How can we identify and avoid "tolerating" false teachings in our church today? The Lord’s Charge: Revelation 2:20 “But I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and teaches and misleads My servants to commit sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.” What Tolerance Looked Like in Thyatira • “Jezebel” claimed divine authority yet contradicted apostolic doctrine. • Her influence led believers into sin, not holiness. • The church knew it was happening but chose to live with it. The Lord’s rebuke is clear: permitting error is sin in itself. Recognize the Jezebel Pattern Today False teaching usually wears predictable clothing: • Self-appointed authority (“I have a fresh revelation”). – Galatians 1:8–9 • Morally permissive or culturally trendy doctrine (“God understands, times have changed”). – Jude 4 • Diminishing Christ’s uniqueness or sufficiency. – 2 Peter 2:1 • Manipulating Scripture for personal gain or influence. – 2 Peter 2:3 • Hostility toward correction or accountability. – Proverbs 9:8 Four Biblical Tests for Every Teaching 1. The Scripture Test – Does it align with the plain, literal meaning of the Word? (Acts 17:11) 2. The Christology Test – Does it exalt Jesus as fully God, fully man, sole Savior? (1 John 4:2–3) 3. The Gospel Test – Does it affirm salvation by grace through faith alone? (Galatians 1:6–9) 4. The Fruit Test – Does it produce obedience and holiness? (Matthew 7:15–20) Practical Steps to Refuse Tolerance • Establish doctrinal boundaries in church covenants and statements of faith. • Teach the whole counsel of God, book by book, not hobby-horse topics. – Acts 20:27 • Train elders and teachers to guard the flock. – Titus 1:9 • Confront error promptly and privately first; publicly if necessary. – Matthew 18:15–17 • Exercise loving but firm church discipline when repentance is resisted. – 1 Corinthians 5:11–13 • Keep pulpit and classroom access limited to vetted, accountable teachers. Building a Culture of Truth and Love • Equip believers to “speak the truth in love.” – Ephesians 4:15 • Celebrate testimonies of obedience, not mere experiences. • Encourage Berean-like study groups that search the Scriptures daily. – Acts 17:11 • Pray regularly for discernment and courage. – Philippians 1:9–10 • Model humility: correct error without arrogance, seeking restoration. – 2 Timothy 2:24–25 Personal Guardrails for Every Believer • Daily Bible intake; measure every blog, song, or sermon by the text. • Memorize key passages that guard the gospel (John 1; Romans 3–8). • Stay connected to a local church that practices biblical accountability. • Avoid teachers who chase fads or monetize sensational predictions. – 2 Timothy 4:3–4 • Invite mature believers to challenge your beliefs and lifestyle. – Hebrews 3:13 The Promise for Overcomers Revelation 2:26–28 shows Christ rewarding those who reject Jezebel’s ways: authority with Him and the “morning star.” Faithfulness today secures fellowship and honor with Him tomorrow. The command is simple: expose, oppose, and expel falsehood—then cling to what is true. |
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