What steps can we take to guard against false teachings in our church? The Warning at Our Door (Galatians 1:9) “As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be under a curse!” Paul’s words are blunt because souls are at stake. Below are practical, Scripture-anchored steps for keeping false teaching outside the fellowship and the true gospel front-and-center. Know the True Gospel • Rehearse the essentials often—Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). • Share personal testimonies that spotlight grace alone, faith alone, Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Memorize key gospel passages so counterfeit messages stand out immediately. Keep Scripture Open and Central • Encourage every believer to be a “Berean,” examining the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11). • Read entire books publicly and in small groups, letting God set the agenda (1 Timothy 4:13). • Weigh every sermon, song, and study by the whole counsel of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Develop Doctrinal Muscle • Teach core doctrines systematically—creation, fall, redemption, consummation. • Use catechisms or confession summaries as a training tool (Titus 1:9). • Highlight how truth produces maturity, preventing believers from being “tossed about by every wind of teaching” (Ephesians 4:14-15). Entrust the Right Shepherds • Appoint leaders who meet the clear qualifications of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. • Require prospective teachers to articulate the gospel and key doctrines accurately. • Provide ongoing theological sharpening for pastors, elders, and ministry heads. Exercise Loving Correction • Address error early—private conversation first, then public clarification if needed (Matthew 18:15-17). • Warn those who persist in falsehood “as a brother,” not as an enemy (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15). • Protect the pulpit; do not give teaching platforms to voices that deny or dilute the gospel (Romans 16:17-18). Draw Clear Boundaries • Distinguish between primary, gospel-defining issues and secondary disagreements. • Refuse fellowship to anyone who “runs ahead without remaining in the teaching of Christ” (2 John 9-11). • Publish a concise doctrinal statement and review it yearly with the congregation. Stay Dependent on the Spirit • Invite the Spirit to give wisdom and discernment (James 1:5). • Cultivate humble hearts; pride makes room for deception (1 Peter 5:5-6). • Celebrate truth in worship, reinforcing affections that align with sound doctrine. Putting It Into Practice • This week, read Galatians aloud together and underline every reference to the gospel. • Pair mature believers with new members for six weeks of foundational teaching. • Set aside time in the next leadership meeting to review the church’s doctrinal statement line by line. |
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