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How should we respond to false teachers?

How should we respond to false teachers?
Fall Apologetics

TL;DR:

False teachers are anyone whose message doesn’t line up with Scripture, and the Bible calls believers to know the truth well enough to recognize them. Our response must be discernment—exposing what is false, refusing to support it, and staying anchored in God’s Word.

what does the bible say?

False teachers are those whose message does not align with God’s Word, and Scripture commands believers to recognize them by testing all teaching against truth (Matthew 7:15–16; Acts 17:11). The Bible shows that false teachers are to be dealt with strongly, confronted with the truth, and exposed for what they are. The Old Testament contains dire warnings about those who falsely claim to speak for God (Deuteronomy 13:1-3). It was a capital crime to do so (Deuteronomy 18:20), showing the seriousness of the sin. The New Testament indicates that we are not to have anything to do with those who teach lies about God (Romans 16:17; 2 John 1:7-11). Jesus also warned about false prophets (Matthew 7:15). His followers should observe not only what people say but the fruits of those who claim to be Christian to see if their behavior aligns with that claim. We can identify and respond to false prophets when we know and stand firm on God's Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Acts 17:11), which is the best protection against spiritual charlatans. Knowing God's Word also helps us to confront them with the truth (Ephesians 5:11). Christians have a responsibility to contend for the truth so His Word won't be twisted and people won't be ensnared by lies (Jude 3-4; cf. 1 Peter 3:15).

from the old testament

  • God warned His people in the Old Testament to test a prophet's words against what God has revealed (Deuteronomy 13:1-3).
  • Mosaic Law required false prophets to be put to death (Deuteronomy 18:20). Though we are no longer under Mosaic Law, the Law shows us how seriously God considers the sin of falsely claiming to speak for God.

from the new testament

  • We aren't to be swept away by charismatic personalities but should be sure that leaders who claim to be Christian have fruit in keeping with that. Jesus warned us of false teachers, telling us, "You will recognize them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:15-16).
  • When we encounter "ungodly people  who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ," we are responsible to "contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3-4; cf. 1 Peter 3:15). We must confront the false teaching.
  • To confront falsehoods with truth we must know the truth by reading God's word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Bereans were commended for "examining the Scriptures daily to see" if what Paul and Silas told them was true (Acts 17:11). Believers today should do the same.
  • We should never give any support to false teachers. John wrote, "For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. . . .  If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works" (2 John 1:7-11). 
  • Indeed, we're to avoid false teachers, not allowing them a foothold in our lives. Paul wrote, "I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them" (Romans 16:17).
  • Avoiding isn't enough, though. We must expose false teachers to protect others from harm: "Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them" (Ephesians 5:11).

implications for today

You discover that a "pocket" in your new jacket is actually just a sewn shut style feature, not a real pocket. Later, the woman waving at you turns out to be waving at the person behind you . . . which you realize only after waving back with a goofy smile. Not everything is initially what it seems.

Other than annoyance and embarassment, the fallout for being mistaken is no big deal for pockets and greetings. But it's a major problem when it comes to "Christian" teachers who aren't what they seem. The fallout from that can be a disillusionment so strong that some turn from the faith.

But that's the problem with a faith that hinges on a human being rather than on Christ or His Word. No matter how captivating a leader is, our allegiance should always be to Christ and to the truth that God has revealed in His Word. Everything else has the propensity to disappoint at best or lead us astray. Christians should be so familiar with the truth that they can spot a falsehood when they hear it. God's Word is our truth detector.

understand

  • We respond to false teachers by testing their teaching against Scripture, identifying what contradicts the truth.
  • We respond by confronting false teaching with God’s Word and refusing to affirm or support it.
  • We respond by refusing to follow or endorse false teachers and staying anchored in biblical truth.

reflect

  • How are you currently testing what you hear against Scripture so you can recognize false teaching more clearly?
  • How can you make sure you are not relying more on a teacher’s voice than on Scripture?
  • How do you deal with those who come to you bringing false teachings, such as Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons?

engage

  • How can we confront false teaching in a way that is both biblically faithful and spiritually protective of others?
  • What practical ways help us distinguish between honest biblical mistakes and intentional false teaching?
  • How can we correct false teaching firmly while still maintaining humility and a desire to restore rather than win arguments?

More Resources

People in the Bible What does the Bible say about false prophets?

What does the Bible say about false prophets?

False prophets existed in the past and are still around today. False prophets will face severe judgment for leading people astray.
Christian Life How can we identify false prophets?

How can we identify false prophets?

False prophets can look convincing, but if their message contradicts the Bible or distorts who Jesus is, their fruit will eventually expose them. The truth of God's Word will help us spot the lie.
Theology What is the key to recognizing false teachers?

What is the key to recognizing false teachers?

The main way to recognize false teachers is to become completely familiar with the truths of Scripture. The more we understand what God says, the more obvious it will be to discern what He hasn’t said.
Theology What are some signs of false teachers?

What are some signs of false teachers?

False teachers can be recognized by their distortion of God’s Word, immoral lives, and/or self-serving motives. The Bible calls believers to test all teaching against Scripture and to cling to Christ as the standard of truth.