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Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 2:1-3

Beware of What is False

Intro.

1.  We are warned against religious pretenders (pseudo: false, spurious, impostor; “often of a deceptive resemblance,” Online Medical Dictionary), Matt. 7:15.

2.  Impostors (seducers), deceiving & being deceived, 2 Tim. 3:13.

3.  For everything that is true in religion, Satan manufactures a counterfeit, Jno. 8:44.

4.  Religious deception can only be spotted & rejected by a diligent knowledge and use of the word of truth, 2 Tim. 2:14-18; 4:2-4.

 

I.  WE ARE WARNED OF:

  A.  False Christs, Matt. 24:23-25.

    1.  Pretended Messiahs (Rev. Son Myung Moon, The Unification Church): “Reverend Moon declared that he and his wife are the Messiah and True Parents of all humanity.”                      (www.unification.org/rev_mrs_moon.html)

    2.  False concepts of Messiah, Matt. 24:23 (kingdom, return, visions…)

    3.  Must love truth & avoid deceptions, Matt. 24:24; 2 Ths. 2:8-12.

  B.  False Apostles, 2 Cor. 11:13-15.

    1.  Appear to be sent by Christ (fashion themselves):

      a.  Appearance of serving righteousness, 11:15.

      b.  Present themselves to others as such, 11:12.

    2.  Such men must be tested – they will be found false (pseudo):

      a.  Don’t qualify, Acts 1:21-25 (1 Cor. 15:8).

      b.  No legitimate evidence, 2 Cor. 12:11-12 (unrighteous deception, 2 Ths. 2:9-10).

      c.  There are no modern-day apostles.

  C.  False Prophets, Matt. 7:15; 1 Jno. 4:1 (many in the world).

    1.  False claims of inspiration, to be a spokesman for God (whether as a teller of the future or a teacher of doctrines).

    2.  Deception is a trademark.

    3.  Lying signs is their appeal, cf. Acts 8:9-11.

    4.  NT (apostles’ doctrine) is our defense against them.

  D.  False Teachers, 2 Pet. 2:1-3.

    1.  Nature of their teaching is false, distorted & destructive, cf. Acts 20:29-31.

    2.  Their error enters secretly, 2:1 (lit., “to bring in by the side of”); brought in alongside of truth.

      a.  Some brethren say one is only a false teacher if his motives are dishonest.

      b.  Some tell us one must be intentionally untrue in order to be deemed a “false teacher” (i.e., Cecil Hook, “False Teachers & False Teaching”, www.freedomsring.org/falsteach.html)

      c.  Note: It is the error they teach that is false.

      d.  We cannot determine motives unless they are expressed (heart, 1 Cor. 2:11).

      e.  But, teaching can be examined, tested (1 Jno. 4:6).

    3.  Hold fast to the word of Christ, 1 Tim. 6:3; 2 Tim. 2:15.

  E.  False Brethren, Gal. 2:4.

    1.  “Brother” refers to our relation in the family of God (Heb. 2:11).

    2.  Unfaithful Christians because of error they followed (Acts 15:5).

    3.  God’s family hears & obeys the word of God, Lk. 8:20-21.

    4.  False brethren present dangers (2 Cor. 11:26).

    5.  This is why issues of fellowship are vital, 2 Jno. 9-11.

 

II. JESUS CHRIST IS THE TRUTH, Jno. 14:6.

  A.  All who are of the Truth Hear His Voice, Jno. 18:37.

    1.  True Christ: Jesus (Jno. 20:30-31).

    2.  True Apostles: Sent by Jesus (Acts 1:8).

    3.  True Prophets: Holy Spirit inspired (2 Pet. 1:21).

    4.  True Teachers: Words of Jesus (1 Tim. 6:3).

    5.  True Brethren: Faithful in Christ (Col. 1:2).

  B.  Truth Contains nothing that is False, 1 Jno. 2:21-23.

    1.  Truth can be known, 2:21.

    2.  To deny Jesus is the Christ is to be a liar, 2:22.

    3.  Denial of the Son forfeits fellowship with the Father, 2:23.

    4.  What about you?

 

Conclusion

1.  Are you “of the truth” in everything religiously?

2.  Hear & hold fast the truth: Accept no substitutes; reject all counterfeits. Prov. 23:23