Sunday, February 8, 2015
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WHO IS A FALSE TEACHER?
In Acts 18:24-28 we read the account of Apollos teaching in
Ephesus. What he taught was
truth on virtually everything except one point, he taught the baptism of
John. Aquila and Priscilla
took him aside and corrected him.
When corrected, he began teaching the WHOLE truth boldly.
QUESTION: Until Apollos changed, was he a false teacher?
Tonight I want to address a serious question.
What makes one a false teacher?
This is a serious question because there are some among the
brotherhood who are advocating that as long as one is sincere he cannot
be a false teacher. It
is a doctrine that advocates (to some varying degree) unity in
diversity. It permits
fellowship with those known to be in error, both morally and
doctrinally. BUT is such
acceptable to God?
a.
A false teacher is
simply someone who teaches error.
I don’t know of any other way to define it.
IF you are teaching something that is false, regardless of
motive, you are NOT proclaiming the truth in that area!
1 John 2:21 tells us “no lie is of the truth.”
b.
Two types of false
teachers
i.
The dishonest and corrupt – in the New Testament we read clearly of false teachers and
prophets that were dishonest in their motives, actions and use of
scripture.
2 Peter 2:1-2 is describing this type of teacher.
Throughout this chapter we find numerous descriptions of these
teachers – they are destructive, they exploit, they use stealth, etc.
In Matthew 7:15 Jesus warned of false prophets who come to you in
sheep’s clothing but inwardly they are ravenous wolves
2 Cor. 11:12-15 – false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming
themselves into ministers of righteousness just like Satan himself.
1 Tim. 4:3-4 – some will depart from the faith speaking lies in
hypocrisy and teaching various kinds of error.
ii.
The sincere and/or ignorant – Saul (Paul) – prior to his conversion, Paul taught serious
error even to the point of persecuting Christians. In Acts 23:1, 26:9 -
he declared that he lived in good conscience.
But his sincerity and ignorance did NOT excuse him.
When the Lord blinded him He said, “Why are you persecuting Me?
It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” (Acts 9:4-5)
Apollos, was one whose character is unquestioned, yet he was in error on
the matter of baptism, teaching a baptism that was no longer valid.
(Acts 18:25) In that matter
he was a false teacher.
1 John 4:1-3, 6 calls for us to test the spirits – how? By the word of
God. In vs. 3 John notes
that every spirit that does not confess Jesus Christ in the flesh is not
of God. NOTICE how in this
text, the test is there regardless of motive (i.e. not necessarily a
dishonest and corrupt individual).
2 Timothy 2:16-18 Paul warns Timothy to shun profane and idle babblings.
Two men are mentioned by name and then it says they have “strayed
concerning the truth, saying the resurrection is already past; and they
overthrow the faith of some.”
The word “stray” is not necessarily a hostile action but a word
that means “to go astray by departing from morel or spiritual standards,
miss, fail, deviate, depart…” (BDAG).
(Also 1 Tim. 1:6, 6:21)
iii.
BOTH are false teachers because they are teaching that which is false.
The difference has to do with their motives and what they do with
truth when it is presented to them.
But either way, they are teaching error and such could jeopardize both
their souls and the souls of their hearers.
As to consequence, the deliberate and deceitful teacher has much more to
repent of and correct to be in good standing with God.
He also is more difficult to change because of his deliberate and
willful misconduct. That why
he is to be dealt with harshly.
Jude 22-23, “And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but
others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the
garment defiled by the flesh.”
In a book (similar to 2 Peter) that deals with false teachers and
their message, Jude tells his readers to take steps to deliver those
carried away with error (a distinction is not made between one teaching
error and those following such).
Depending upon one’s attitude depends upon how we deal with them.
Apollos and Saul (Paul) were dealt with one way, and the
deliberate, rebellious false teachers were to be outright rebuked and
exposed, etc.
a.
We must become readers of hearts and motives.
When one says that one is not a false teacher because he is
sincere, how does he know that?
Jesus could read hearts (John 2:25, Matt. 9:4), and in the first century
there was the gift of discerning (1 Cor. 12:10).
