Are False Teachers Deceiving You?

© 2023 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.  Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:  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.” (1 John 4:1-3)

This ancient warning by the apostle John indicates that false teachers have permeated the world.  They were active then and have continued even until now.  The apostle Peter corroborates the truth of this phenomenon.  In fact, he shows that false prophets often mingle with God’s people in order to teach them “damnable heresies.”

“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 Peter 2:1)

Over the years, we have heard false teachers peddling their wares.  They give very alluring presentations on radio, TV, and even in churches.  Often, these presentations prey on those who are weak, sick, or elderly.  Listeners are invited to send a contribution along with a description of an issue for which they desire prayer.  I once had a supervisor who was livid with disgust.   A well known TV preacher had bilked his elderly mother out of large sums of money.  Such preachers do not honor Christ as the Savior of sinners.  Though they may quote various passages of Scripture, out of context, they do not focus on the need of their listeners to be saved from sin by Jesus Christ, the Savior.  Rather, they focus on what the listeners need to do in order to increase their health, wealth, comfort, or influence.  There are even some organizations which have promised eternal spiritual benefits in exchange for donations.

The apostle Peter goes on to say,

“And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.  And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: …”  (2 Peter 2:2-3)

Dear reader:  Have you studied God’s Word, the Bible, enough to know whether you are being deceived by false teachers?  Only by knowing what God’s Word says will you be able to distinguish between true teaching and false teaching.

Whom are you trusting to save your eternal soul?

 

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