A Few Thoughts About Teachers to Avoid

 

2 Corinthians 11:4 WEL For if someone comes preaching another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you might well enough put up with him.

 

Paul is writing to the Corinthian church. They had many issues stemming from false teachers, devotions to various leaders, confusion from society, sin, and morality issues, etc.

 

Paul is writing again to them concerning various false teachers. He gives them a standard to judge teachers by.

B1 Who is Jesus?

B2 What about spirits?

B3 What is the Gospel?

 

We must know these, too, especially considering today’s culture and corruption in the churches. This corruption is because church leaders have not followed the above standard.

 

Who is Jesus?

B1 For if someone comes preaching another Jesus, whom we have not preached

B2 This is Christology

B3 Jesus is God the Son.

C1 The Trinity (Godhead) consists of 3 persons of one essence. Essence is the stuff that God is. Only God has it. I am the stuff, material, substance of human. Angels of spirit. God is a spirit but God spirit. Only God has the essence of a god. There are no other gods. In the god-classification of beings, there is only one God, that is, Yahweh.

C2 See the Athanasian Creed, which explains it best. I agree with the Athanasian Creed 100% wholeheartedly.

B4 Jesus is 100% God and 100% human.

B5 He is one person.

B6 He is the creator.

B7 He is the Messiah. He has always been Messiah, is, and always will be Messiah. He is the only Messiah.

B8 He is born of the virgin. He father is God. The pregnancy was by the power of the Holy Spirit.

B9 He was a baby, a boy, a young man, and made his living as a carpenter.

B10 He ministered for 3+ years.

B11 He was arrested, tired 6 times (3 times in the Jewish court and 3 times in a Roman court), was condemned, was fastened to a cross, suffered, truly died, was buried in a rich man’s tomb, went to Paradise (the compartment of Hades for the righteous dead as Noah, David, the prophets, etc.) for 3 days and nights, bodily arose from the dead, appeared to over 500 brothers and sisters, ascended into heaven (the first heaven is the atmosphere of the earth, the second is the universe, and the third is outside the universe and is where God lives), sits at the right hand of God the Father, intercedes for believers, is lord of the church (believers), and will return again (His next return is the Rapture which happens before the 7 year Tribulation, after the Tribulation, He will return to the Mt of Olives, which splits in 2 halves, judges those still living at the end of the Tribulation, sets up His throne in Jerusalem and reigns for 1,000 years at the end of which He judges the evil dead at the Great White Throne judgment), and judges and destroys this present universe to create a New Heaven and New Earth.

B12 Some articles

C1 Dr. Gary Habermas has several free books and articles on Christology.

C2 Christology: Jesus Christ from Bible.org

C3 David Hocking Media - Christology from Blue Letter Bible (Here is the pdf file that I believe is the same material).

 

What about spirits?

B1 ...or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received...

B2 The Spirit that they received is God the Holy Spirit

C1 The Holy Spirit is God. The Trinity, as above, is 3 persons of one essence. See the Athanasian Creed again, for what I and most Christians believe.

C2 The Holy Spirit is a person. He is not a force, power, idea, empowerment, etc. As a person, He has all the attributes of God and traits of a person as intellect, emotions, and will.

C3 He was present in the Old Testament. He was present and active in creation, giving wisdom, and guidance, etc.

C4 He initiates salvation. If God the Holy Spirit did not initiate salvation, no one could be saved from God’s wrath, forgiven, and regenerated.

C5 He regenerates. This especially refers to the new birth.

C6 He convicts of sin and rebellion. He opens the mind and heart to the truth of our sinful condition, guilt, and punishment.

C7 He baptizes all New Testament believers, giving them God’s presence in the newly created (regenerated) heart, and empowers them for service.

C8 He seals all New Testament believers identifying them as belonging to God.

C9 He guides us into truth.

C10 He gives gifts to all New Testament believers to serve fellow Christians and to glorify God.

C11 He plants, prunes, gives growth for believers to produce fruit.

