Is It Unkind to “Call-Out” False Teachers?

Published by

meridith black

on

March 2, 2023

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.

#57 John Mark Comer's Practicing the Way: Serious Theological Concerns – Unshaken Faith

In this episode of Unshaken Faith, we take a careful, biblical look at Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer, a book that has quickly gained popularity in Christian discipleship and spiritual formation circles. Many listeners have asked whether we recommend it and after a thorough review, the answer is no. We walk through the book’s core framework, its view of spiritual formation, and how it defines discipleship and transformation. While some of the practices it encourages may sound helpful on the surface, we found deeper theological concerns underneath including influences that overlap with contemplative spirituality, charismatic/NAR-style formation models, progressive-leaning theology, and sacramental or mystical streams more commonly associated with Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic spirituality.Most importantly, we evaluate the book’s message against the biblical gospel. Does it clearly present salvation by grace through faith? Does it ground transformation in the finished work of Christ or shift the center toward practices and processes? We explain where we believe the message drifts and why that matters for everyday Christians.Our goal is not to attack people, but to equip believers with discernment. We encourage you to think biblically, test everything against Scripture, and stay rooted in the true gospel.If this book has been recommended to you, or if you’re already reading it, this episode will help you evaluate it through a clear theological lens.Consider the Lillies, by Johnny ArdavanisHappy Lies, by Melissa DoughertyAlisa's video on generational curses

Hold Fast Apologetics