What other scriptures warn against false teachers and their influence? Our Anchor Verse “If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or give him any greeting.” (2 John 1:10) Jesus’ Early Alerts • Matthew 7:15 – “Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” • Matthew 24:24 – “False christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” • Mark 13:22 echoes the same warning. Paul Sounds the Alarm • Acts 20:29-30 – “I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number, men will arise and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.” • Romans 16:17-18 – “Watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them… by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.” • 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 – “Such men are false apostles, deceitful workers… it is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness.” • Galatians 1:6-9 – Even an angel preaching “a gospel contrary” is to be placed under a curse. • 1 Timothy 4:1-2 – “In later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons.” • 2 Timothy 3:1-5 – People will have “a form of godliness but deny its power. Turn away from such as these.” • 2 Timothy 4:3-4 – Listeners with itching ears will “turn aside to myths.” Peter, John, and Jude Keep the Watch • 2 Peter 2:1-3 – False teachers “will secretly introduce destructive heresies… Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed.” • 1 John 4:1 – “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits… for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” • Jude 3-4 – “Certain men have crept in among you unnoticed… ungodly men who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ.” Key Threads to Notice • False teachers disguise themselves: sheep’s clothing, masquerading as light, creeping in unnoticed. • Their aim is always the same: distort the gospel, draw followers, exploit for gain. • Scripture’s remedy never softens: beware, turn away, test, contend, do not receive. Living It Out Stay anchored in the original, unchanging gospel. Test every teaching against the clear words God has already given. Guard fellowship carefully, because truth—and the souls grounded in it—are worth that vigilance. |
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