B3 False spirits

C1 False presentation of themselves, for example, satan comes as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14) and so do his agents whether false teachers, false prophets, false leaders, abusers, etc. They look and sound correct, but they slowly and stealthily bring in false doctrine (Matthew 7:15, 2 Peter 2:1-3).

C2 Encourage evil desires of any type. They do this subtilty (2 Corinthians 11:3). They change definitions. They explain away the plain, normal sense of the Scriptures (2 Peter 3:16). They make great promises. They pretend to live a godly life. They are full of charisma and are tremulously gifted speakers. Let us beware. We must study the Scriptures. It is not enough that someone can speak so convincingly. Despite appearances, they practice sin: 1 John 3:8-10 (practices sin is not referring to a one-time sin).

C3 Use fallen Christians to oppose God (Acts 5:1-9).

C4 Can cause incidents that appear to be miracles (Matthew 24:24)

C5 Often have character traits as secretly bringing in heresies (Galatians 2:4), denying Jesus (2 Peter 2:1 and 1 John 2:22), debaucheries (see here), all with the goal that the way of truth (Biblical Christianity is hated, Jesus is hated, and the Gospel is hated. They are satan’s agents (Compare John 8:44, Acts 13:10, 1 John 3:8-10, John 6:70)).

C6 Lead people from peace and safety to insecurity and unrest (Jeremiah 50:6)

C7 Promise freedom but leads them into addiction to sin (2 Peter 2:18-19)

C8 Inspire false teachers and prophets to have a wrong doctrine about Jesus. 2 John 1:7 EMTV Because many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and the antichrist. See also 1 John 2:22.

C9 Deceive people to follow mystical practices instead of being alert, thinking, and continuing steadfast and faithful to the Scriptures. We know the Scriptures, so who are these guides, jesus (my spelling of false Jesus’s), dreams, visions, prophecies, etc.?

C10 In general, they lead away from truth into error concerning theology, Christology, heaven, hell, etc. They work to get people to trust anything other than Scriptures. Most of these hold to the idea that these visions have not been corrupted by people in translation. They misquote and misinterpret “...the letter kills, but the spirit gives life (2 Corinthians 3:6).” They believe that Scriptures are corrupted because people have translated wrongly for years. The methods of corruption.

C11 See 1 John 4:1-6, Matthew 7:15, 2 Peter 2:1, Matthew 7:21, etc.

C12 Let us avoid being this type of “Christian.”2 Timothy 4:3-5 NLT For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths. 5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

B4 Articles

C1 Holy Spirit Series FAQ by Don Stewart

C2 Dictionary of Bible Themes – 3000 Holy Spirit (This is a topical list of many facets of the Doctrine of the Holy Spirit).

 

What is the Gospel?

B1 ...a different gospel which you have not accepted...

B2 The basics of the Gospel are found in 1 Corinthians 15:1-8.

C1 Gospel preached

C2 Gospel received/accepted

C3 Belief

C4 Christ died. Jesus of Nazareth was the one nailed to the Roman cross. He truly died, dead.

C5 He was buried. He was buried in a rich man’s tomb that had never been used. His body did not corrupt (rot).

C6 He was raised the third day (Sunday). He was bodily raised. He had the glorified body, but it was his body. He was not resuscitated but resurrected.

C7 He walked and lived for 40 days on earth. He was personally seen by over 500 brothers and sisters.

B3 Definitions:

C1 Saved is not having to face God’s wrath (Luke 3:7 and 1 Thessalonians 1:10). The final wrath of God is conscious, never ending torment in the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:11-15).

C2 Born again/born from above (John chapter 3), regeneration (Titus 3:5), rebirth (Titus 3:5), etc. has the idea of a spiritual birth that is brought about by God (John 3:6).

C3 Justification is the decision by the Lawgiver and Judge that declares a person to not be a sinner (Romans 5:1-10). The believer is considered righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21). The penalty has been paid in full by Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:24). We are now freed from sin and free to live by God’s grace as a servant of righteousness (Romans 6:18). God’s law was not set aside or merely ignored. The penalty was fully completed. Jesus completely fulfilled God’s laws in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds (Romans 10:3-9).

