"Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting." (Romans 16:17-18)
Have
you noticed that when doctrinal disputes take place among the leaders
within the realm of Christianity, their doctrinal points are sometimes
hard to follow? Sometimes the rank and file among Christians just get
so lost that they make their decisions not on the truths or errors being
discussed but on the basis of where they “wish” to go… or what they
“want” to do. Normally that means taking the easy route, or just
following the crowd.
Part of the reason for all of this is that the offer made by the false teacher is normally “easier” than the narrow road. How many times have you been told as a Christian that, “You need to just loosen up?” Today, there is a drive to relax God’s teaching on a variety of things ranging from the way the church is run to throwing out His morality laws in a variety of areas … particularly Marriage.
Part of the reason for all of this is that the offer made by the false teacher is normally “easier” than the narrow road. How many times have you been told as a Christian that, “You need to just loosen up?” Today, there is a drive to relax God’s teaching on a variety of things ranging from the way the church is run to throwing out His morality laws in a variety of areas … particularly Marriage.
"But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned." (II Peter 2:1-2)
I have observed many times that based on Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, that if the majority is going one direction… normally as a Christian you need to run the other way. (broad vs. narrow roads, see Matthew 7:13)
In this article, I wish to provide you another (similar) tool to help determine the difference between truth and error… i.e. The right course of action versus the wrong one. Today’s tool is similar to that observation… If the teacher really believes in his teaching and defends it, it won’t work. But if deep down he knows what he is teaching is false, this will help to identify that for you.
We will build a Biblically-based character profile of false teachers.
Like all profiles, it is not foolproof but it is very useful. This approach to things is so useful that law enforcement spends a great deal of time “profiling” the likely type of person to be looking for in some particular crime. It is uncanny how well it actually works.
So, let’s allow God to profile your “likely adversary” in your pursuit of the truth and its reward… heaven. In the opening passage you are admonished to keep your eye on all this … so let’s take a close look at the common manner in which people are led astray.
The first thing I would notice in God’s character profile is that those who destroy or hinder the gospel generally operate by smooth and flattering speech (Romans 16:18). Open confrontation is avoided at all cost (as long as possible) as the method of introduction is “secretly” (II Peter 2:1) Have you noticed the manner of the Joel Osteen’s of our time? He is on of the more extreme (and very successful) examples of such. The other principle noted by Jesus obviously kicks in… people flock to him.
What you normally don’t see is the “fire” of the gospel. There are no solid personal demands placed upon the hearer. Compare Stephen’s presentation of the gospel (in Acts 7) to today’s demand for “feel good” gospel. This is an ancient choice; the battle for the heart of the “unsuspecting” has been going on for thousands of years. Note that Isaiah was preaching the “fire” of God’s word in 700+BC. Here is part of the reaction of his people in his time:
“Now go, write it on a tablet before them And inscribe it on a scroll, That it may serve in the time to come As a witness forever. For this is a rebellious people, false sons, Sons who refuse to listen To the instruction of the LORD; Who say to the seers, "You must not see {visions";} And to the prophets, "You must not prophesy to us what is right, Speak to us pleasant words, Prophesy illusions.” (Isaiah 30:8-10)
Note
that God was concerned that His reaction to this behavior or demand
would be preserved. It is obvious the people wanted then what these
teachers had to offer. It is obvious now that people want what the
modern versions of these teachers have to offer.
From the Dawn of the human race “most” have fallen prey to this behavior. Recall that even in the garden, the seduction was not by force (Muhammad and Cain are notable exceptions to this principle). The real danger lies in discrediting the truth by smooth and flattering speech.
When challenged for this approach to things… the common practice is to hide behind the “smoothness” and play the victim. It works effectively. Recall the story of Stephen, (Acts 7) the backdrop is that the “poor helpless priests” were just trying to keep the social order of things. “But they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.” (Acts 6:10)
Note how they started mixing what was true with what was not true: an impossible scenario for a bystander to sort out. The important thing, though, is the manner in which Stephen responded. Your average false teacher responds with smoothness and flattery.
