Our Attitude Toward False Teachers

Introduction:

False teachers not just a theoretical possibility – but a threatening reality! The kingdom of heaven must be sought out in a world where lies/deceptions concerning it will abound. Dealing with false teachers and their ways is just a fact of life. There has never been a time when Christians have not been locked in controversy with some sort of false gospel.

I.  What is a False Teacher?

A.       7:15-16 – picture of someone standing outside the narrow gate – about to make a decision.

B.       This is the person who appears to be everything desired.

1.         nice; pleasing; pleasant.

C.        But, eventually, one begins to see in his fruit something that wrong with his teaching & his manner of life.

II.  Identifying Marks of a False Teacher.

A.          His teaching/influence stand for little or nothing.  It all seems right!

1.         often boils down to what the person does NOT say.

2.         In essence, this is the person who leaves out the heart of the gospel.  How?

B.          This is the person who leaves out doctrine.

C.          This is the person who leaves out the doctrine of sin.

1.        w/o Christ all men are dead in their trespasses – Eph. 2:1

a)       all men have sinned – Rom. 3:23

2.        ALL sin is lawlessness – 1 Jhn. 3:4

D.         This is the person who leaves out repentance.

1.        2 Cor. 13:5 – self examination is important.

E.          This is the person who leaves out true holiness.

III.  How to Spot These Identifying Marks.

A.       7:16 – you will know them by their fruits.

B.       Do the actions in their life contradict what comes out of their lips?

1.        The life reveals the heart! 

2.        By using analogy of trees/fruit – Jesus drives home the point that citizenship in the kingdom is NOT a matter of appearance but being.

C.       Belief & life are inseparably linked.

1.        We must not be too enamored by appearances.

D.      What should be our attitude toward false teachers?

1.        We need to be willing to give the benefit of the doubt until the circumstances are clear!

E.       When a false teacher’s fruit is revealed – we must hold up their teaching to God’s word. 1 Jhn. 4:1

Conclusion:

A.       False teachers are still around today.  Paul’s writing applicable:  2 Cor. 11:13-15

A.       Heb. 4:13 – God not deceived – He is the judge!

B.       Let us strive to serve Him to the best of our ability!