead, they often function as paraphrases or “thought-for-thought” interpretations, which can lead to a distortion of the actual meaning of verses and words. He frequently cites Scripture out of context to support his own viewpoints rather than to convey what the Holy Spirit intends for us to understand.
For example, Warren references the New Living Translation (NLT) version of Romans 12:2, which states: “Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do.” In contrast, the King James Version (KJV) reads: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” The NLT omits the phrase “good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God,” which is crucial for understanding Paul’s message within the broader context of Romans chapters 1 through 11, especially chapters 6 through 8.
Paul’s teachings continue into Romans chapters 12 through 16, where he addresses practical Christian living built upon the doctrinal foundation laid earlier. A proper understanding of our relationship with Christ—and how the Holy Spirit operates within us through faith in Christ’s redemptive work at Calvary—is essential. Without this, attempts at practical Christian living devolve into mere human effort.
Romans 6:3–14 teaches that we are dead to sin and alive to God through Christ’s sacrifice. Romans 8:1–2 and verse 11 further reveal that the Spirit gives life in Christ Jesus and liberates us from the law of sin and death.
Understanding Romans 12:2 requires first understanding Romans 12:1. Paul writes: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Presenting our bodies as living sacrifices pertains directly to the Cross and faith in Christ’s finished work. It is only through this faith that the Holy Spirit operates within us. Without this foundation, genuine surrender is impossible, and the renewal of the mind cannot occur. As Scripture says, “It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
The Need for More than Scripture?
In The Purpose Driven Life, Warren asserts that spiritual growth requires more than just Scripture, emphasizing the necessity of community among believers. In The Purpose Driven Church (Chapter 18), he challenges the idea that “all you need is the Bible,” calling it a myth. He suggests that many churches focus too heavily on intellectual learning while neglecting emotional and relational development.
However, Scripture teaches that “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God” and is sufficient for doctrine, correction, and instruction in righteousness, so that believers may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Likewise, Psalm 119:105 declares that God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
If Scripture is sufficient to equip believers completely, then any teaching suggesting otherwise must be carefully examined.
Warren also claims that spiritual maturity is attainable through developing certain habits. He references a paraphrased version of 1 Timothy 4:7, encouraging believers to maintain “spiritual fitness.” The KJV, however, states: “Exercise thyself rather unto godliness,” emphasizing discipline rooted in truth rather than methodology.
True spiritual growth does not come from human effort or structured systems alone. It is the work of the Holy Spirit. While practices such as prayer and Bible study are valuable, they are the result of spiritual life—not its source.
Beliefs versus Behavior
Warren teaches that behavior is a primary indicator of spiritual maturity. However, this overlooks the biblical principle that true belief produces right behavior. Focusing on behavior alone can lead to legalism.
The church often attempts sanctification through works, but Paul strongly rebukes this in Galatians. He warns against combining law and grace, stating that justification comes only through faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:16).
Scripture also teaches: “The letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life” (2 Corinthians 3:6). When law is reintroduced as a means of righteousness, it leads to spiritual death rather than life.
Purpose over Faith?
Throughout The Purpose Driven Life, Warren emphasizes living with purpose, often framing the Christian life around five key purposes. However, this approach can shift focus away from the central foundation of faith in Christ and His finished work on the Cross.
True transformation comes through faith in Jesus Christ. As Jesus said, we must deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him. The Christian life is not built on discovering personal purpose apart from the Cross, but on surrendering fully to Christ.
When Paul ministered, he did not rely on human wisdom or structured systems. He declared: “I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). The Cross is the foundation of all true spiritual life.
Cell Groups
The popularity of small group systems, including models like G-12, is partly influenced by Warren’s emphasis on community structures in The Purpose Driven Church. These models highlight relational connection and shared growth.
While fellowship is biblical, the concern arises when structured systems replace reliance on the Holy Spirit. True spiritual growth comes from Christ-centered faith, not organizational frameworks.
Attacks Against Divine Truth
Today, there are increasing challenges to the integrity of God’s Word. These attacks often come subtly—through distortion, misapplication, or reinterpretation of Scripture.
Peter warned that some twist Scripture to their own destruction (2 Peter 3:16). Simply quoting Scripture does not guarantee sound doctrine. Truth must be understood in its full context and aligned with the whole counsel of God.
Believers must remain grounded in the truth of the Gospel, centered on Christ and His finished work, rather than being led by human wisdom or cultural trends.
The Quill of Samantha Grace Newcastle 