Note how the Jews responded when trying to stop the teachings of Paul before Felix;
From the Dawn of the human race “most” have fallen prey to this behavior. Recall that even in the garden, the seduction was not by force (Muhammad and Cain are notable exceptions to this principle). The real danger lies in discrediting the truth by smooth and flattering speech.
“The serpent said to the woman, "You surely will not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." (Genesis 3:4-5)
When challenged for this approach to things… the common practice is to hide behind the “smoothness” and play the victim. It works effectively. Recall the story of Stephen, (Acts 7) the backdrop is that the “poor helpless priests” were just trying to keep the social order of things. “But they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.” (Acts 6:10)
Note how they started mixing what was true with what was not true: an impossible scenario for a bystander to sort out. The important thing, though, is the manner in which Stephen responded. Your average false teacher responds with smoothness and flattery.
Note how the Jews responded when trying to stop the teachings of Paul before Felix;
“After {Paul} had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying {to the governor,} "Since we have through you attained much peace, and since by your providence reforms are being carried out for this nation, we acknowledge {this} in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. But, that I may not weary you any further, I beg you to grant us, by your kindness, a brief hearing. For we have found this man a real pest and a fellow who stirs up dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.” (Acts 24:2-5)
When
you read Tertullus’ speech… you’d think that Felix and the High priest
were bosom buddies. The historical fact is that they hated each other!
The priests (council) had found Paul’s preaching… (the truth) to be a
real pain to the way they wanted things to be. Their nest was already
feathered! He is described as a “real pest.” The truth is always a pain
to the world. The only way to hide from the truth was to hide the
truth. The problem for them was that Paul believed in what he was
doing and he welcomed the debate. They would rather to have just killed
Paul and not have to answer for themselves.
Note also that 2000 years ago… they considered preaching the truth to be “stirring up dissension.” It is this simple fact that causes discernment to be difficult for folks that are not in the middle of a discussion. They considered Paul to be causing dissention when he led the seekers of truth out of Judaism.
How do you tell the difference between someone “causing dissension” and someone preaching or “defending the truth?” That is the point of this article… Look at how these men operate: Do they run from a public “real” discussion or do they yearn for it?
“When the governor had nodded for him to speak, Paul responded: "Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense.” (Acts 24:10) Note the difference in each man’s demeanor. Paul didn’t spread a lot of verbal slippery slimy butter here. Just a bare knuckled, “I’ll be happy to discuss what I believe and why, let’s get to it!”
How many do you know today who run from honest open debate over truth? This simple difference in demeanor is a big clue to exposing which side is telling the lie. Deep down, truth never fears exposure… after all, it is the truth. A Christian’s loyalty must always be to the truth (wherever it leads).
Note also that 2000 years ago… they considered preaching the truth to be “stirring up dissension.” It is this simple fact that causes discernment to be difficult for folks that are not in the middle of a discussion. They considered Paul to be causing dissention when he led the seekers of truth out of Judaism.
How do you tell the difference between someone “causing dissension” and someone preaching or “defending the truth?” That is the point of this article… Look at how these men operate: Do they run from a public “real” discussion or do they yearn for it?
“When the governor had nodded for him to speak, Paul responded: "Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense.” (Acts 24:10) Note the difference in each man’s demeanor. Paul didn’t spread a lot of verbal slippery slimy butter here. Just a bare knuckled, “I’ll be happy to discuss what I believe and why, let’s get to it!”
How many do you know today who run from honest open debate over truth? This simple difference in demeanor is a big clue to exposing which side is telling the lie. Deep down, truth never fears exposure… after all, it is the truth. A Christian’s loyalty must always be to the truth (wherever it leads).
