False teachings

Scripture repeatedly warns against false teachings, which deny or distort some aspect of the gospel. The origin of such teachings is attributed either to human error or to demonic inspiration.

Examples of false teachings

Revelation 2:14–15 See also Matthew 5:19; 2 Thessalonians 2:1–2; 1 Timothy 4:1–3; Revelation 2:20

But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality. In the same way, some of you also hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.

Qualities of false teachings

They are valueless

Matthew 15:9 parallel Mark 7:7 See also Isaiah 29:13; Ephesians 5:6; Colossians 2:20–23; 1 Timothy 1:3–7

They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’”

They are destructive in their nature

2 Peter 2:1 See also Matthew 7:15; Acts 20:29–30; Titus 1:10–11

Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them — bringing swift destruction on themselves.

They have the capacity to lead people astray

Acts 20:30 See also Ephesians 4:14; 1 Timothy 6:20–21; Hebrews 13:9; 2 Peter 2:14–15; 1 John 2:26

Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.

They may be popular

2 Peter 2:2 See also Matthew 24:4–5 parallel Mark 13:5–6; 2 Timothy 4:3; 2 Peter 2:18–19; 1 John 4:1–5

Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed.

They may be accompanied by miraculous signs

Matthew 24:24 parallel Mark 13:22 See also 2 Thessalonians 2:9–10; Revelation 13:11–15

For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.

The origin of false teachings

Demonic inspiration

1 Timothy 4:1–2 See also 2 Corinthians 11:3–4; 1 John 4:1–3; Revelation 16:13–14

Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron.

Human error

2 Peter 2:3 See also Colossians 2:8; 1 Timothy 6:20–21

In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.

Discerning false teachings

By their content

1 John 4:2–3 See also 1 Corinthians 12:3; 1 John 2:20–23; 2 John 1:7–11

By this you will know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and which is already in the world at this time.

By the teacher's lifestyle

Matthew 7:15–20 See also 2 Corinthians 11:20; 1 John 3:7–10; Jude 1:4

Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, by their fruit you will recognize them.

By their effects

1 Timothy 6:3–5 See also 1 Timothy 1:3–4; 2 Timothy 2:16–18; Revelation 2:20

If anyone teaches another doctrine and disagrees with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and disputes about words, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain.

The antidote to false teachings

Holding fast to the true gospel

1 John 2:24 See also Galatians 1:6–9; 1 Timothy 1:18–20; 2 Timothy 1:13–14

As for you, let what you have heard from the beginning remain in you. If it does, you will also remain in the Son and in the Father.

Shunning false teachers

Romans 16:17–18 See also 2 Timothy 3:1–9; Titus 3:9–11; 2 John 1:9–11

Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.