Beware False Teaching

Several Christian denominations and related groups are sometimes mistaken as mainstream Christian denominations due to their similar names or claims of Christian origins, but they hold distinct theological beliefs that differ significantly from traditional Christianity. Four commonly cited examples are Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, Christian Science, and Unitarian Universalism. 

• Mormonism (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints):While they revere Jesus Christ, Mormons also believe in the Book of Mormon, a text considered scripture alongside the Bible, and have a unique understanding of God's nature, salvation, and the afterlife. They believe in a literal restoration of the original Christian church and that salvation              comes through obedience to the church's laws and ordinances, not solely through faith in Christ's atonement. 

• Christian Science: This group emphasizes healing through spiritual means and denies the reality of sin, sickness, and death.  They believe that by understanding                    Christian Science, one can overcome these perceived realities and achieve spiritual healing. 

These groups often maintain that they are the true or restored form of Christianity, but their theological differences lead many to categorize them as distinct movements. 

While both Mormonism and traditional Christianity share some common ground, there are several key theological and doctrinal differences that distinguish them: 

1. Nature of God

• Traditional Christianity (Nicene Christianity): Teaches the doctrine of the Trinity – one God eternally existing in three co-equal and co-eternal persons: Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit, sharing the same divine nature and essence.
• Mormonism (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - LDS Church): Believes in a Godhead of three distinct and separate beings: God the Father (Elohim), His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. While united in love and purpose, they are considered separate beings, Mormons believe that God the Father once lived as a man and progressed to godhood, and that humans too can progress to become gods. 

2. Jesus Christ

• Traditional Christianity: Believes Jesus is fully God and fully human, the eternal Son of God, who has always been divine.
• Mormonism: Believes Jesus was the firstborn spirit child of God the Father and a heavenly mother, and later born of Mary. He is considered the Savior and Redeemer, but with a "derivative divinity," meaning his divinity was inherited or attained through progression, rather than being inherently divine and co-equal with God the Father from eternity.

3. Scripture

• Traditional Christianity: Considers the Bible (Old and New Testaments) as the inspired and authoritative Word of God.
• Mormonism: Views the Bible as the word of God "as far as it is translated correctly", but also considers other scriptures as divinely inspired and authoritative, including the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. 

4. Salvation

• Traditional Christianity: Teaches that salvation is a gift received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works, however true followers of Christ will change and have good works because of their faith in Christ.
• Mormonism: Believes that grace is necessary for salvation, but it also emphasizes the importance of good works, obedience to commandments, and participation in various ordinances for obtaining exaltation (the highest degree of salvation and eternal life with God). 

5. View of history and revelation

• Traditional Christianity: Believes that Christian history has a continuous line of apostolic succession.
• Mormonism: Believes in a "Great Apostasy" that occurred after the death of the apostles, where true doctrines and authority were lost, necessitating a restoration through Joseph Smith in the 19th century. They believe in continuing revelation through prophets, seers, and revelators. 

6. Ordinances and rituals

• Traditional Christianity: Practices sacraments like baptism (generally valid across denominations, except for the LDS Church), communion/Lord's Supper (using wine or grape juice), and in Catholicism and Orthodoxy, other sacraments.
• Mormonism: Practices ordinances including baptism (by immersion and specific priesthood authority, often not recognizing non-Mormon baptisms), communion (using water), temple ordinances (including endowments and sealings, including sealings for marriage), and baptism for the dead (vicarious ordinances performed for deceased ancestors). 

In conclusion, while Mormons and Christians both believe in Jesus Christ and share some ethical values, their understanding of the nature of God, Jesus, salvation, scripture, and other key doctrines are significantly different.

Jehovah's Witnesses and Christians differ significantly in their core beliefs, particularly regarding the nature of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, as well as their views on salvation and the afterlife. While both groups identify as Christians, Jehovah's Witnesses hold a unique theological perspective that distinguishes them from mainstream Christian denominations. 

