What do you think when a good teacher “shares the stage” with a false teacher? I recently heard someone describe this concern as “hyperbolic.” Hyperbolic is a sophisticated way to say this concern is “exaggerated…blown out of proportion.”
I disagree. When solid Christians participate in seminars and conferences with people teaching biblical errors, they appear to be giving their approval to such speakers.
Is it hyperbolic to be concerned that Christians might follow a false teacher based on this outward approval?
I personally know people raised in Christian homes who rejected their faith due to the half-truths promoted by false teachers. (See How Can We Bear Watching Loved Ones Reject the Lord?)
Is it hyperbolic to think good teachers should not align themselves with such people?
God answers our questions in Romans 16:17-18:
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.”
Some might call this passage hyperbolic. But it actually shows God's strong desire to protect us from errors that damage our faith.
For more on partnering with those who teach error, see Paul's warning in Acts 20:20-32 and also check out the strong warning in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 about partnering with unbelievers.
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Some people might think it's hyperbolic to write my post Beware of the IF Gathering for Women because some of the teachers participating in the seminar are good teachers. If you haven't read it, I encourage you to do so. I've been adding research to it on a regular basis, so even if you read it before, you might want to check it out again. It now contains information on IF Gathering speakers David Platt and Brandon Cromer as well as info on a controversial video where Jennie Allen (IF Gathering founder) interviewed Mike Kelsey.
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