How can we apply Matthew 15:12 to address false teachings in our community? Setting the Scene “Then the disciples came to Him and said, ‘Are You aware that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?’” (Matthew 15:12) Jesus had just exposed the Pharisees for elevating human tradition over God’s commands (Matthew 15:3-9). The disciples noticed the backlash and brought it to His attention. That single verse reminds us that truth unmasks error and often provokes offense. Truth That Offends—And Why It Matters • False teaching clings to human prestige; gospel truth clings to God’s authority. • Offended religious leaders show how entrenched error resists correction (John 3:19-20). • Jesus never toned down truth to avoid offense (Matthew 15:13-14). Spotting False Teaching in Our Day • Scripture is twisted or sidelined (2 Peter 3:16). • Tradition, experience, or cultural pressure becomes the final word (Colossians 2:8). • Essential doctrines—Christ’s deity, atonement, resurrection—are denied or diluted (1 John 2:22-23). • Holiness is replaced by permissiveness (Jude 4). • The gospel is distorted into works-based or prosperity “gospels” (Galatians 1:6-9). Anchoring Ourselves in Scripture • “Test all things. Hold fast to what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) • “The Bereans were more noble… they examined the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings were true.” (Acts 17:11) • “All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Responding Like Jesus—Firm and Gracious • Speak truth plainly (Ephesians 4:15). • Refuse to concede where Scripture is clear (Titus 1:9). • Avoid needless quarrels; focus on the gospel (2 Timothy 2:24-25). • Recall that ultimate judgment belongs to God: “Every plant that My heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by its roots.” (Matthew 15:13) Practical Steps for Our Community 1. Personal Immersion in the Word – Read, memorize, and meditate daily. – Use whole-Bible context to guard against isolated proof-texts. 2. Discernment Teams – Form small groups that evaluate new teachings, books, and online content through Scripture. – Document findings and share them with church leadership. 3. Clear Teaching Pipeline – Ensure every teacher and ministry leader affirms core doctrines (2 Timothy 1:13-14). – Provide ongoing doctrinal training. 4. Private Admonition Before Public Correction – Approach a teacher privately first (Matthew 18:15). – If unrepentant and the error is serious, warn the congregation (Romans 16:17). 5. Cultivate a Culture of Humility – Encourage confession when wrong teaching is identified. – Celebrate course corrections as victories for truth. 6. Guard the Young – Equip children and youth with foundational catechism and apologetics (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). – Monitor curricula and media they consume. 7. Pray for Perseverance and Clarity – “Be on the alert; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13) Living Out Matthew 15:12 • Expect that biblical truth will sometimes offend respected voices. • Let offense confirm, not deter, our commitment to Scripture. • Remember: every unplanted “teaching” will eventually be uprooted—so remain faithful, contend, and trust the Word to do its purifying work. |
    |