1. The Trinity:

• Christians: Generally believe in the Trinity, which posits that God is one being existing in three co-equal persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. 

2. Jesus Christ:

• Christians: Believe Jesus is fully God and fully man, the Son of God, and part of the Trinity. 

3. Salvation:

• Christians: Generally believe salvation is attained through faith in Jesus Christ and his sacrifice, not by works, although good works are seen as a natural outcome of faith. 

4. Afterlife:

• Christians: Believe in a heaven and hell, with the possibility of eternal life in either depending on one's relationship with God. 

5. Practices and Beliefs:

• Jehovah's Witnesses: Have unique practices like door-to-door witnessing, refusal to celebrate holidays or birthdays (which they see as pagan in origin), and strict rules against blood transfusions, even in medical emergencies. They also maintain political neutrality, refusing to participate in political activities or salute national flags. 
• Christians: Have diverse practices depending on their specific denomination, but generally engage in activities like attending church services, prayer, studying the Bible, and participating in community outreach. 

Christian Science differs from mainstream Christianity in fundamental ways, particularly regarding the nature of reality, the role of healing, and the understanding of Jesus. Christian Scientists, while sharing some vocabulary with Christians, ultimately diverge in their core beliefs, with a greater emphasis on spiritual healing and a view of reality as fundamentally spiritual. 

1. Nature of Reality:

• Christianity: Generally accepts the reality of both the material and spiritual worlds, with Heaven and Hell as distinct realms. 

2. Healing:

• Christianity: While some Christians emphasize healing through prayer, many also accept and utilize modern medicine. 

3. Jesus:

• Christianity: Views Jesus as the divine Son of God, the savior, and part of the Trinity. He is the central figure for salvation.
• Christian Science: Recognizes Jesus as a spiritual leader and healer, but not necessarily as the divine Son of God or part of the Trinity. His role is more focused on demonstrating God's healing power.

4. Other Key Differences:

• Trinity: Christian Science rejects the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity (God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). 

In essence, while Christian Science shares some terminology and historical roots with Christianity, its unique theological framework, particularly its understanding of reality and healing, sets it apart as a distinct belief system. 

Unitarian Universalists (UU) and Christians differ significantly in their core beliefs, particularly regarding the nature of God, the divinity of Jesus, and the concept of salvation. While both have roots in Christianity, UUs have diverged from mainstream Christian doctrines, embracing a more inclusive and diverse approach to faith. 

• Christians: Typically adhere to the doctrine of the Trinity, believing in one God existing in three co-equal persons: Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit. 

2. The Divinity of Jesus:

• Christians: Believe Jesus is the divine Son of God, co-equal with the Father, and the second person of the Trinity. 

3. Salvation:

• Christians: Generally believe that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, who atoned for humanity's sins through his death and resurrection. 

4. Authority and Doctrine:

• Christians: Often rely on scripture (like the Bible) as the ultimate source of authority and adhere to specific creeds and doctrines. 

5. Inclusivity and Diversity:

• Christians: While some Christian denominations are inclusive, mainstream Christianity often emphasizes a specific set of beliefs and practices for salvation. 

The Bible describes a true prophet of God as someone committed to accurately teaching and preaching the truths of Scripture, who tells others the truth even if it’s unpopular, who sincerely tries to serve others, who is more interested in the welfare of others than his own, and whose life is marked by humility. False prophets are just the opposite. They use God’s name for all the wrong reasons, mainly to promote themselves rather than God. False prophets are quite common and can be found in almost any church or community. They are dangerous to the church because they give the church and religion a bad reputation, using eloquence, greed, power, and control to lead people into sin and lies. They do this all for personal gain.