But we do not have that ability today.
All we have is the word of God.
Jesus told us, that by their fruits we would know them (Matt.
7:15-20). What are their
fruits? What they do and what they teach!
Consider Hebrews 4:12, “the word of God…is a discerner of the
thoughts and intents of the heart…”
1 John 4:1 tells us to test the Spirits.
We need the word of God to do that!
b.
Distinguishing between
truth and error becomes more convoluted.
How can we know the truth?
And how important is it that we be exact?
To the degree we tolerate error we have weakened the truth in
that area.
Furthermore, by whose criteria do we determine what is acceptable and
what is not?
THOSE seeking to advocate a distinction in false teachers will usually
also say that ignorance of truth matters.
This is why they can continue to reject denominational teachings.
BUT, why do they get to make that distinction, if sincerity is
what really matters?
Romans 3:4 says, “Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every
man a liar. As it is written: “That You may be justified in Your words,
And may overcome when You are judged.””
2 Tim. 2:15 calls for us to rightly divide the word of truth.
Paul in Ephesians 3:3-4 wrote what he wrote so that we might understand.
2 Cor. 11:3-5 Paul was fearful that as the serpent deceived eve, so they
might be corrupted from the simplicity of Christ.
c.
As long as you are honest you cannot be a false teacher.
HOW far do we want to take this?
Are there denominational preachers who are sincere?
What about Muslims?
d.
We can fellowship those
openly teaching error IF we judge them to be “honest and sincere.”
NOTE: This is really the intent of making such a claim!
It permits the open fellowship with brethren and congregations
teaching things that are error in matters of work, worship and morality.
But Paul said, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of
darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11)
Such an attitude just opens the door to arbitrarily decide who YOU want
to accept.
e.
Sincerity becomes more
important than truth
– again, many would have you to believe this.
IF this be true, why bother correcting error?
We have emphasized in the past that sincerity is NOT enough.
It will not excuse error!
When Uzzah stilled the Ark was he sincere?
Did that change that he was stuck dead?
What about Saul persecuting Christians in ignorance?
What about the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18?
They were very sincere praying to their god even cutting
themselves, etc.
What about Matt. 7:21-23 – Jesus said it matters what we believe.
NOTE: Sincerity IS important! It is possible to teach the TRUTH
and still be wrong because you are not sincere – Phil. 1:15-18.
It is possible to preach the whole counsel of God but to be a
hypocrite or to do so with malice and arrogance.
Such is equally wrong.
a.
KNOW the truth!
Eph. 4:11-16, etc.
Prov. 23:23, buy the truth and sell it not.
Psalm 119:104-105, “Through Your precepts I get understanding;
Therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet And a
light to my path.”
John 8:31-32 – the truth shall make you free
James 3:17, the wisdom from above is FIRST PURE, THEN peaceable, gentle,
etc.
Examine what is said in light of scripture!
2 Cor. 13:5 – examine yourselves as to whether you are in the
faith. Prove yourselves…
b.
Seek to correct them.
As Aquila and Priscilla did with Apollos – Acts 18:26
Cf. Matt. 15:18 – if he hears you, you have gained your brother.
James 5:19-20, if a brother is overtaken in a trespass.
IS teaching and following error a “trespass”?
c.
If they will not repent of their error mark them
–
2 John 9-11 – do not receive them into your house.
Romans 16:17 – mark those who cause divisions.
Have no fellowship with
the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them - Eph. 5:11.
Again, Ephesians 5:11, have no fellowship, rather expose them!
d.
Contend for the faith
–
Jude 3. Fight for the truth.
Do your best to know the truth, live it and defend it.
1 Peter. 3:15
Truly we need to be concerned about false teachers.
If one is teaching error, he is a false teacher and he needs to
be addressed. As a
Christian, go to him. If he
will not repent, avoid him.
To fail to do so is dangerous, both for him and you. As Paul said in 1
Cor. 5:6-7, a little leaven leavens the whole lump.
Let us proudly stand for the truth – ALL OF IT!
Think!