The popularity of false teachers is growing, and I've noticed that when Christians try to warn others, they're often met with these two objections:
Scripture refutes this claim: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” Luke 16:10
Mishandling God's Word is never insignificant, especially for a Bible teacher (James 3:1).
2. It's not our place to judge these teachers.
Scripture refutes this claim as well: “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” Ephesians 5:11
“Test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1
We are called to examine the words, lifestyle, values, attitudes, and discernment of those who teach us. And we are called to expose error and warn people of false teachers.
Those who listen to false teachers lose their discernment. Satan blinds them, and they become increasingly defensive when their favorite false teachers are exposed (2 Corinthians 4:4).
“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. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” Matthew 7:15-17
See also 1 Timothy 6:3-5 and Colossians 2:8.
Please be aware of the dark side of one of the most popular pastors in America: Steven Furtick's Metallica Obsession.
For more insights, see How False Teachers Help Us and 3 Characteristics of False Teachers.
BLN
No comments:
Post a Comment