Focus Scripture: 1 John 4:1-6
One of the signs of the end times is that false teaching will abound in human society. Jesus taught, “And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray (Mt 24:11).” He further added, “For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect (Mt 24:24).” The Bible teaches that such people and the heresy they promote arises from WITHIN the church. This is reason why Jesus calls them “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” Paul also taught, “…such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. (14) And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. (15) So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds (2 Cor 11:13-15).” Their primary mode of operation is to imitate their father (the devil) by distorting the scriptures, teaching it in a way contrary to sound doctrine for their own earthly gain.
In the focus text, John is dealing with such types of men who promoted a false teaching within the church that there was no incarnation of Christ. In other words, they denied that Jesus Christ had come in the flesh (Jn 1:14). In his letter to the church, John provided two primary ways to combat false teaching. He exhorts:
- Discern the spirit. Any person that would deny that (a) Jesus Christ had come in the flesh and (b) that he was not from God, is under the power and influence of Satan (anti-christ spirit).
- Test the spirit. We are to examine all man’s Bible teaching against the Word of God. Simply reading the Bible is not enough. We must also understand the proper context and meaning of scripture in order to discern if what teaching we are hearing is contrary to sound doctrine. This is how we know if the “Spirit of Truth” or “spirit of error” is in operation.
Satan’s Primary Weapon: Deception
Remember, Satan (the deceiver) knows the Bible. His (and his servants) goal is to mislead us by twisting the scriptures in a way that ultimately seduces people away from God. In Jesus temptation in the wilderness, the devil deployed the same strategy. He used scriptures to attempt to manipulate Jesus in worshipping him. Notice, in our Lord’s responses he used the same scriptures (with proper understanding and application) to discern and shield himself against the deceptive attacks of the devil (Mt 4:1-11). Jesus answers always started with, “It is written….”
In the life a believer, we have been given power to withstand and prevail over such people. John offers the following encouragement, “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world (1 Jn 4:4).”
Helpful Tips in Identifying True Teachers of the Gospel
- Seek and find God-led people who study the scriptures and will teach you (accurately) according to sound doctrine (2 Tim 2:15), that you may grow into spiritual maturity.
- Seek and find God-led people who also endeavor to live what is taught.
- Seek and find God-led people who meet the biblical qualifications as a teacher of the Word of God (1 Tim 3:1-13, 4:6-16, Titus 1:5-16).
- Important: Examine your own heart. Bible teaches that our desires play a role in the types of teachers we are drawn to. For example, if we have unhealthy desires for wealth & social status in this life, we will pursue and heap on ourselves teachers (e.g. prosperity gospel, WoF, etc…) that will render the scriptures in such a way that we can profit materially (2 Tim 4:3-4). Following these charlatans (hirelings) has a destructive end. Flee from them. Ask yourself this question, “Would you love and serve God if he did not give you what your heart desired the most on this life?” The answer to this question will reveal where our hearts really are. We either desire God or his stuff. We cannot serve two masters, both God and money (i.e. riches of this life).
I encourage us all the think through carefully and pray about the issues written about here. Embracing false teaching is injurious to our souls. In seeking God, he promises he will give us right understanding of his Word. This gives us freedom to live out his will…a life that glorifies him and not be susceptible to being hoodwinked (bamboozled) by false teachers because we are first deceived in our own hearts.
(Other suggested scripture readings for further study and reflection: 1 Tim 6:3-10, Jude 1:10-13, 2 Pt 2)
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D
www.springoflivingwaters.com