False Teachers
False teachers are anyone in the world who are instructing us or leading us away from our faith in Christ. It can be a pastor, teaching heresy to his congregation. It can be a coach, telling you that life is all about winning. It can be a parent, telling you that if you just look the part that is true religion. It can be a counselor or psychologist, telling you that the key to life is your happiness. We have to become experts at knowing the truth so that when we hear a lie, we can spot it right away.
As the story goes, the FBI's counterfeiting strategy is based on the idea of becoming so familiar with the genuine article that they could quickly and easily identify any fraudulent copies. The agents who worked on this strategy spent countless hours studying real currency, learning every detail of its design, and developing an intimate knowledge of its texture, weight, and feel.
In the same way, the Bible teaches us to be discerning when it comes to false teachers. In 2 Corinthians 11:14-15, the apostle Paul warns us that Satan often masquerades as an angel of light and that his servants may appear as ministers of righteousness. Therefore, it is essential to develop a deep understanding of the truth of God's Word and to remain vigilant against any attempts to distort or counterfeit it.
Just as the FBI agents became experts in identifying genuine currency, we too must become experts in recognizing genuine spiritual truth. This requires diligent study of the Bible and a reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide us in discerning truth from error. We cannot be complacent in our pursuit of truth. We must remain vigilant against the subtle deceptions of false teachers, continually seeking to deepen our understanding of God's word and to discern the truth from any counterfeit that may be presented to us.
Verses for study
False teachers
Colossians 2:4-8: I say this so that no one will deceive you with persuasive arguments. See to it that there is no one who takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception in accordance with human tradition, in accordance with the elementary principles of the world, rather than in accordance with Christ.
Acts 20:27-32: For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things to draw away the disciples after them.
2 Corinthians 11:12-15: For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore, it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.
Galatians 1:6-10: I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel, which is not just another account; but there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!
1 Timothy 1:1-5: Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus, who is our hope, To Timothy, my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. Just as I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, to remain on at Ephesus so that you would instruct certain people not to teach strange doctrines, nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to useless speculation rather than advance the plan of God, which is by faith, so I urge you now. But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from a sincere faith.
1 Timothy 4:1-8: But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude
2 Peter 1:20-2:3: But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them, the way of the truth will be maligned; and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
2 Peter 3:14-18: be diligent to be found spotless and blameless by Him; which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unscrupulous people and lose your own firm commitment
2 John 1:9-11: Anyone who goes too far and does not remain in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who remains in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds.
Article: False Teachers by Bryan Carlson
Deceivers/false prophets:
The Bible repeatedly warns us about false teachers who will deceive us with their false doctrines. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 says, "For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." In 2 Corinthians 11:14-15, we read, "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve." Jesus Himself warned us to be on guard against false prophets in Matthew 7:15-16, "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit, you will recognize them."
2 Peter chapter 2 is a warning against false prophets and teachers who will lead people astray with their deceptive teachings. The chapter emphasizes the danger of false teachers and their destructive influence on the church. It describes these false teachers as being motivated by greed, sensuality, and a desire for power and influence. The chapter also highlights the punishment that awaits false teachers and their followers. It describes them as being like "springs without water and mists driven by a storm," promising freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption. The judgment that awaits them is described as "the blackest darkness." In light of false prophets, 2 Peter 2 encourages Believers to be on guard and to test everything against the Word of God. It emphasizes the importance of knowing the truth and living in obedience to God's commands. It also reminds us that false teachers will come, but we have been given the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth and protect us from deception. It reminds us of the importance of staying rooted in the truth of God's Word and being led by the Holy Spirit. May we be diligent in testing everything against the Word of God and avoiding the destructive influence of false teachers.
Blind guides:
Jesus warns us about blind guides who lead people astray and their punishment. In Matthew 15:14, He says, "Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit." And in Matthew 23:13-15, He pronounces woe to the scribes and Pharisees, saying, "You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are." There are numerous warnings about deception in the last days. For instance, Jesus said in Matthew 24:24, "For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect." These warnings serve as a reminder that we are living in a fallen world and that we must be on guard against deception. In particular, we need to be aware of false teachings and false prophets who distort the truth and lead people astray. This is why it is so important to stay grounded in the Word of God, to study the Bible for ourselves, and to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we navigate the challenges of life.
