Beware False Teacher
BEWARE FALSE TEACHERS
Our world is filled with false teachers.
As lyrically expressed by Martin Luther, “This world is filled with devils.”
It always has been (2 Cor 11:13–15; Titus 1:10–11; Jude 4).
It always will be (Matt 24:11; Acts 20:29–30).
Scripture warns us to “beware” of them (Matt 7:15–16; Mark 12:38). It calls us to “note” who they are and “avoid” them (Rom 16:17; 2 Thess 3:14; 2 John 10–11). It calls us to “expose” them (Eph 5:11) and to “rebuke” them (Titus 1:13–14) for the sake of protecting the people of God from their message.
Oftentimes, their message is polished, engaging, inspiring, and compelling (Rom 16:18; Gal 1:8–9); it has all the right vibes and gives all the right feelings (2 Tim 4:3–4; 2 Pet 2:1–3). Yet, good vibes are not intrinsically synonymous with gospel veracity. Just because we enjoy or appreciate what someone has to say doesn’t necessarily mean that their message is true.
So, what questions should Christians be asking as we seek to discern truth from error in the messages that we hear? Let’s start by noting the kinds of questions that have no bearing whatsoever on the truthfulness of a message:
As lyrically expressed by Martin Luther, “This world is filled with devils.”
It always has been (2 Cor 11:13–15; Titus 1:10–11; Jude 4).
It always will be (Matt 24:11; Acts 20:29–30).
Scripture warns us to “beware” of them (Matt 7:15–16; Mark 12:38). It calls us to “note” who they are and “avoid” them (Rom 16:17; 2 Thess 3:14; 2 John 10–11). It calls us to “expose” them (Eph 5:11) and to “rebuke” them (Titus 1:13–14) for the sake of protecting the people of God from their message.
Oftentimes, their message is polished, engaging, inspiring, and compelling (Rom 16:18; Gal 1:8–9); it has all the right vibes and gives all the right feelings (2 Tim 4:3–4; 2 Pet 2:1–3). Yet, good vibes are not intrinsically synonymous with gospel veracity. Just because we enjoy or appreciate what someone has to say doesn’t necessarily mean that their message is true.
So, what questions should Christians be asking as we seek to discern truth from error in the messages that we hear? Let’s start by noting the kinds of questions that have no bearing whatsoever on the truthfulness of a message:
IRRELEVANT QUESTIONS
If these are questions on our mind when it comes to judging the messages that we hear, it makes you wonder how we would respond if Jesus stepped into our pulpit. He often gave messages that the audience did not enjoy…at all (e.g., Luke 4:28–29). His messages did not always result in good vibes (e.g., Luke 18:23). His messages were constantly offending people (e.g., Matt 13:57; 15:12). And there were times when His messages drove the entire congregation away (John 6:66). So, if Jesus is the truth (John 14:6; Rev 3:7) and always speaks the truth (John 8:45–46; 18:37), then we need better questions when it comes to discerning truth from error in the messages that we hear. For example…
- Was the speaker funny and engaging?
- Did I enjoy the message?
- Did it make me feel good?
- Was the message offensive to me at all?
- Was it short and sweet?
- Will people keep coming back?
If these are questions on our mind when it comes to judging the messages that we hear, it makes you wonder how we would respond if Jesus stepped into our pulpit. He often gave messages that the audience did not enjoy…at all (e.g., Luke 4:28–29). His messages did not always result in good vibes (e.g., Luke 18:23). His messages were constantly offending people (e.g., Matt 13:57; 15:12). And there were times when His messages drove the entire congregation away (John 6:66). So, if Jesus is the truth (John 14:6; Rev 3:7) and always speaks the truth (John 8:45–46; 18:37), then we need better questions when it comes to discerning truth from error in the messages that we hear. For example…
BETTER QUESTIONS
If the message kindles an uncomfortable feeling inside us (e.g., frustration, sadness, anger, fear, resentment, alienation, confusion, hurt), the question we need to ask in that moment is, “Why?” Why do I feel this way? Is it because the message was contrary to Scripture? Or is it because the Holy Spirit is convicting me of sin (John 16:7–8)? On the flip side, if the message never fosters an uncomfortable feeling in our heart, the question we need to ask is “Why not?” These are the messages that ought to scare us to death (Rom 16:18; 2 Tim 4:3–4).
Beware of false teachers.
- Did the message align with the whole counsel of God’s Word?
- Was it rooted in context (exegesis)?
- Or was it removed from its context (eisegesis)?
- Did the message exalt Christ, or did it exalt creation?
- Was it focused on the things of God or on the things of earth?
- Did it condemn sin and celebrate the Savior?
If the message kindles an uncomfortable feeling inside us (e.g., frustration, sadness, anger, fear, resentment, alienation, confusion, hurt), the question we need to ask in that moment is, “Why?” Why do I feel this way? Is it because the message was contrary to Scripture? Or is it because the Holy Spirit is convicting me of sin (John 16:7–8)? On the flip side, if the message never fosters an uncomfortable feeling in our heart, the question we need to ask is “Why not?” These are the messages that ought to scare us to death (Rom 16:18; 2 Tim 4:3–4).
Beware of false teachers.
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