C4 Sanctification is the separation of the sinful nature to the righteous nature of God. God works and gives the grace, but we must continue to believe and live it (2 Timothy 2:21, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 2 Thessalonians 2:13). Sanctification is the work and teaching of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It is both instant (justification), life long, and complete in the future (glorification).

C5 Glorification is when the person who has believed God and trusted in Jesus Christ alone dies, is received into heaven, and to never sin, hurt, or suffer the curse from sin (1 John 3:2, Philippians 3:20-21, John 17:17). Truth is of utmost importance for us to do in our thoughts, desires, words, and deeds.

C6 Reconciliation is when an enemy and another are no longer enemies. Humans are enemies of God because we are not loyal to the King of all kings. We are rebels doing our own thing in life (Ephesians 2:1-3). Because of the work of Jesus Christ and our meeting God’s conditions (believe/faith) (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). We are reconciled to God (Romans 5:10).

C7 Atonement is a sacrifice is made atoning for sin. It is related to expiation and propitiation. All these words mean that a pleasing sacrifice is offered. Either we are punished or a substitute. Atonement is when the substitute is punished. See 1 Peter 2:24, 1 John 2:2, Hebrews 9:12, Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 3:18, etc.

B4 All humans are sinners (Romans 3:23). The human nature is such that it is addicted to sin (John 8:34). Human nature desires sinful pleasures (Isaiah 47:8 and Titus 3:3). Humans practice committing sin (1 John 3:4). There is no remedy available with our own strength. Sinning is actions against God’s law (Exodus 20:1-21) and can be in thoughts (Matthew 15:19), desires (Proverbs 21:10), words (3 John 1:10), and deeds (Colossians 1:21). Even one sin results in eternal death and punishment (James 2:10). The human will is totally corrupted (Titus 1:15) and cannot seek God (Romans 3:11). We are deceived that we are “good” people; we are evil (Galatians 6:7).

B5 No one could be saved unless God initiates salvation (Romans 3:11, John 6:44, John 12:32). The Holy Spirits open our minds (Luke 24:45), hearts (Acts 16:14), and understanding to see our true evil self, guilt, and the need punishment (Genesis 4:7 NIV). The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sins (John 16:8-9). It is the sovereign act of God to free the will from its bondage to sin. Being freed from this bondage, the Holy Spirit invites all to believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We can either resist or not resist.

B6 God’s law is used to know we are sinners (Romans 7:5-12).

B7 There is only one Messiah, Jesus (Matthew 16:16, Luke 2:11, John 4:25-26). No one can be saved from God’s wrath through any other person (Acts 4:12 and 1 Timothy 2:5).

B8 Salvation is grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9) though faith alone (Philippians 3:9) in Jesus Christ alone (Acts 4:12).

C1 Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

D1 Paul—under inspiration—writes of salvation. Is it by works (something we do) or grace (something God does)? This teaches the contrast. Works do not bring salvation; grace does.

D2 The gift is salvation by grace, not by works. Faith is not the gift in the plain, normal reading and studying of this passage. Faith is contrasted with works.

D3 Works are something we do, a debt, that has wages (Romans 3:20). Faith is not debt that has wages. See Romans 4:1-8.

C2 Faith is believing the message of the Gospel of Jesus. Trusting is something we place in Jesus alone. We need to have our trust in Jesus alone for salvation. Faith is not a work earning salvation. It is the condition that God requires (Romans 1:17).

C3 The good works that James writes about (James 2) is not for salvation. It is the proof of salvation. If I have repented and believed, then I will show a change of life. Two examples are given by James—Abraham and Rahab.

B9 The blood of Jesus alone pays for our sins (1 John 1:7 and Colossians 1:19-22). Jesus suffered for our sins (1 Peter 3:18). Jesus is our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). We are guilty of sin and the punishment is eternal, conscious torment (Luke 16:19-31, Revelation 14:10 (there would be no torment unless there was consciousness)). Either we are punished, or a volunteer is punished. The volunteer must be sinless or else this one would have to be punished for their own sin. The substitute must be willing and qualified. Jesus Christ is the only substitute.

