The Bible tells us to expect false teachers in the Church. If we aren’t aware of any, we’ve probably lost our discernment or we’ve never developed it.
The only thing that can protect us from false teaching is an accurate understanding of Scripture. Satan uses Scripture to deceive Christians, and he twists it to suit his purposes (Matthew 4:1-7).
We must:
1. Study Scripture regularly (2 Timothy 2:15).
We must study the “whole counsel of Scripture” because most false teachers cut and paste Scripture, using it out of context and ignoring passages that refute their claims. See Acts 20:27.
2. Have undivided hearts (Psalm 86:11).
False teachings typically appeal to our selfish human desires. They may be disguised in spiritual language, but they focus on worldly comforts or encourage acceptance of popular forms of immorality.
3. Accept correction (Proverbs 15:31).
Everyone who stays committed to false teaching does so because they refuse the correction of God’s Word and the warnings of those who teach Scripture accurately. They develop Concrete Minds.
---------------
See the highlighted words in the text for additional insights and also check out the following 1-minute devotions.
About accurately understanding Scripture:
Context Adds Clarity
Reading Only Part of the Story
Pieces Parts
About false teachers:
4 Signs of a False Teaching
Don't Be Deceived
About the beauty of accepting criticism:
10 Scriptures
---------
Bible Love Notes
Hi Gail. I came across false teaching in a Methodist Church I was attending a few years ago (I have since left this church). It was in a bible study group and I was completely taken aback and upset by what was said. One comment was that the Apostle Paul had no real right to call himself an apostle because he hadn't actually been with Jesus and the other apostles during his ministry. But Jesus himself appointed Paul to be an apostle to the gentiles and some of the most wonderful words in scripture were written by him and have helped countless people to find Jesus and be saved - including me! The second comment was that Paul was 'arrogant and dictatorial'. Nothing could be further from the truth in my view. If believe he was a very humble man who loved the churches he founded but corrected them in a firm, but loving way if something was wrong. He comes across as a very sensitive man, who cared deeply for his fellow Christians and just wanted them to stay on the narrow way and follow Christ as he did. He knew all about false teaching in the churches and warned them about it, but I didn't believe I would come across it myself from so called Christians and a leader in the church. Paul would not have been surprised though. Thank you Gail for highlighting this danger from wolves in sheep's clothing - we have to be continually on guard against it!
ReplyDeleteThat is definitely false teaching you encountered, Christine. I'm glad you were discerning enough to recognize it. Paul is often attacked because Biblical commands don't fit modern culture and since he wrote so many books in the New Testament that speak about specific commands, he is usually the Bible author most often attacked. Of course, every Bible author only wrote what they were divinely inspired to write. So anyone who criticizes Paul is actually criticizing God and His Word.
Delete