Most false prophets are calculating, and they want to get people to follow their teachings and go their way for personal advantage. Some false teachers, however, are just confused. They want to accurately teach God’s Word but are either sloppy in checking their ideas against Scripture or make honest mistakes. We can identify these false teachers by their willingness to adjust when confronted. A great deal of discernment is needed to decide whether someone is a false prophet. Even godly teachers and prophets will sometimes make mistakes or errors in judgment when teaching from the Bible. No one knows everything about God and his Word, so we must be careful not to attack our leaders when they say something we disagree with or make a mistake. False prophets and teachers make wrong teaching a deliberate habit and justify sinful lifestyle choices. When we are well-versed in what the Bible says, we will be better able to recognize those who are bringing deceptive and harmful messages under the false claim of God’s authority.

Matthew 24:3-4, 11 

"And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? [4] And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. [11] And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many."

1 Timothy 4:1-2

"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; [2] Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;"

2 Peter 2:1

"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction."

1 John 4:1

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."

False prophets and teachers have always been around and always will be around. They were common among the Israelite people in the Old Testament, they were common in Jesus’ day, they were in many of the early Christian churches, they could be in your church , and they will be around until Christ returns. 

Deuteronomy 13:1-4

"If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, [2] And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; [3] Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. [4] Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him."

A false prophet will ultimately try to get us to worship “other gods.” A “god” is whatever takes the greatest priority in our lives. A false god or “idol” can be a person, an object, a hobby, a career, or a certain kind of lifestyle. A false prophet will talk more about himself or about other issues than about God. Some false prophets have a great deal of spiritual power. We should be careful to not be deceived by that, for Satan also has spiritual power and gives it to those who serve him. We must make sure that any spiritual power or uncanny vision from our leaders points us to God and doesn’t contradict anything from God’s Word.

Jeremiah 23:9-14

"Mine heart within me is broken because of the prophets; all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man, and like a man whom wine hath overcome, because of the LORD, and because of the words of his holiness. [10] For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourneth; the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and their force is not right. [11] For both prophet and priest are profane; yea, in my house have I found their wickedness, saith the LORD. [12] Wherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery ways in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein: for I will bring evil upon them, even the year of their visitation, saith the LORD. [13] And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err. [14] I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah."

False prophets have evil motives, abuse power, engage in sinful lifestyles, and don’t confront others when they sin. They say what people want to hear, rather than what people need to hear.

2 Peter 2:1-3

"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. [2] And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. [3] And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not."

False prophets teach heresy, which is any message that contradicts the truth taught in the Bible. Heresy can appear small and harmless—perhaps it may be a half-truth—but it creates an opportunity for Satan to twist our understanding and manipulate our behavior.

2 Peter 2:14

"Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:"

False prophets lead their people into sin before they can realize what is happening. They also ignore wrongdoings among the people of their congregation, unless the people are violating their own teachings. Then they become very upset.

Colossians 2:9

"For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily."

1 John 4:1-3

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. [2] Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: [3] And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world."

A false prophet often denies that Jesus was fully God and fully human when he came to earth. Jesus’ identity as the God-man is an essential doctrine of the Christian faith. Jesus had to be fully human in order to experience our human life on earth. He also had to be fully God, sinless so that he could take our sins on himself, die for us, and rise from the dead to show his power over death. That is the basis for our hope and confidence that we, too, will be given this same power over death. Many false prophets or teachers will say that God was either just a good man or that he was divine and never truly became human. This undermines the entire gospel.

John 10:10

"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

John 16:33

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

Hebrews 11:35-38

"Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: [36] And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: [37] They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; [38] (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth."

False prophets twist Scripture or take passages out of context. Some, for example, quote the end of John 10:10 and other verses about God’s blessings to teach that God will reward people who have faith with health and wealth. That may be true for some in this life, but the Bible is filled with example of believers who suffered greatly, as we see in the passage from Hebrews 11. We should believe in Jesus because he is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), not for the hope of any earthly rewards.

Matthew 7:15-17

"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. [16] Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? [17] Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit."

1 John 1:6

"If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:"

False prophets are motivated by the wrong things. What they say and how they live their lives are usually not consistent.