B10 We must repent of our sins. Repentance is a complete changed in attitude, motivation, words, thoughts, desires, and deeds. If there is no change, then there has been no repentance. Two examples are King Manasseh (2 Kings 21:11, 16, and 2 Chronicles 33:10-18) and the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). See James 5:19-20, Jeremiah 25:4-6, Jonah 3:10, Isaiah 55:7).

B11 God deals with everyone in a personal way. When a person believes, confession is made of our sin and guilt and a declaration is made pleading for forgiveness of sins (Romans 10:9-10 and Luke 18:11).

B12 Baptism is not necessary for salvation (John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9, and see Is baptism necessary for salvation?). It is a statement to God and the world that one has believed in Jesus alone, a declaration to be under the authority of Jesus (compare 1 Corinthians 10:2), and an illustration of being in Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:4 and Colossians 2:12). It also shows the guilt has been washed away (1 Peter 3:21) and a sprinkling cleaning our conscious (Hebrews 10:22).

B13 We must beware of those who pervert the Gospel. Galatians 1:7-9.

B14 Articles:

C1 The FACTS of Salvation F: Freed to Believe by God’s Grace

C2 What is the Gospel?

 

These are always 3 things to keep in mind when reading or listening to a teacher. We must know. We must discern. We must be true.

A Few Thoughts About False Teachers

2 Peter 2:1 LEB But there were also false prophets among the people, as there will be false teachers among you also, who will bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, thus bringing on themselves swift destruction.

2 Corinthians 11:14-15 BSB And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.

Some characteristics of false teachers:

B1 They believe, teach, and lead others into heresies. Heresies are those doctrines/teachings contrary to what was taught by the Lord Jesus, Apostles, or New Testament prophets (James, Jude, etc.). Heresies are doctrines not understand by the plain, normal reading of the Scriptures. See 2 Peter 2:1 (quoted above).

B2 Act and talk very holy. See 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 (quoted above).

B3 Are gifted speakers. They can motivate, captivate, and awe the unsuspecting. Romans 16:18 LEB For such people do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own stomach, and by smooth speech and flattery they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.

B4 Tell lies to lead people to follow them (the false teachers): Acts 20:29-30 GW I know that fierce wolves will come to you after I leave, and they won't spare the flock. 30 Some of your own men will come forward and say things that distort the truth. They will do this to lure disciples into following them.

B5 Like the Pharisees of Jesus’s day, these teachers appear righteous in public but in private, they are evil. They cover-up, conceal, and persecute any who exposes them: Matthew 23:27-28 ISV How terrible it will be for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs that look beautiful on the outside but inside are full of dead people's bones and every kind of impurity. 28 In the same way, on the outside you look righteous to people, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

B6 They tell people things the people want to hear, instead of truth: Isaiah 30:10-11 AMPC Who [virtually] say to the seers [by their conduct], See not! and to the prophets, Prophesy not to us what is right! Speak to us smooth things, prophesy deceitful illusions. 11 Get out of the true way, turn aside out of the path, cease holding up before us the Holy One of Israel.

B7 Making money off the faithful. Beware of those that have huge tables of their books and their friends books and urge, practically demand all to buy them. 2 Corinthians 2:17 NET For we are not like so many others, hucksters who peddle the word of God for profit, but we are speaking in Christ before God as persons of sincerity, as persons sent from God.

B8 Instead of the truth of Scriptures, they turn to stories of their “experiences,” and lead many astray. 2 Peter 2:3 GNB In their greed these false teachers will make a profit out of telling you made-up stories. For a long time now their Judge has been ready, and their Destroyer has been wide awake!

B9 Some can do miracles.

C1 These miracles are not through the power of God but from the power of the devil.

C2 Popular, respected, authoritative, skilled, gifted, etc. and deadly:

D1 Revelation 19:20 AKJV And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that worked miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

D2 Exodus 7:10-11 ESV So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the LORD commanded. Aaron cast down his staff before Pharaoh and his servants, and it became a serpent. 11 Then Pharaoh summoned the wise men and the sorcerers, and they, the magicians of Egypt, also did the same by their secret arts.

