False teachers are deceptive and destructive (2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 2 Timothy 2:16-18). The threat they pose is ever-present (2 Peter 2:1). We can guard against them by always being on the alert (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:8) and by heeding the warnings when false teachers are marked by faithful brethren (Romans 16:17-18).
In addition to these preventative measures, there are three fundamental attitudes we must have if we hope to protect ourselves from the threat of false teachers. If we resolve to adopt the following, we will be much better equipped to deal with error whenever it is introduced.
Be loyal only to Christ – First and foremost, our allegiance must be to Christ. Paul wrote, “For am I now seeking the favor or men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10). We are the servants of Christ because we have been “bought with a price” and now are “not [our] own” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24). We must realize that if we are going to follow Christ, we cannot divide our allegiance. Therefore, any doctrine that is contrary to His doctrine must be rejected as false (cf. Galatians 1:6-9).
Adhere wholly to the truth – When Paul preached to the Bereans, they were commended for “examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11). They wanted to know the truth. This “love of the truth” is necessary for salvation, because without this, we will “believe what is false” and be “judged” by God (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12). The truth of God’s word is the standard by which we will be judged (John 12:48). Therefore, we must “hold fast the pattern of sound words” (2 Timothy 1:13, NKJV). Whatever the word of God teaches, we must be determined to accept it.
Refrain from following men – In two short verses, Paul exposed the practice of some Corinthian brethren of following after men and also explained the foolishness of it: “Each one of you is saying, ‘I am of Paul,’ and ‘I of Apollos,’ and ‘I of Cephas,’ and ‘I of Christ.’ Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:12-13). We can certainly benefit from those who lead us in the truth (1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17; Hebrews 13:7). However, we are also warned “not to think of men above that which is written” (1 Corinthians 4:6, KJV). Men are fallible. Even Cephas (Peter) led strong Christians like Barnabas into sin (Galatians 2:11-14). To keep from error, our first question on any topic should be to ask what the Scripture says, not what “brother so-and-so” says.
Adopting the above resolutions will not guarantee us from following after some false doctrine. The reason is not that the Bible’s instructions are fallible, but that human beings are fallible. We must always be aware of the possibility that we could fall away (Hebrews 3:12-13; 1 Corinthians 9:27). Paul warned, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12).
However, if we fail to adopt these resolutions, our failure is guaranteed. If our allegiance is not to Christ, we refuse to accept all of the truth, or we wish to follow after men, we will be lost. If we hope to be saved, we must follow Christ (Luke 9:23) and obey His word (Hebrews 5:9). Let us resolve to do this and do not be “carried about by every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14).
Excellent article, lad! I have been given the opportunity to write a 400 word article for the local paper that is printed every two weeks. I am currently writing on the subject of “Religious Division” and many of your points made here would fit very nicely in this study. So far no one has responded to my articles except the publisher/editor and he says he appreciates what I am doing in trying to get religious leaders to study this issue of division. It helps to read good material as you have written to jog my memory in this very vital discussion. Thanks again for being a light shinning truth to the world.
Excellent article. That false teachers are deceptive and destructive is a given but every false way can be corrected by returning to the truth and following the good precepts pointed out above. Keep these good lesson coming.