[This article was written by Robert A. Sochor.]
The New Testament warns pretty clearly that there shall be false teachers at work among Christians and churches (2 Peter 2:1). This was true in the first century and is just as true in the 21st century. Even their success is foretold in scripture (1 Timothy 4:1).
Why are they successful? I can think of four reasons (not in any particular order):
- Their deceit: Matthew 7:15; Jude 4, “crept in unawares.”
- A general lack of knowledge (failure to study? You judge) on the part of Christians: Hosea 4:6.
The idea of relativism – that even false doctrines are worthy of consideration. They are no more right or wrong than the gospel – they are equals. (I speak as the world.) - Too many Christians (members, preachers, teachers) fail to take correction or rebuke well.
- Therefore, no one tries. False teachers (doctrines) should be confronted. Apollos took rebuke well (Acts 18:24-28).
When we think of false teachers, we first think of Baptist or Methodist preachers or anyone else who advocates denominational error. Certainly that would be false teaching. But remember in New Testament times there were no denominations or denominational preachers. If someone was a false teacher, generally he was a member of the church or at least operated from within the congregation – perhaps sometimes from without, but still having influence over members.
Jude 4 uses the phrase, “crept in privily.” False teachers are not those who accidentally misspeak or misquote a verse, etc., but those who purposely and deliberately bring into a congregation some teaching that is divisive and destructive. I have never known of a congregation that has invited a Methodist preacher, for example, to preach Methodist doctrine from the pulpit during a Lord’s Day assembly of God’s people. (Perhaps I am naïve.) False teachers are us. Or at least they come from us (Acts 20:28-30). Perhaps they teach wrongly and are not aware or perhaps they purposely teach wrongly (2 Corinthians 11:12-14). Sometimes false teaching is very noticeable, and sometimes it is only seen through hindsight. Jesus said one way to know false teachers was by their fruit (Matthew 7:15-20). Fruit generally refers to the end product of the growth process. Ask yourself: does the teaching produce full-grown, mature, zealous, and well-grounded Christians? Or does it produce someone vulnerable and tempted to leave Christ?
Some final points about false teachers and how to keep congregations (and Christians) safe from their teaching:
- We must make certain we are not a false teacher (preacher, teacher, or elder). Shun “new” ideas/topics. Provoke – but not with the idea of clouding the issues or making right and wrong harder to determine. Do not put doubt in minds of young or new Christians. Provoke, but do not be provocative. Avoid personal opinion or questions that raise doubts or confusion (1 Timothy 6:3-4). Teachers and preachers must study (2 Timothy 2:15). Also, they must teach Bible (2 Timothy 4:2). Lessons must be filled with scripture.
- Elders (shepherds) are there as protectors of the flock (among other things). This is a safeguard God put into the church to protect from false teachers. But they must not be the church’s only defense.
- Christians need to associate with others who are strong and grounded in the faith (Proverbs 13:20).
- Christians – each member (not just elders, preachers, and teachers) must know the Bible. They must know what is true to recognize what is false. Be in the habit of personal Bible study. Attend all assemblies of the congregation (to include gospel meetings). Follow sermons in your Bible when scriptures are read.
- Make sure we do not desire false teachers (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
False teachers do not do well in congregations that love and study the Bible and are vigilant against the threat of false teachers.