"Nor can they prove to you {the charges} of which they now accuse me. But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets.” (Acts 14:13-14)
Note…
false teachers “cannot prove.” That is why they run. Note also Paul
wasn’t whining here. He was falsely accused and it would take him a
couple years to straighten out the mess. But He didn’t wish to get off
on a technicality. There is a fundamental difference between Tertullus
and Paul.
A lawyer would have told Paul to omit vs. 14. A false teacher is more manipulative in the manner that he slices and dices the truth. Paul won’t do that. His loyalty is to the truth. All of the truth. The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. A leader in Jesus’ church will absolutely state his faith and then he will defend it. He will volunteer even the offending portions of his faith. Christians, for example, will not hide the Biblical fact that unbelievers have no place in heaven.
False teachers like to become the “harmless victims.” Their hope (and it is too often realized) is that folks around them will, cry “out with a loud voice, and cover their ears and rush at purveyor of truth with one impulse.” (compare the example of Stephen in Acts 7:57)
In the eyes of the religious leaders, Stephen became a jerk for upsetting the status quo with the truth…. But Stephen did not run or falter. He continued to teach what he had always taught even though it wasn’t smooth! “You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did.” (Acts 7:51)
Note that Stephen did not commit one of the most grievous sins a godly man can do to the ungodly, even thought it cost him his life, He told them the truth, and he told them the truth applied to them! They had to change or die in their sins… it wasn’t just their ungodly neighbor that needed the gospel. They needed it! All of it!
In my experience at confronting false teaching… (almost always) what they have actually taught (or said) becomes a moving target. It is bounced here or it is bounced there. Like our modern day politicians… their hope is to have it the way “everyone” wishes it to be. The problem with this approach is that when you stand for everything… you end up standing for nothing! Lot tried this approach and lost his family!
This brings us to a second tier of God’s profiling a false teacher...
"I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.” (Acts 20:29)
A lawyer would have told Paul to omit vs. 14. A false teacher is more manipulative in the manner that he slices and dices the truth. Paul won’t do that. His loyalty is to the truth. All of the truth. The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. A leader in Jesus’ church will absolutely state his faith and then he will defend it. He will volunteer even the offending portions of his faith. Christians, for example, will not hide the Biblical fact that unbelievers have no place in heaven.
"Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32-33)
False teachers like to become the “harmless victims.” Their hope (and it is too often realized) is that folks around them will, cry “out with a loud voice, and cover their ears and rush at purveyor of truth with one impulse.” (compare the example of Stephen in Acts 7:57)
In the eyes of the religious leaders, Stephen became a jerk for upsetting the status quo with the truth…. But Stephen did not run or falter. He continued to teach what he had always taught even though it wasn’t smooth! “You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did.” (Acts 7:51)
Note that Stephen did not commit one of the most grievous sins a godly man can do to the ungodly, even thought it cost him his life, He told them the truth, and he told them the truth applied to them! They had to change or die in their sins… it wasn’t just their ungodly neighbor that needed the gospel. They needed it! All of it!
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” (Romans 1:18)
In my experience at confronting false teaching… (almost always) what they have actually taught (or said) becomes a moving target. It is bounced here or it is bounced there. Like our modern day politicians… their hope is to have it the way “everyone” wishes it to be. The problem with this approach is that when you stand for everything… you end up standing for nothing! Lot tried this approach and lost his family!
This brings us to a second tier of God’s profiling a false teacher...
"I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.” (Acts 20:29)
This
is a direct reference to the proverbial wolf in sheep’s clothing. They
desperately need to make themselves to appear to be something different
than they really are. Do you see the wolf in the picture? You must
always look twice in order to see clearly! Note that this particular
scripture refers to elders in this position. The key motivation here is
when they are breaking away from scripture. These disciples are not
steered toward scripture but toward each other. They are to become
disciples of men…. i.e. deciding what they want instead of what they
need to be. This has become a very common situation.
