What steps can we take to guard against false teachings in our church? False Teaching Spreads Like Gangrene (2 Timothy 2:17) “and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,” • Gangrene is deadly, progressive, and painless at first—exactly how error seeps into a congregation. • Paul’s image urges immediate, decisive action; delay only lets the infection advance. Step 1 – Saturate the Church in Scripture “All Scripture is God-breathed … so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) • Preach verse-by-verse, not hobby-horse topics. • Encourage daily personal Bible reading; supply reading plans. • Model Berean diligence: “examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true.” (Acts 17:11) Step 2 – Teach Sound Doctrine Relentlessly “He must hold firmly to the trustworthy word … and refute those who contradict it.” (Titus 1:9) • Offer regular classes on core doctrines—Trinity, salvation, authority of Scripture. • Use confessions or statements of faith as teaching tools, not dusty documents. • Revisit foundational truths often; repetition cements clarity. Step 3 – Test Everything You Hear “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits …” (1 John 4:1) • Compare every sermon, song, podcast, or book with clear passages of Scripture. • Train members to ask, “Where is that in the Bible?” • Encourage note-taking with references for later checking. Step 4 – Confront Error Early and Directly “Watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them.” (Romans 16:17) • Name public error publicly, as Paul did with Hymenaeus and Philetus. • Meet privately first when possible (Matthew 18 model), but do not hesitate to warn the flock if error is public or persistent. • Remove teaching privileges if repentance is refused; love protects. Step 5 – Guard Leadership Integrity “Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock …” (Acts 20:28) • Vet prospective leaders for doctrinal soundness and observable godliness. • Require ongoing theological training and accountability meetings. • Rotate teaching so no single voice becomes untouchable. Step 6 – Cultivate Congregational Discernment “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves … Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ.” (Ephesians 4:14-15) • Pair mature believers with newer ones for discipleship. • Encourage open Bibles during services; invite follow-up conversations. • Celebrate questions; clarify that doubt is addressed by Scripture, not suppressed. Step 7 – Keep Christ Central “And He is the head of the body, the church … so that in all things He may have preeminence.” (Colossians 1:18) • Highlight the gospel every gathering—songs, sermons, sacraments. • Evaluate ministries: do they showcase Christ or personalities? • Remember the goal is not winning arguments but exalting Jesus and rescuing people from ruin. Quick Checklist for Guarding Against False Teaching • Scripture first, last, and always. • Doctrine taught clearly and repeatedly. • Everything tested, nothing assumed. • Error confronted, not coddled. • Leaders examined and accountable. • Congregation equipped to discern. • Christ kept at the center of it all. |
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