False Teachers

Bible Reading: Jude
Focus verse: "I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ." Jude 4

Jude, the half-brother of Jesus, wrote a letter to those who are together in the salvation of Jesus.  He really wanted to send a letter rejoicing in their common salvation, but could sense that he should be sending some warnings as well.  The first warning is to strive to keep the gospel pure and not distorted.  He wants you to check what preachers teach to see if they match up to the Bible, the original writings.  False teachers will be plentiful in the last days.  It's interesting that the book of Jude comes before Revelation in the Bible.  There are many who claim to speak for God today.  Nobody, not even a great preacher, Instagram influencer, or famous Christian artist, has the right to change the message that God gave us. 

How can you find the true preachers?  How do you notice a false teacher?

First, you must study the Word of God for yourself.  When you know the truth, you will recognize a lie.

Second, be sure of their views are right on who Jesus is, the trinity, repentance and Christ's work of redemption for salvation.  Matthew 16:15-16  Is the Gospel part of their message or does it seem incomplete or perverted?  The apostle Paul said, “If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!” (Galatians 1:9) ESV.

 
Third, look for the fruit of a Christian in their lives. Matthew 12:33 Do you see a heart that is affected by the Holy Spirit in their lives. Nobody is perfect, but do their lives show fruits of the Spirit?  Galatians 5:22-23  Do you see humility or pride? 

Fourth, are they teaching from the Bible or their own ideas and thoughts of what is reasonable to them? A false teacher will say things that seem wonderful. A false teacher will make you feel so good about your standing with God with no challenges to scripture reading.  It may sound good, but our hearts can deceive us.  2 Peter 2:1-3 includes "They will secretly introduce destructive heresies", so it won't be very obvious unless you know God's Word. They will mix a LIE into the truth and maybe not even know they have done it.   The Bible says "Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son." 2 John 9  Remember that at false teacher can even have good intentions, but in the end, they are a tool of the enemy.    

Thanks Jude, for the warnings, caution and encouragement!  We must be aware of false teachers and the dangers of following them.  We must remain faithful to the true Gospel and encourage one another.  We must show mercy to those whose faith wavers, rescue some from judgement, show mercy to people while hating the sin that contaminates their lives.  May God have glory in our lives as he keeps us completely His forever.

~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries

More on False teachers found in:  Galatians, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, and Jude