A modern standard in many churches today is that relationships are more important than doctrine. We have a blatant application of Paul’s warning that Christians would become more loyal to each other than to God.
A good example of this is when the young demand to go a different direction (toward worldliness) and the old are dragged along. Leaders within the very liberal churches often try to have it both ways by virtually setting up two churches. They have a “contemporary service” When this process starts it becomes clear that many people really are more in love with each other or the building than they are with the leadership of Jesus. So… generation after generation, leaders are allowed (by the willing) to lead them away from the truth. It's slowly at first, and then with increasing speed.
Paul admonished the young preacher Timothy: “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline” (II Timothy 1:7). Note that a preacher of righteousness is more than happy to give you scripture for his faith and his teaching. You won’t have to pry what he truly believes out of him. His motivation will be evident to all around him… Unless it is obscured by the smooth deception as God’s motivation was in Eden.
A modern standard in many churches today is that relationships are more important than doctrine. We have a blatant application of Paul’s warning that Christians would become more loyal to each other than to God.
A good example of this is when the young demand to go a different direction (toward worldliness) and the old are dragged along. Leaders within the very liberal churches often try to have it both ways by virtually setting up two churches. They have a “contemporary service” When this process starts it becomes clear that many people really are more in love with each other or the building than they are with the leadership of Jesus. So… generation after generation, leaders are allowed (by the willing) to lead them away from the truth. It's slowly at first, and then with increasing speed.
Paul admonished the young preacher Timothy: “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline” (II Timothy 1:7). Note that a preacher of righteousness is more than happy to give you scripture for his faith and his teaching. You won’t have to pry what he truly believes out of him. His motivation will be evident to all around him… Unless it is obscured by the smooth deception as God’s motivation was in Eden.
In a nutshell…
When
you must decide between truth and error... if the scenario playing out
is one where one side of a controversy is operating with smooth words
and fair speeches. i.e. where “they secretly induced men to say” (Acts
6:11), or they must operate behind the scenes. and the other side is
very willing to come out into a public arena and defend their actions,
speech, and teaching... the reality is that you generally have your
answer.
This is normal: “At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion's mouth.” (II Timothy 4:16-17)
Truth
breeds confidence… error will not stand direct scrutiny. Stephen was
stoned but he did not run. Paul was beheaded but he did not deny. Peter
was crucified… Peter ran once upon a time, but his youthful denial was
only a mistake of his past. This time… he stood firm.
Here is the ancient principle behind the profile…
Hi I am glad you stopped by our blog. These articles are from an emailing that we did several years ago. Today most of our work is on facebook
You can follow my personal page on Facebook by clicking on this link ...
Jerry Blount
You can follow the postings on the congregation's page by clicking on this link....
Las Vegas church of Christ
If you wish to worship with us....
Las Vegas church of Christ
709 Dora Celeste
Las Vegas, NM 87701
Our meeting times are
10am Sunday morning for Bible study.
11am Sunday morning for the worship service.
6pm Wednesday evening for Midweek Bible study.
If you wish to contact me...
yakipreacher@gmail.com
Be well
Jerry Blount
Here is the ancient principle behind the profile…
“ {We are} afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death works in us, but life in you. But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I BELIEVED, THEREFORE I SPOKE," we also believe, therefore we also speak.” (II Corinthians 4:8-13)
Hi I am glad you stopped by our blog. These articles are from an emailing that we did several years ago. Today most of our work is on facebook
You can follow my personal page on Facebook by clicking on this link ...
Jerry Blount
You can follow the postings on the congregation's page by clicking on this link....
Las Vegas church of Christ
If you wish to worship with us....
Las Vegas church of Christ
709 Dora Celeste
Las Vegas, NM 87701
Our meeting times are
10am Sunday morning for Bible study.
11am Sunday morning for the worship service.
6pm Wednesday evening for Midweek Bible study.
If you wish to contact me...
yakipreacher@gmail.com
Be well
Jerry Blount