What is their motive?

B1 Their own self lusting for money, power, even sex.

B2 Dake under the note of “Solomon’s Request” on 1 Kings 3:9 writes: Too often men pray for gifts which they think will make them great in the eyes of others. They want to imitate some other great man and they aren't called or qualified for that particular work. Their motive is selfish. Solomon, on the other hand, asked for wisdom and understanding in the science of government, to give true justice to Israel. One of the chief functions of the eastern monarch has always been to hear and decide causes. Hence, Solomon desired gifts that would best qualify him for his work and calling in life. (Note, as I’ve mentioned before Dake has some notes that are wrong, so be Bereans).

B3 Many false teachers desire to argue, quarrel, and acquire money. 1 Timothy 6:3-5 GNB Whoever teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the true words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching of our religion 4 is swollen with pride and knows nothing. He has an unhealthy desire to argue and quarrel about words, and this brings on jealousy, disputes, insults, evil suspicions, 5 and constant arguments from people whose minds do not function and who no longer have the truth. They think that religion is a way to become rich.

How to Avoid

B1 Truth

C1 The Correspondence Theory: words, thoughts, ideas, communication, etc. correspond with reality. There also has to be a standard which is eternal, that is, exists in the past, present, and future.

D1 The most famous version of this theory was given by Aristotle in 335 BC in his Metaphysics, Book IV, Chapter 7 To say of what is, that it is not– or of what is not, that it is– is false. While to say of what is, that it is– and of what is not, that it is not– is true. (Source)

D2 John 1:17 NASB For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. (Note, I didn’t like the word “realized” at first but then started thinking that truth did not come into existence but has always existed. Humans are in darkness, ignorant, and deceived, so Jesus, God the Son, has revealed truth to us, thus realized). Compare Psalm 25:5.

D3 The opposite of truth is a lie. Common sense knows these things. Even though philosophy may question this view of truth, they cannot live their daily life without truth in its plain, normal sense.

C2 Read and study the Bible, the only source of 100% truth. Personally, it begins with did Jesus exist, what did he do and teach, and is what we read in the Bible most reasonable?

C3 Every believer has the Holy Spirit, who is able to teach us and give us understanding of the passage. Because God the Spirit is omniscient and omnisapient, He can communicate perfectly, which is one reason to take the Bible in its plain, normal sense. I John 2:27 AKJV But the anointing which you have received of him stays in you, and you need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it has taught you, you shall abide in him.

C4 The Lord Jesus, the Apostles, Moses, Noah, Sarah, King David, etc. took the Bible, the words of God, in its plain, normal sense.

B2 Know how to interpret the Bible. (Here is one resource) Pray before and after you study.

C1 Observation

D1 What does the verse say?

D2 Understand the text in the plain, normal sense

D3 Context is important. Use at least the 20/20 rule—20 verses before and 20 verses after.

C2 Interpretation

D1 What does the verse mean?

D2 It is not what we want it to mean, what we FEEL it means, or what does it mean to me.

D3 Do not interpret it through a theological, philosophical, or scientific belief.

C3 Application

D1 What do I need to know?

D2 What do I need to do?

D3 What do I need to change?

B3 The more we study; the more we know, and the less we will be fooled, tricked, deceived by false teachers.

B4 Knowing the truth, we must test teachers and what they teach. If a teacher fails the test of Scripture, then we are to avoid them: 2 John 1:9-11 LEB Everyone who goes too far and does not remain in the teaching of Christ does not have God. The one who remains in the teaching—this person has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house and do not speak a greeting to him, 11 because the one who speaks a greeting to him shares in his evil deeds.

Safety for God watches over us

B1 Philippians 1:6 GW I'm convinced that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it through to completion on the day of Christ Jesus.

B2 Jude 1:1 GW From Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James. To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father, and who are kept safe for Jesus Christ.

B3 Jude 1:24-25 AKJV Now to him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.