A different Gospel:
We must be careful not to make a god of our own liking or to believe in a different Gospel. In Galatians 1:6-9, the apostle Paul writes, "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently, some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God's curse!"
Repentance is an essential component of the true Gospel and salvation, and its importance is emphasized throughout the Bible. Repentance means turning away from our sin and turning toward God, seeking His forgiveness and grace. Without repentance, we are separated from God and cannot experience salvation or eternal life. Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of repentance, saying in Luke 13:3, "unless you repent, you too will all perish." Repentance is not just a one-time event, but an ongoing process of turning away from sin and growing in our relationship with God. Repentance involves acknowledging our wrongdoing and confessing our sins to God (1 John 1:9). It also involves a change of heart and a willingness to turn away from our sinful ways (Acts 3:19). Repentance is not just about feeling sorry for our sins, but about taking concrete steps to change our behavior and live a life that honors God. Only true repentance leads to salvation and eternal life. As it says in 2 Corinthians 7:10, "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." When we turn to God in repentance, He offers us forgiveness and the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38). Let us strive to live a life of repentance, turning away from sin and toward the abundant life that He offers us through faith in Jesus Christ.
Tests of the true Believer:
Furthermore, Jesus compared the kingdom of God to weeds and wheat, emphasizing that there will be those who look like Believers but are actually deceivers. In Matthew 13:24-30, He tells the parable of the weeds, saying, "Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time, I will tell the harvesters: First, collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn." In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus warns us that not everyone who calls Him "Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven. He says, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'" This passage is a sobering reminder that mere words or outward actions are not enough to guarantee entrance into heaven. True faith in Christ is demonstrated through obedience to God's will, and this includes repentance of sin and living a holy and righteous life. Those who truly know Christ and are known by Him will bear good fruit and obey His commands (John 15:5-8).
Be vigilant:
In 2 Corinthians 11:3, Paul reminds us that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, we too can be easily led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. Therefore, we must be vigilant in guarding our hearts and minds, staying focused on Christ and His teachings, and testing everything against the Word of God. Only then can we be assured that we are following the true Jesus and believing the true Gospel. Furthermore, Jesus teaches us in Matthew 7:13-14 that the way that leads to life is narrow and few will find it. He says, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." This narrow way requires a commitment to following Jesus, denying oneself, and taking up the cross daily (Luke 9:23). It is not an easy path, but it is the only way that leads to eternal life. As Believers, we must strive to stay on this narrow path, continually seeking God's guidance and strength to follow Him faithfully. Let us not be deceived by mere words or outward actions, but rather seek to know Christ and obey Him faithfully, even if it means walking the narrow path.
Ephesians 5:11 says, "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them."
The surrounding verses in Ephesians 5 describe the characteristics of a life lived in the light of Christ. This includes living a life of love, walking in wisdom, and avoiding the unfruitful works of darkness. The passage also highlights the importance of speaking truth and encouraging one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. This is a call to Christians to actively resist and expose sin, both in our own lives and in the world around us. We are called to live as light in the darkness, shining a spotlight on sin and darkness and pointing people toward the truth and hope found in Christ.
Be separate:
Another important theme in the Bible is the command to not become like the nations around us. This is particularly relevant in the context of the Israelites, who were called by God to be a holy people and set apart from the pagan nations around them. Likewise, in the New Testament, Paul admonishes Believers to not conform to the pattern of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:2). He also warns against participating in the immoral practices of the surrounding culture, saying in Ephesians 4:17-19, "So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed." We are called to be a holy people set apart for God's purposes. As Believers, we must be vigilant against deception and false teaching, and we must also strive to live according to God's standards and not the standards of the surrounding culture. By doing so, we can be faithful witnesses to the truth and the love of Christ in a fallen world.
