How can we discern false teachings using other Scripture references? The Heart of 2 John 1:11 “Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds.” Why the Warning Is So Strong • John is speaking of teachers who “do not bring this teaching” (v.10)—the true, apostolic doctrine of Christ. • Welcoming or endorsing them implies agreement; it extends their platform and drags the church into complicity. • Scripture assumes its own sufficiency and clarity, so any rival “truth” must be measured against the written Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Common Marks of False Teaching • Diminishes or distorts the person and work of Jesus (2 John 1:7; Colossians 2:8-9). • Adds to, subtracts from, or substitutes for Scripture (Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18-19). • Elevates human experience or tradition above the Word (Mark 7:6-9). • Produces ungodly fruit—greed, immorality, division (Matthew 7:15-20; 2 Peter 2:1-3). • Rejects accountability to the established body of believers (3 John 9-10). Five Tests for Discernment 1. The Christological Test — What does the message say about Jesus? “Every spirit that confesses Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God” (1 John 4:2-3). 2. The Gospel Test — Is salvation presented as grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone (Galatians 1:8-9; Ephesians 2:8-9)? 3. The Scriptural Consistency Test — Does the teaching align with “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27) or rest on isolated verses? 4. The Berean Test — Have you personally “examined the Scriptures daily” to confirm the message (Acts 17:11)? 5. The Fruit Test — Does it lead to holiness, love, and maturity (Ephesians 4:14-15), or to confusion and sin? Guarding Our Homes and Platforms • John’s instruction not to “receive him into your house” (v.10) applies to any setting that legitimizes a false teacher—pulpits, study groups, social media shares. • Hospitality remains a Christian virtue (Hebrews 13:2), yet discernment guards it. Supporting a worker of error, even passively, spreads the error itself. Practices That Keep Us Safe • Stay saturated in Scripture—read, memorize, meditate (Psalm 119:11). • Hold fast to the apostolic doctrine (Acts 2:42). • Cultivate a local church community that teaches the Word faithfully (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Pray for wisdom and the Spirit’s illumination (John 16:13). • Confront error lovingly but firmly, “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15) and contending earnestly for the faith (Jude 3). Closing Encouragement Truth is not fragile; it is anchored in the unchanging Word. By testing all messages against Scripture, refusing to sponsor deception, and walking in the light of Christ, believers can recognize falsehood and stand firm in the truth that sets us free. |
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