Characteristics of False Teachers
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“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; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 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.”
1 Timothy 4:1–3
It is easy for anyone with discernment and a basic knowledge of the Bible to see that our world is awash in false teaching. And yet almost all of us know people who have been deceived by those whose purpose is to lead others astray. It is important for us to be fully grounded in the truth, and it is important that we understand the traits and characteristics of false teachers so that we can resist their doctrine.
One of the characteristics of false teachers is that they place restrictions where God has not. Certainly there are many things God forbids, and no matter how many of them society or even churches decide to accept, all of those are still wrong and should be forbidden. Sin is still sin, no matter how many people decide that things have changed. But false teachers go beyond forbidding what God has condemned and add their own interpretations and doctrines on top of the Scriptures.
They know that numerous restrictions that go beyond what God requires give them power and control, even though they often do not obey those restrictions themselves. This was the tactic of the Pharisees who opposed Jesus. He described their false teaching this way: “For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers” (Matthew 23:4). The Bible is the standard against which all preaching and teaching must be measured for truth.
1 Timothy 4:1–3
It is easy for anyone with discernment and a basic knowledge of the Bible to see that our world is awash in false teaching. And yet almost all of us know people who have been deceived by those whose purpose is to lead others astray. It is important for us to be fully grounded in the truth, and it is important that we understand the traits and characteristics of false teachers so that we can resist their doctrine.
One of the characteristics of false teachers is that they place restrictions where God has not. Certainly there are many things God forbids, and no matter how many of them society or even churches decide to accept, all of those are still wrong and should be forbidden. Sin is still sin, no matter how many people decide that things have changed. But false teachers go beyond forbidding what God has condemned and add their own interpretations and doctrines on top of the Scriptures.
They know that numerous restrictions that go beyond what God requires give them power and control, even though they often do not obey those restrictions themselves. This was the tactic of the Pharisees who opposed Jesus. He described their false teaching this way: “For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers” (Matthew 23:4). The Bible is the standard against which all preaching and teaching must be measured for truth.
Today’s Growth Principle:
Only follow those who draw the lines that govern life in the same places that God does in His Word.
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