Paul writes about this in all his letters. Sometimes there are things in Paul’s letters that are hard to understand. And some people explain these things falsely. They are ignorant and weak in faith. They also falsely explain the other Scriptures. But they are destroying themselves by doing that.
2 Peter 3:16 (ICB)
The Apostle Peter acknowledged Paul's writing as "Scripture," speaking on behalf of the Lord and with the Lord’s approval. Other people, however, twisted what Paul wrote since some parts of his epistles were difficult to grasp. They bent the true meaning of the gospel to serve their self-interest and personal agendas. Over time, their shallowness and lack of depth become their undoing and ultimately to their spiritual ruin.
There is a subtle danger in following an imprecise gospel.
A clear gospel points you to God’s grace and the finished work of Jesus and the Holy Spirit at work in you, but an imprecise gospel makes you feel insecure about your salvation and wants you to do more for God in order to earn His love and approval. Any teachings that aim at striving and self-improvement to please God is legalism.
The life of a believer is best lived by abiding in Christ and drawing on His Spirit who dwells in us. You can enjoy intimacy and fellowship with Him because of your union with Him. When you continue to rest on what Christ has done on the cross, you will experience the power of His salvation and its ability to transform you in every way.
Learn to grow a worldview anchored in the gospel of grace.
It starts with keeping our focus on Jesus and following Him. It is also about making strong connections in a local church community and finding opportunities to participate in meaningful ways by using the graces and gifts God has bestowed on you. Then the way we live for Christ is not by striving, but by abiding in Him. This is because the power of His gospel enables us to do everything by His grace and for His glory.
If you are overworked and burned out in ministry because of false expectations and misguided priorities—don’t quit; instead, rest and continue to hear the gospel again and again. It will change the way you love God and serve Him out of His love for you.