DEALING WITH FALSE TEACHERS
INTRODUCTION
It cannot be truthfully denied that there are false teachers among us – the Bible warns of such:
Acts 20:29-30
1 Timothy 4:1-3
2 Timothy 4:1-4
1 John 4:1
2 Corinthians 2:17… corrupting the word of God *
It is equally clear that these false teachers must be dealt with
False teachers are a source of concern because of God’s view of them
As is clearly taught in Scripture
As will be seen in this lesson
The Psalmist said God hates every false way (Psa. 119:104), for His words are not false (Job 36:4)
Deuteronomy 13:5
An astounding testimony to the Lord’s view of false teachers
We too should take false teaching seriously
DISCUSSION
FALSE TEACHERS MUST BE DEALT WITH
Because they endanger the souls of men
Jeremiah 23:16-17
God had told Israel not to listen to the false prophet
They lie – they do not speak God’s word
But being more concerned with their own wants, they listen to the false prophet and found themselves in captivity
The same can happen to us
Ephesians 4:14
Many are being led away through false teaching
Tossed here and there – unable to be grounded
Ephesians 5:6
False teachers cause souls to become children of disobedience… they deceive
Friends, this brings God’s wrath
Acts 20:29-30
False teachers are as wolves devouring sheep
These false teachers will come from among the flock
Because they endanger their own souls
James 5:19-20
False teachers will lose their souls
We cannot let error slide – souls are at stake
James 3:1
We must be very careful what we teach
Teachers will be judged harsher
Because of their characteristics
Matthew 7:15
Deceitful
Ravening wolves
Acts 20:29
Grievous wolves
Unmerciful
2 Corinthians 11:13
Deceitful workers
They lie
Philippians 3:2
Evil workers
Dogs – Dogs in the east are mostly without masters; they wander at large in the streets and fields, and feed upon rubbish, and even upon corpses – they are considered unclean and contemptible
1 Timothy 6:5
Corrupt in mind
Void of truth
2 Peter 2:14
Misleaders of the unstable
Covetousness drives them
WHAT SHOULD OUR REACTION BE TOWARD FALSE TEACHERS?
1 John 4:1
We are to test every teaching
Check teaching with the word of God
Acts 20:31
Watch and remember warnings
Be alert to what’s going on in the church
Hebrews 13:9
Be careful not to be carried away
Stand your ground on the truth
2 John 10-11
Our association with the false teacher makes us a partaker of his evil
We are to have no fellowship with false teachers
Titus 3:10
To be rejected
A “heretic” is one who holds a fundamental error of doctrine
Ephesians 5:11
Have no fellowship with them
Rebuke their error
Titus 1:13
Rebuke them sharply
Sharply = quickly and plainly
Titus 1:11
Stop their mouths
We cannot put up with false teaching *
IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK AS WE DEAL WITH FALSE TEACHERS
Are we to be mean spirited as we confront the false teacher?
Ephesians 4:15
People do not care how much we know until they know how much we care *
Should we be quick to condemn?
2 Timothy 4:2
We should be patient, while not condoning error *
Are we to judge according to appearance, or hearsay?
John 7:24
Let us be sure we have evidence before we condemn.
If a little bird tells us something, be sure that the little bird is not a “cuckoo.” *
May we rebuke the false teacher without considering ourselves?
Galatians 6:1
Only hypocrites judge without considering themselves
Matthew 7:1-5 *
- Should we run roughshod over those in error?
Titus 3:2
Would this not also include those in religious error? *Should we over look an error for fear of offending someone?
Matthew 15:13-14
It is better to hurt one’s feelings than to see that one spend an eternity separated from God. *
CONCLUSION
When we deal with false teachers our attitude toward them must consist of love, long-suffering, righteous judgment, self-examination, gentleness, and a heart free of prejudice
By having the proper attitude we may be able to get the false teacher to see the error of his way.
Remember, that which is false must be dealt with
Tom Moore
http://www.fromthepreacherspc.org
http://www.harrisandmoore.org
http://www.parkheightscoc.com
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