False Teachers in the Fold

Sound doctrine serves as a pivotal aspect of our salvation in God and progression in sanctification (spiritual maturity). Sound doctrine forms the foundation on which we grow and continue to share the truth of God's Word. Because of this, the Scriptures warn us of the influence of false teachers and how to practice separation from them.

The first step to identifying false teachers would be to analyze their message in respects to the content of scripture. 1 John 4:1-3 Clearly states that we should “not believe every spirit” but rather test their message and its goal: does it proclaim Christ as God? Denying Christ’s deity would break down the very foundations of our faith according to 2 John 1:9-11. False teachers will also attack not only the resurrection of Christ, but His return as king. False teachers will also call into question the existence of heaven and hell.

The second sign that identifies the teacher of sound doctrine from a false teacher is the fruit of their message. If their message promotes worldliness or pulls other Christians away from obedience to God‘s word, it is the fruit of false teaching. Matthew 7:15-20 states that “by their fruits you will recognize them” because “every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.”

According to Titus 1:16, not only is their message evidence to false fruits but their actions are as well. another evidence of false teaching is promoting “another gospel.” We see a great example of this in Galatians 2:16 and 3:1-5 where Christians were found guilty of legalism: requiring the Mosaic law as part of salvation.

As Christians we are called to an attitude in lifestyle of discernment. We are to be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16) discerning sound doctrine of truth from the false teachings of man. As the Bereans were found commendable in their studies, we should also search the Scriptures diligently making sure that what is taught is sound doctrine.