DEALING WITH FALSE TEACHERS

DEALING WITH FALSE TEACHERS

by Mike Benson

QUESTION: How should we treat people who teach and promote false doctrine in the church? Shouldn't we love them even when their teaching has a few rough edges?
ANSWER: The Bible certainly teaches that we should love all people. However, loving people and condoning false teaching is not the same thing. According to the New Testament of Christ, we should:

1. Stop their mouths. Paul wrote, "Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers ... whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake" (Titus 1:9-11).

2. Mark and avoid them. "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple" (Rom. 16:17,18).

3. Not encourage then nor bid then God speed. "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds" (2 John 9-11).

Suppose a teacher from one of our local schools started teaching his class some false notions in regards to history or mathematics. Suppose your son or daughter was a student in one of the classes taught by this instructor. Would you be concerned? Would it bother you that your child’s knowledge had a "few rough edges." Of course it would. Why? Because you love your child and you want him/her to receive the very best education. Correct? Why should we exhibit any less concern when people are promoting false ideas to our spiritual family? Aren't souls in the balance? What does the Bible say?

Editor's Note: A hearty amen to the above answer. Jesus instructed his followers to beware of false prophets (Matt. 7:15). John declared that many false prophets had gone out into the world (1 John 4:1). Though it is not pleasant to do so, we must expose their error and have no fellowship with them (Eph. 5:11). This is imperative for error believed and obeyed never set anybody free from their sins. The truth makes men free (John 8:32).

POWER is a monthly publication of the Southaven church of Christ. This article may be re-printed and freely distributed. If this article is to be cited in other work please credit the author. The contents of this article may not be altered in any way.

For further information contact:
POWER
P.O. Box 128
Southaven, MS 38671
E-mail: editor@powerlectures.org
URL: http://www.powerlectures.org

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