Page Suggestions: Characteristics of Cults, False Teachers, False Prophets, Witchcraft and the Occult

Living Amidst False Teachers

Writer: Charles Stanley | 2013 | www.intouch.org

But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. Jude 1:17-19

We all know how dangerous incorrect teaching can be in our Christian walk. Today, we will be looking at ways to identify false teachers. This will help us be prepared for the things Satan might send our way.

First, false teachers are mockers.

That is, they attack or attempt to discredit the Word of God or the church. When such a message is presented passionately and intelligently, even sincere people can get caught up in anti-church sentiment and find themselves doubting the truth of Scripture.

Second, false teachers will follow after their own lusts.

For these people, the interpretation of Scripture becomes a matter of selective beliefs. They arrange their theology to justify their sinful habits and desires.

Third, false teachers are divisive.

They try to come across as superior to their listeners by claiming an experience that elevates them to a "higher level," or by professing a more advanced spirituality that others could never hope to achieve.

Fourth, false teachers are worldly-minded.

They are not interested in the true teaching of God’s Word but are focused on what they can achieve, how many people will follow them, or how much they can earn through their teaching.

True Spirit-led teachers avoid these traps and recognize that two important keys are humility and unity with the listener (Philippians 2:1-4 Bible quote (verse 1) If [there be] therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

(verse 2) Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, [being] of one accord, of one mind.

(verse 3) [Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

(verse 4) Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.Philippians 2 verses 1-4). And when receiving instruction, a wise believer will pray for the Holy Spirit’s discernment in order to distinguish truth from error (Philippians 1:9-10 Bible quote (verse 9) And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and [in] all judgment;

(verse 10) That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;Philippians 1 verses 9-10).