Don’t Be Taken in by Deceptive Philosophy – Colossians 2:8
Paul warns us against being taken in by deceptive philosophies that abound in our world. Instead, keep your eyes fixed on the Lord Jesus.
False Teachers
Hold on to Sound Doctrine – 2 Timothy 4:3
Hold on to sound doctrine. Don’t allow yourself to fall into the trap of believing what is most appealing. Instead hold firmly to the truth of Scripture.
The Importance of Sound Doctrine – 1 Timothy 1:5
As Paul charged Timothy to combat false doctrines, so we should seek to be sound in doctrine that promotes love, purity, holiness and sincere faith.
Teaching a Different Gospel – Galatians 1:7-8
Paul’s warning against teaching a different gospel is one that we all should pay attention to. We must be faithful to the Scriptures?
Masquerading as Servants of Righteousness – 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
Con artists abound in our world. And unfortunately they are not all that uncommon within the church. Learn to recognize them, whether by the false gospel they proclaim, or their lack of focus on Christ. Run from them. Don’t allow them to deceive you and draw you away from Christ.
Antichrists – 2 John 1:10-11
Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, of one essence with the Father and the Holy Spirit, but a distinct person. Those who teach otherwise are antichrists. Do not aid or encourage these antichrists in their false teachings.
Following the Shepherd – John 10:3-4
Look at what Jesus says here about the sheep. His sheep recognize and listen to his voice, and they follow him where he leads. If I follow him, then I am his sheep. But if I follow another shepherd, then I belong to that shepherd. Whose voice do I hear and follow? Jesus’? Or some other shepherd?
False Teachers – 2 Peter 2:1
So how can you tell if it is a false teacher you are hearing? Sometimes their error is obvious, while other times it is more subtle. The best way to protect yourself from them is to know the Scriptures. Be like the Bereans (Acts 17:11) and study the Scriptures. If someone teaches contrary to it, or introduces other writings to support their teachings, you should reject them. Another way is to look to see who is at the center of their teaching and ‘ministry’? Is it Christ? Or are they the center of attention? If Christ is not the focus, then you should not get caught up in their ‘ministry’ (John 3:30). And, finally, let the Holy Spirit lead you into the truth (John 16:13). Don’t be led astray from the true faith by those who are facing destruction.
Masquerading as Angels of Light – 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 NIV I wonder sometimes about some of the preachers, speakers and ministries I hear advertising on the radio. I can’t help but wonder sometimes about their focus; is Christ at the center, or is he just an advertising bullet point. One that I have been hearing advertised quite a bit …
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Pergamum: The Compromising Church – Revelation 2:12-17
In the second and third chapters of Revelation are letters from Jesus to seven of the first century churches in what is today Turkey. While I believe these letters were addressed to real churches of that day, I also believe they have great application to our churches today. The third of these was to the church of Pergamum. “To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your …
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