Friends, a great deal of what Paul had written to churches (New Testament letters) was pertaining to false teachers. He was alerting these believers because he loved God, and wanted these fledgling churches to know the truth. And while this topic is certainly not uplifting, it is both kind and necessary to discuss.
💡Hypothetical: If you knew there was ginormous pothole near your home, and that it was nearly impossible to see at night, wouldn’t you warn your loved ones before they visit? Definitely! Remember, your warning them isn’t unloving. It’s HOW you warn them that can be either hurtful or helpful. We need to be gentle and respectful with these alerts.
Here are two scriptural examples:
🔍”…stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God’s work–which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about our what they so confidently affirm.” 1 Timothy 1:3-7
🔍”I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites,[f] and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.” Romans 16:17-18
⬇️Below is a 15-minute podcast by authors and Christian apologists, Natasha Crain and Alisa Childers, called “Unshaken Faith Podcast.” This particular episode discusses why “Calling Out False Teachers” is a necessity. Also included with the podcast is a link to Frank Turek’s article addresses the same topic: article. These are wonderful resources addressing the real issue of false teaching.
Hold Fast Apologetics 