WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT FALSE TEACHERS???

(A portion of an article found at www.starlightbaptist.com which sheds some light on false teachers!!!)

INTRODUCTION: 1. Webster defines false as not genuine, intentionally untrue, arranged or made to deceive, adjusted to mislead, inconsistent with the fact. 2. False is not the same as wrong. Wrong can be a casual deviation from right. False is designed to deceive.

WHAT IS FALSE TEACHING?

1. FALSE TEACHINGS come from deceitful workers who appear to be godly but in fact are Satan’s ministers. 2 Cor. 11:13-15 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
2. FALSE TEACHINGS are designed to pervert the Gospel of Christ. Gal. 1:6-8 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
3. FALSE TEACHINGS are lies that come from teachers whose consciences have been deadened by departing from the truth. 1 Tim. 4:1-4 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
4. FALSE TEACHINGS are carefully crafted to seduce and deceive. Mark 13:21-23 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.
5. FALSE TEACHINGS are designed to steal & destroy God’s churches. John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

6. FALSE TEACHINGS are used to gain followers for personal use. Acts 20:30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

HOW CAN WE GUARD AGAINST THESE IMPOSTERS?

1. Study the Word of God—regularly & faithfully. 2 Tim. 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
2. Don’t change your beliefs when you know you have been taught the truth. 2 Tim. 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
3. Use only Scripture to develop your convictions. 2 Tim. 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
4. Follow leaders who are able to teach sound doctrine. Eph 4:11-15a And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love....
5. Ordain only qualified Bible preachers who use sound doctrine to combat false teachers. Titus 1:5-9 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
6. Support pastors who are called of God & are responsible to protect the flock. Acts 20:28-32 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

7. Be aware & on guard against such evil workers. Php. 3:2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.