False Teachers (Part 1)
Good morning brethren, I like to write on a topic “False teachers”. First, who is a false teacher? False prophets or teachers are dangerous, wrong people, we should not expose our minds to because they pervert thinking and poison the soul. Apostle Peter called them “unreasoning animals” they are spiritual beasts and are more deadly than the physical ones. (2 Peter 2:12). He addressed them as natural brute beast, false teachers are far from acting like angels, they are brutish in their knowledge and behaviour; they are like animals, without understanding, they act as if they were without reason; they corrupt themselves; and being given up to blindness, and a reprobate mind, they call good evil, and evil good, and do things that are not convenient. They are guided by an instinct in nature, to do what they do, and they are led and influenced by the forces and power of corrupt nature in them, to commit all manner of wickedness. Scripture also addressed them as false brothers (2 Corinthian 11:26), false apostles ( 2 Corinthian 11:13), false teachers (2 Peter 2:1), Liars (1 Timothy 4:2) and even false Christ (Matthew 24:24). Scripture in 1 John 4:1 tells us “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world”.
As Christian leaders, we are to become spiritual pathologist, able to discern on the spiritual health of the Church. This will help diagnose the diseases of false teaching, hence Apostle Paul warned of the danger of satanic lies, describing them as deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light, and off course his followers as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). Hence to guard yourself against false teachers, you must endeavour to know the truth. As a believer we are to “correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15) and then we can identify false doctrine. For example, a believer who has read the activities of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in Matthew 3:16-17 could question any doctrine that denies the Trinity. Therefore, study the Bible and judge all teaching by what the Scripture says. Matthew 12:33 tells us that “a tree is recognised by its fruit”. Therefore what are we supposed to look out for to ascertain a true teacher? What did the teacher say about Jesus? Jesus asks, “Who do you say I Am?” and Peter answers, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” (Matthew 16:15-16). Is the teacher preaching the gospel - the good news concerning Jesus’s death, burial, and resurrection, according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Is the teacher exhibiting the character qualities that glorify the Lord? Jude 11 says “What sorrow awaits them! For they follow in the footsteps of Cain, who killed his brother. Like Balaam, they deceive people for money. And like Korah, they perish in their rebellion.” False teacher can be known by their pride (Cain’s rejection of God’s plan), greed (Balaam’s prophesying for money), and rebellion (Korah’s promotion of himself over Moses). Jesus said to beware of such people and that we would know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:15-20).
In conclusion, study shows that the power of false teachers lies in the shadows of secrecy and disguise, hence the issues of false teachers should be openly discussed, warned against, or rebuked in Church, to avoid negative influence by their false teaching. Please understand that this it is very serious hence Jesus, Apostle Paul, Peter, James, Jude, John, they all warned the church about false teachers. May the Lord truly help us and protect His Church in Jesus name. Thanksgiving service is for 10.30am, workers meeting is for 10am. God’s blessings - Mike