2 Corinthians 2:17

"For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ."

2 Peter 2:3

"And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not."

False prophets are often greedy and come up with all kinds of schemes to get people’s money. They often don’t reveal how the money is spent and refuse to give accurate accounting.

Luke 6:26

"Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets."

Acts 20:29-30

"For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. [30] Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them."

2 Corinthians 5:12

"For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart."

Galatians 4:17

"They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them."

False prophets always try to gain a following because they are more concerned about popularity than accurately teaching the Scriptures. They seem obsessed with winning our favor. Usually they distort the truth of Scripture to convince us that they have some secret or special knowledge from God.

Ezekiel 13:10

"Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered morter:"

False prophets try to convince people that all is well with their souls and lives, lulling them into a false sense of security. True prophets will show us how things really are, revealing our sins so we can take the necessary actions to be restored to peace with God.

Matthew 23:23-24

"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. [24] Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel."

Colossians 2:20-23

"Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, [21] (Touch not; taste not; handle not; [22] Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? [23] Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh."

1 Timothy 4:1-3

"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; [2] Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; [3] Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth."

False teachers can appear very religious and self-disciplined by abstaining from certain activities and foods and urging us to do the same. These kinds of practices do not take away sin nor do they necessarily make anyone more godly. We should not allow a leader’s style or credentials to overly impress us. We must be careful when a leader adds rules to Scripture and tells us that God wants us to follow them. The Pharisees were famous for their rigorous additions to God’s law, but all their pride and rule-keeping only hardened their hearts to Jesus. Spiritual discipline and the study of God’s Word are valuable, but their purpose is to humble us and open the soil of our hearts, not to harden us with pride.

Micah 2:11

"If a man walking in the spirit and falsehood do lie, saying, I will prophesy unto thee of wine and of strong drink; he shall even be the prophet of this people."

False prophets and false teachers often encourage people to use what is good to excess, causing them to sin. False teachers often only point to the passages in the Bible that talk about freedom and ignore the passages that talk about self-discipline.

2 Corinthians 10:12

"For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."

False teachers compare themselves to others rather than God, lowering the spiritual standards they should strive to achieve. They care more about public opinion than God’s opinion.

1 Corinthians 2:14

"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."

False prophets and teachers don’t have the presence of God’s Holy Spirit in them, which means they don’t have the wisdom of God to discern spiritual matters. False teachers, therefore, will often not understand the work of the Holy Spirit in a group of believers. False teachers cannot feel the confirmation of the Holy Spirit in their hearts, so they will either look for some logical explanation or make up their own special revelations from God.

2 Corinthians 11:4

"For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him."

False teachers will say that the Bible is a guideline for good living, not the inspired Word of God. They will define Jesus on their own terms, picking what they like and leaving out what is inconvenient for their lifestyle. They may even claim the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit to justify their teachings.

John 10:7

"Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep."

John 14:6

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

Many people resent the Christian claim that Jesus is the only way to God. A false teacher will say that people can get to heaven in many other ways besides Jesus.

1 Kings 22:6-8

"Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramoth–gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king. [7] And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him? [8] And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so."

False prophets and teachers will tell people what they want to hear: “You will be successful! All is well! You are doing everything right. You are a good person, and your good deeds will get you to heaven.” Godly teachers, however, are not afraid to confront us when we sin or warn us when our lifestyles are taking us in the wrong direction. The prophet Micaiah never had anything good to say about King Ahab because Ahab was one of the most wicked kings Israel ever had.

1 Timothy 1:3-4

"As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, [4] Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do."

False teachers often embroil the church in irrelevant disputes, sidetracking believers from important spiritual discussions and their pursuit of godly living.

Matthew 24:23-25

"Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. [24] For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. [25] Behold, I have told you before."

Matthew 24:36

"But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only."

2 Thessalonians 2:2

"That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand."

