False Teachers Are Still A Thing

In a world filled with spiritual challenges and false teachings, believers must discern the difference between divine truth and deceptive doctrines. False teachers have historically twisted and perverted the truth, leading others astray from the path of righteousness. This issue is not new; even in the days of the apostles, false teachers emerged, posing a significant threat to the faith of many.

Throughout history, various individuals have arisen who, despite their outward appearances, propagated spiritual falsehoods that harm those who listen and follow. The Bible clearly warns against false teachers, emphasizing the importance of identifying and resisting their teachings.

In light of the prevalence of false teachings and the potential harm they can cause believers, it is essential to remain vigilant, discerning, and anchored in the unchanging truth of God’s Word.

The Gospel’s application to the problem of false teachers is rooted in the biblical teachings and warnings against such individuals. The Bible unequivocally proclaims that truth alone leads to salvation. As believers, our commitment to God’s Word and our discernment in identifying false teachings are essential to staying on the path of righteousness.

The consequences of failing to discern false teachers are severe, both for individuals and the Church as a whole. Those who follow false teachings risk straying from the truth, leading to spiritual death. False teachers trouble the Church, enslave believers to sin, and oppose essential truths about Jesus and God’s commandments. Therefore, believers must heed the biblical warnings and remain rooted in the truth to avoid the pitfalls of deception.

In the wisdom of Scripture, Peter urges us to discern the divine origin of truth, ensuring we do not fall into deception (2 Peter 2:1). The Bible unequivocally proclaims that truth alone leads to salvation. Yet, throughout history, false teachers have twisted and perverted the truth. Solomon wisely cautioned, “A lying tongue hates those it wounds” (Proverbs 26:28). When individuals propagate spiritual falsehoods, their deception harms those who listen and follow.

Peter warns us that, just as false prophets arose in the past, false teachers will emerge among us (2 Peter 2:1). The Old Testament provides stern guidance on dealing with such individuals:

1. Moses instructs that those who lead people away from the true path of God should face severe consequences, even death (Deuteronomy 13:4-5).
2. Prophets like Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Habakkuk, and Zechariah expose the shame and error of false prophets, emphasizing the importance of resisting their teachings.

Some today may feel inclined to protect or sympathize with false teachers due to past relationships. However, this contrasts with the Mosaic Law, which mandated no pity or protection for those spreading conflicting doctrines (Deuteronomy 13:6ff). Moses emphasized, “You shall not consent to him, nor listen to him; neither shall your eye pity him, neither shall you spare, neither shall you conceal him: but you shall surely kill him…” (Deuteronomy 16:8ff).

The New Testament also offers clear warnings against false teachers:

1. Jesus cautions against false prophets, urging us to discern them by their fruit (teachings) (Matthew 7:15ff). He stresses not putting erring family members above the truth (Matthew 10:37).
2. Paul condemns those who pervert the truth (Acts 13:6-10) and deceives the innocent (Romans 16:18).
3. False teachers are identifiable by their words (1 Corinthians 12:3), and their doctrines lead to spiritual death (2 Corinthians 2:16).
4. They trouble the Church (Galatians 1:6-7) and enslave believers to sin (Galatians 2:3-5) by bewitching them (Galatians 3:1).
5. They delude with persuasive speech (Colossians 2:4) and teach different doctrines (1 Timothy 6:3).
6. They oppose the truth (2 Timothy 3:8), and Timothy even names some false teachers (2 Timothy 2:17; 3:8).
7. They deny essential truths about Jesus and God’s commandments (1 John 2:20-21, 27; 4:2; 2 John 7).

Jude describes these false teachers as denying Jesus, being condemned, defiling the flesh with their dreams, and causing division in the Church (Jude 1:4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 16, 18).

Peter further warns that these false teachers will:

1. Privately introduce destructive heresies, promoting their own opinions over the truth (2 Peter 2:1).
2. Deny even the Master who bought them, rejecting His authorized teachings (2 Peter 2:1).
3. Ultimately, they bring swift destruction upon themselves, facing judgment and rejection by faithful brethren (2 Peter 2:1; Jude 1:14-15; Matthew 7:15ff; 2 Timothy 2:17; 3:8; Titus 3:10).

In a world filled with spiritual challenges and false teachings, let us remain vigilant, discerning, and anchored in the unchanging truth of God’s Word.

The false teacher’s ways lead to destruction, as their teachings are driven by self-glory, elevating their own opinions above divine truth (John 12:43; Jude 1:12). In doing so, they presume godlike authority (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4) and draw “many” away from the path of truth and into their doctrines (Matthew 7:15ff).

Their teachings provoke people to speak against divine revelation, causing discomfort when their names are called out as false teachers and when their errors are pointed out (Matthew 10:37). These individuals often resist correction and take offense at those who uphold God’s ordained truth. Their resistance stems from pride and the fear of losing followers, status, or financial gain (Jude 1:16; 1 Timothy 6:5; 2 Peter 2:15).

While some may claim to do God’s work through charismatic expressions or supposed miracles, Jesus warns that such signs do not necessarily indicate divine approval (Matthew 7:22-23). He emphasizes the importance of knowing the truth by discerning the fruit of a person’s teaching, not just their outward displays (Matthew 7:15ff).

Conclusion:

Discerning false teachers through biblical wisdom is not an option but a necessity for believers. The consequences of failing to do so are severe, both for individuals and the Church as a whole. Those who follow false teachings risk straying from the truth, leading to spiritual death. False teachers trouble the Church, enslave believers to sin, and oppose essential truths about Jesus and God’s commandments. Therefore, believers must heed the biblical warnings and remain rooted in the truth to avoid the pitfalls of deception.

‌~PW 🌮🛶