On the offensive:
In 2 Timothy 3:16, Paul writes, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." When we use the Word of God in our interactions with others, we are not only sharing our own thoughts and opinions but the very words of God Himself. One image that the Bible uses to describe the Word of God as an offensive weapon is that of a sword. Ephesians 6:17 says, "Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." The sword is a symbol of power and strength, and when we use the Word of God in our interactions with others, we tap into that power and strength to share the truth of the Gospel, being prepared to engage in discussions about our faith and being able to articulate our beliefs clearly and persuasively. By recognizing the importance of Scripture and using it in our interactions with others, we can be faithful witnesses to the truth and love of Christ. May we always be prepared to wield the sword of the Spirit in the battle for souls, trusting in the power of God to transform hearts and minds through His Word.
Every part of the Bible is inspired by God. From Genesis to Revelation, the entire Word of God is important for teaching us about God's character, His plan of redemption, and His will for our lives.
It is the inspired and authoritative source of truth that God has given us. Thus, it is essential that we approach the Bible with a mindset that is open to the whole counsel of God. This means that we should not cherry-pick Scriptures to defend our pet doctrines or beliefs, but instead, we should consider the entirety of God's Word and seek to understand it in context. The danger of picking and choosing Scriptures to defend our pet doctrines is that it can lead to a distorted view of God's Word and even the creation of false teachings. When we only focus on certain passages or verses, we can miss the bigger picture that God is trying to communicate to us. This can lead to a narrow-minded and false understanding of the Bible, which can be harmful us and others. When we pick and choose Scriptures to defend our pet doctrines, we can become guilty of twisting God's Word to suit our own agenda or desires. This is a dangerous path to walk because it can lead to a prideful and self-centered approach to the Bible, where we seek to shape the truth to fit our own understanding rather than allowing God's Word to shape and transform us and those we minister to. We should seek to understand the whole counsel of God. This means studying the Bible in its entirety, seeking to understand the context and the overarching themes and messages that God is communicating to us. We should approach the Bible with humility, recognizing that we are not the final authority, but God's Word is. As we do so, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's character, His plan of redemption, and His will for our lives. May we always approach the Bible with reverence and respect, recognizing that it is the inspired and authoritative Word of God that is able to transform our hearts and minds.
Acts 17:11 is a verse that highlights the importance of examining the Scriptures daily. The verse says, "Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true."
This verse is a great example of how we as Christians should approach the Word of God. Like the Berean Jews, we should be eager to hear the message of the Gospel and to learn more about God's Word. But at the same time, we should also be diligent in examining the Scriptures to see if what we are being taught is true. By examining the Scriptures daily, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's character, His plan of redemption, and His will for our lives. We can also guard ourselves against false teachings and be better equipped to share the Gospel with others.
Created order:
As the account of creation unfolds, we see that God created everything according to its kind, and that includes humans. Genesis 1:27 says, "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." This passage affirms that there are only two genders, male and female, and that both are equally valued and created in God's image. The Bible teaches that gender is not a social construct or a matter of personal preference, but rather a biological and spiritual reality given to us by our Creator. Furthermore, the fact that God created humans as male and female has implications for how we understand marriage and sexuality. In Genesis 2:24, God establishes marriage as a lifelong union between one man and one woman, saying, "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh."
Sexual immorality:
Throughout the Bible, sexual immorality and deviation from God's design for sexuality are consistently condemned. For example, in Leviticus 18:22, God says, "Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable." And in Romans 1:26-27, Paul warns against exchanging "natural relations for unnatural ones" and engaging in "shameful lusts" with members of the same sex. The fact that God created humans as male and female has profound implications for how we understand ourselves, our relationships, and our sexuality. As followers of Christ, we should affirm and uphold God's design for gender and sexuality, while also showing love and compassion to those who struggle with these issues. The Bible also teaches us that sexually immoral people will not enter the kingdom of God. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Paul writes, "Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."
Conclusion:
We must be careful about what Jesus we are following and what Gospel we are believing. We should always test everything against the Word of God and be on guard against false teachings and false teachers. As it is written in 1 Thessalonians 5:21, "But test everything; hold on to what is good." Therefore, it is important to be diligent in studying the Bible and seeking God's wisdom and discernment to avoid being deceived by false teachers who promote a different Gospel, which is really no Gospel at all.
