Ephesians 4:14

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

Then we will no longer be [spiritual] babies, tossed back and forth [by waves], and blown around by every wind of [false] teaching, [deceived] by the clever trickery of people using deceptive schemes.

Cross References

Hebrews 13:9

Do not continue to be swept off your course by all kinds of strange teachings. For it is good for your hearts to be strengthened by God’s unearned favor [upon you] and not by [keeping regulations about] foods, which do not benefit those who observe them.

1 Corinthians 14:20

Brothers, do not be children in the way you think, but be babies in wrongdoing; yet be mature in your thinking.

1 John 4:1

Loved ones, do not believe [the message of] every spirit [i.e., every person claiming to be a teacher], but test the spirits [i.e., require proof that they and their message are genuine] to see whether they represent God [or not], because many false prophets have begun circulating throughout the world.

2 Corinthians 2:17

For we [apostles] are not like so many people, who “peddle” God’s message merely for profit [or, “who corrupt God’s message”], but in Christ’s [service] we proclaim the message from God with sincerity, [realizing we are] in the presence of God.

James 1:6

But he should ask in faith, without doubting, because the person who doubts [that he will receive wisdom] is like an ocean wave that is driven and tossed by the wind.

Ephesians 6:11

You people should put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to withstand the devil’s schemes.

Matthew 24:24

For false christs and false prophets will appear and they will perform great [miraculous] signs and [supernatural] wonders in order to lead astray even the elect [i.e., God’s people], if possible.

2 Timothy 4:3

For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound teaching, but will assemble to themselves teachers who will satisfy what their “itching ears” want to hear.

Jude 1:12

These people are like rotten spots [contaminating the food] at your love feasts, while they gorge themselves without fear [i.e., unashamed of their selfish indulgence]. [Note: This passage may mean “like selfish shepherds, looking out only for themselves,” even eating the grain set out for the animals]. They are like clouds that blow over without producing rain; [they are like] trees in the fall that do not produce any fruit and have been uprooted, [thus] being dead twice [i.e., fruitless and rootless].

Revelation 19:20

But the beast was captured, along with the false prophet [See 16:13], who performed [supernatural] signs in his presence. [He had performed these signs] to deceive those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his statue. [See 13:15-16]. The beast and the false prophet were both thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur.

Galatians 3:1

You foolish people [of the churches] of Galatia [Note: This was a province in present-day Turkey], who tricked you? Was not Jesus Christ graphically portrayed before you as being put to death on a cross?

Matthew 24:11

And many false prophets will appear and will lead many people away [from the truth].

1 John 2:26

I have written these things to you people concerning those who are trying to lead you astray [from the truth].

2 Timothy 3:13

But evil people and impostors will go from bad to worse [in their behavior], deceiving people and being deceived by them.

2 Corinthians 4:2

Instead, we have renounced [the practice of] secret, disgraceful behavior. We do not practice deception, nor resort to distorting God’s message. But, by making known the truth [i.e., the true message], we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the presence of God.

Matthew 11:7

As the messengers [sent by John. See Luke 7:24] went on their way, Jesus began to talk to the crowds about John. [He said], “What did you expect to see when you went out into the desert? A tall stem swaying in the wind?

1 Corinthians 12:2

You people know that when you were [still unconverted] Gentiles, you were led astray to [worship] lifeless idols, however you were led [i.e., wherever you turned, you were being led into idolatrous practices]

Acts 23:21

But, do not listen to them, because over forty men have laid a plot and bound themselves under an oath [with serious consequences] neither to eat nor drink [anything] until they have killed him. They are now ready [to carry out the plot] and are just waiting for you to agree [to their arrangement].”

1 John 2:19

These antichrists left our group [i.e., withdrew their fellowship from us], but they were not [really a part] of us, for if they had been, they would have continued [to participate] with us. But, by their leaving us, it proved that none of them were [really] a part of our group [after all].

2 Peter 2:18

[Although] their talk is big, what they say is worthless, and by [offering people] fleshly desires [i.e., sexual gratification], they lead people astray, who are barely escaping from the error of the world.

James 3:4

Look, even though ships are huge and are driven by strong winds, still their direction can be governed by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot desires to sail.

1 Timothy 3:6

[He must] not be a new convert or else he could become conceited [i.e., over being in a leadership position] and fall into the [same] condemnation incurred by the devil.

2 Timothy 1:15

You know that all those people in [the province of] Asia deserted me [i.e., those who could have helped me], including Phygelus and Hermogenes.

1 Corinthians 3:19

For this world’s “wisdom” is foolishness to God. For it is written [Job 5:13], “He [i.e., God] catches wise people in their cleverness.”