Some false teachers will say that Jesus Christ has already come back a second time or that there is no life after death, but if we do enough good deeds we can turn this earth into heaven. Many false teachers have claimed to predict the Second Coming and gathered their followers in preparation—and some have even claimed to be the second coming. Jesus himself tells us to reject all such claims. Many lies will gain popularity, but no one knows the time of Christ’s return besides God himself (Matthew 24:36). And when he does come , there will be no doubts about it.

2 Timothy 3:13

"But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived."

False teaching is dangerous because it leads us in the wrong direction, away from God’s truth. As long as Satan has power to deceive, he will use false teachers to deceive people. Some false teachers are fully deceived themselves. The worst kind of deceiver appears sincere and concerned for our good but actually wants to lead us down a path of destruction.

Titus 1:10-11

"For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: [11] Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake."

False teaching is dangerous because it can lead to the spiritual destruction of both individuals and families.

Galatians 1:7

"Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ."

Jude 1:8

"Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities."

False teaching is dangerous because false prophets and teachers are manipulators. They claim to have spiritual wisdom, but are really seeking to take advantage of people.

Jeremiah 14:14

"Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart."

False teaching is dangerous because false prophets base their ministries on lies about Jesus, God, and the teachings in Scripture. They claim God’s authority to gain the loyalty of their followers, but they only teach their own ideas. We must be able to discern their lies from God's truth.

John 10:3-5

"To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. [4] And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. [5] And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers."

In these verses, Jesus is saying that when we really know someone, we can instantly recognize his or her voice. We can pick it out in a crowd because it is unique and distinct. In the same way, as we spend time studying the teachings of Jesus and getting to know him better in prayer, we will get to know his voice. When a person is preaching or teaching, we will be able to recognize if what he or she is saying is consistent with what Jesus would say. Knowing Jesus’ voice will protect us from deception.

1 Timothy 4:1-13

"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; [2] Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; [3] Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. [4] For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: [5] For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. [6] If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. [7] But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. [8] For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. [9] This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. [10] For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. [11] These things command and teach. [12] Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. [13] Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine."

The only way for believers to stand their ground is to be spiritually fit. We should consistently expose ourselves to solid teaching instead of leaving our spiritual formation to chance.

James 3:1

"My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation."

We should carefully evaluate our spiritual teachers, checking to see if they are people of high moral character. They should consistently point us to Jesus and not to themselves. They should be humble and teach truth consistent with what is in the Bible.

Colossians 2:8

"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."

1 Timothy 6:3

"If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;"

1 John 4:1

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."

We can to recognize the devil and his lies by knowing God and his truth. Being familiar with the lies Satan often uses will also prepare us to counter them. Satan has practiced his lies over millennia—but that also means we can prepare for His game plan.

Acts 17:11

"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."

1 John 4:1

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."

We should not be afraid to test those we think may be false teachers. We can ask them questions to see if they believe in the foundational truths about Jesus and the Scriptures. Of course, we should search the Scriptures ourselves to see if what the teachers say and what God says are consistent.

1 Kings 18:21

"And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word."

Luke 17:3

"Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him."

Ephesians 5:11

"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."

Titus 1:11-13

"Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. [12] One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. [13] This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;"

We should not be afraid to confront false teaching. If we don’t, maybe no one will, and the teachings may lead many astray. Many believers may be uncertain, following along with false teaching but not truly committed to it. Confronting the false teaching may shake them from their apathy and indecision and point them to the truth. Many who spread false teachings aren’t malicious—only misled. Confronting them as a brother or sister could lead them back to God’s Word and allow them to use their teaching talents for God’s glory. In some cases, a false teacher is set in his or her ways and harming the church through greed and pride. Confronting them may be a painful but necessary process that separates them from the vulnerable believers they prey on.

Joshua 1:8

"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."

2 Timothy 3:16

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"

Hebrews 4:12

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

God’s Word grounds us in truth. It lays bare lies and sin, correcting our hearts and giving us discernment as we humbly listen and learn.