HOW TO DEAL WITH FALSE TEACHING

SUMMARY OF STUDIES

Introduction

Study 1: Know the Bible’s perspective on human ideologies

The Bible defines substitute religions and human ideologies as false

The Bible affirms that Christ alone is the one true truth

Study 2: Know the fundamental difference between the true truth and false teaching

The true truth is complete and absolute

False teaching replaces, adds to, or alters the meaning of ‘the truth’

Study 3: Know what the Old Testament says about false teaching

The Genesis 3 deception – analysis of the Devil’s deception

Idolatry and false gods – what the Old Testament says about them

Occult powers and practices

False prophets and false messages – what the Old Testament says:

• About the nature of false prophets
• About the source of their messages
• About the nature of their messages
• About the impact of their messages
• Warnings to false prophets and their audiences

Superficial and syncretistic worship

Study 4: Recognize the nature of false teachers and false teaching

New Testament data about the nature of false teachers and false teaching is collated under the following headings:

In the Gospels and Acts

• They are hypocritical
• They are destructive
• They do not belong to Christ
• They are impactive
• They are subtle and deceptive

In the letters and Revelation

• About their minds
• About their morals
• About their methods
• About their motives
• About their message
• About their allegiance

Study 5: Understand the present and future impact of false teaching

New Testament data about the impact of false teaching is identified under the following headings:

• Its impact on individuals and the church
• The personal impact and implications of believing false teaching
• The final impact on the false teachers themselves:

Study 6: Obey the biblical commands about false teaching

New Testament commands regarding our response to false teaching are listed under the following headings:

• Expect false teaching
• Be on guard against false teaching
• Don’t let them deceive you
• Don’t believe them
• Don’t give in to them
• Keep away from them
• Oppose and expose them
• Be mature
• Be contented with Jesus Christ

Study 7: Understand the importance of our minds

The Old Testament teaches the importance of our minds

• Wisdom and understanding are the basis of true faith and godliness
• Lack of understanding and discernment leads to godlessness, rebellion, idolatry and the consequent judgment
• One key purpose/result of God’s judgment on Israel was that they would know that he was the Lord
• The new covenant in Christ is anticipated as a time when people will know the Lord

The New Testament teaches the importance of our minds

• The New Testament words
• The significance given to understanding by Jesus Christ
• What the apostles said about knowledge and understanding

Human versus God-given wisdom

Study 8: Know the key points of doctrine affected by false teaching

The New Testament identifies the following key areas of doctrine affected by false teaching in the first century:

• Errors concerning the nature of revelation
• Errors concerning the person of Christ
• Errors concerning salvation
• Errors concerning the role of the miraculous
• Errors concerning the last things

Study 9: Recognize false teaching today

Contemporary false teaching is listed under the following headings:

• Errors concerning the nature of revelation
• Errors concerning the person of Christ
• Errors concerning salvation
• Errors concerning the role of the miraculous
• Errors concerning the last things