False Doctrine.
It is a subtle poison that can corrupt the truth, lead souls astray, and incur the severe judgment of God. Our focus today is on the importance of discerning and rejecting any teaching that deviates from the pure Word of God. As our introduction rightly states, we must avoid false doctrine because there is a curse on those who teach it (Galatians 1:8-9).
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INTRODUCTION:
The Apostle Paul, in no uncertain terms, pronounces a curse on anyone, even an angel from heaven, who preaches a gospel contrary to the one he preached. This underscores the seriousness with which God views the distortion of His truth.
I. PEOPLE WHO TEACH FALSE DOCTRINE.
Those who peddle false doctrine often employ various means to gain followers and spread their errors.
A. Those who teach false doctrine unfortunately attract many (2 Peter 2:2). With their false teachings and their doctrines of men, they appeal to the desires and misunderstandings of many. Their seductive words and promises often resonate with those who are not firmly grounded in the truth.
B. False doctrine deceives many people (Matthew 24:5). Jesus Himself warned of false christs and false prophets who would perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
C. It perverts the only true gospel (Galatians 1:6-7). False doctrine twists, distorts, and ultimately replaces the authentic message of salvation with human inventions and lies.
D. They speak perverse things (Acts 20:30). Paul warned the Ephesian elders that even from their own number, men would arise and distort the truth in order to draw disciples away after them.
E. We must avoid them (Romans 16:17-18). Paul urges us to keep our eyes on those who cause divisions and put obstacles in the way of the teaching we have received. “We must keep our eyes on them in order to avoid false doctrine.” “It means keeping our eyes on the target,” which is the true Gospel. We are not to be naive but discerning, recognizing those who serve their own appetites and deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting with smooth talk and flattery.
F. We should not welcome them (2 John 9-10). John's strong warning advises against extending hospitality or fellowship to those who do not abide in the teaching of Christ, lest we become partners in their evil works. This means not maintaining communion with them and their false doctrine.
II. GOD DESCRIBES HIS TEACHERS AS:
The Scriptures provide a stark portrayal of those who propagate falsehood.
A. Corrupt and depraved-minded (2 Timothy 3:8). Like Jannes and Jambres who opposed Moses, false teachers have minds that are depraved and counterfeit in regard to the faith.
B. Covetous (Titus 1:11; 2 Peter 2:3). Often, their motives are not pure; they teach for dishonest gain, exploiting their followers for financial benefit.
C. Deceitful-Fraudulent-Cheaters (2 Corinthians 11:13). They masquerade as apostles of Christ but are in reality deceitful workmen, disguising themselves.
D. Haughty and ignorant (1 Timothy 6:3-4). They are puffed up with pride, understanding nothing, but having an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words. Ignorance is a frequent friend or companion of vanity. False doctrine leads to strife, contentions, and divisions within the body of Christ.
E. What we should do is test every doctrine, as the Bereans did (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1). The Bereans were commended for examining the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true. John urges us to test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
III. THE PUNISHMENT FOR THOSE WHO TEACH FALSE DOCTRINE:
God's judgment is certain for those who deliberately distort His truth.
A. Those who propagate, teach, and defend false doctrine are under a curse (Galatians 1:8-9). This is a solemn warning that should cause all who handle God's Word to do so with utmost care and reverence.
B. God hates false doctrine (Revelation 2:14-15). Jesus rebuked the church in Pergamum for tolerating those who held to the teaching of Balaam and the Nicolaitans, doctrines He explicitly states He hates.
C. There is condemnation for those who propagate and defend false doctrine (2 Peter 2:1, 3). Peter speaks of false teachers who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them, bringing swift destruction on themselves. Their greed will lead them to exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been awaiting them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
CONCLUSION:
A. God hates false doctrine and will punish those who teach and defend it. His holiness demands truth, and those who deliberately pervert it will face His righteous judgment.
B. False doctrine causes great harm as it disrupts the faith of many (2 Timothy 2:18). It undermines the foundation of belief, leading people away from the saving grace of God. Hymenaeus and Philetus, by saying that the resurrection had already taken place, were upsetting the faith of some.
C. Let us be faithful in teaching only God's truth, whatever the cost. Our commitment must be to the pure, unadulterated Word of God. We must guard against any deviation, knowing that the eternal destiny of souls is at stake. May we always hold fast to the truth that sets us free and share it faithfully with others. Amen.
