Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 6:3-5
The Effects of False Teachers
Intro.
1. These things not pleasant to say or hear - But necessary to teach “whole counsel of God.” Spiritual maturity will equip you to receive these things, 1 Cor. 3:1-3.
2. 2 Cor. 11:20-21: There were jealous suspicions about apostle Paul among the brethren (saying he was trying to gain from the Corinthians, 10:10; 11:7-12; 12:17-18 – Disgraceful! (11:21)
3. At times we seem to show greater patience, tolerance and acceptance of false teachers than teachers of truth! cf. 2 Cor. 12:11
4. These things ought not to be so, 2 Cor. 11:4; Rom. 16:17; Jude 3. (“Trouble maker; likes a fight, etc.”). [False teacher → 1 Tim. 6:3]
5. We must know the effects that false teachers and their false doctrine have on body of Christ.
I. FALSE TEACHERS DECEIVE, 2 Cor. 11:13-15.
A. We must not be Caught off Guard.
1. Appear as ministers of righteousness.
2. Deceptive use of words that corrupt the word of God and the souls of men, 2 Cor. 4:1-2 (2:17).
a. Pillage and plunder; Religious raptors, Matt. 7:15.
b. Slip in secretly and escape notice, Jude 4.
c. Exploit you, 2 Pet. 2:3.
B. We Must put the Doctrine of Every Teacher to the Test of Scripture, Acts 17:11; 1 Jno. 4:1, 6; Rev. 2:2; Eph. 5:6-7.
II. FALSE TEACHERS DESTROY, 2 Pet. 2:1-2, 15 (19).
A. Destroy Themselves, 2 Pet. 3:16.
B. Destroy those who Accept their Error, 2:1-2; 2 Tim. 2:16-18 (the church is harmed, Acts 20:29-30).
C. Destroy the Influence of Truth, 2 Pet. 2:2. (Truth is blasphemed and discounted, cf. Tit. 2:7-8).
D. We must Beware and Grow in Knowledge of Truth, 2 Pet. 3:17-18.
III. FALSE TEACHES DEVOUR, 2 Pet. 2:3.
A. They Covet You for Themselves, not You for the Truth’s Sake, cf. Gal. 6:12-13 with 2 Cor. 12:14-15.
1. This gets to motives – some seek to gain an advantage for themselves, Rom. 16:18.
2. The means of this devouring (2 Pet. 2:3):
a. Feigned words – “formed” (plastic).
b. Teach with words suiting the occasion of their covetousness (not with words that suit the need of the hearers), 1 Ths. 2:5; Acts 20:20; Jer. 14:13-15.
B. Their Mouths must be Stopped, Titus 1:10-11.
1. Withstand with the truth, 2 Cor. 11:4.
2. Contend for the faith, Jude 3.
3. See the battle clearly, 2 Cor. 10:3-5 (Eph. 6:10-12).
4. Identify the false teachers, 2 Tim. 2:16-18.
5. Deliver false teachers to Satan, 1 Tim. 1:18-20 (Rom. 16:17).
6. Turn away from them, 1 Tim. 6:3, 5.
IV. FALSE TEACHERS DIVIDE, Rom. 16:17-18.
A. Cause Division where Unity should Exist, 1 Cor. 1:10-13.
1. The person behind division is the one who teaches contrary to truth, not the one who defends truth, Rom. 16:17; 1 Jno. 2:19.
2. Press for unity, but not at expense of truth (Eph. 4:3).
B. We Must Mark False Teachers, Rom. 16:17.
1. Identify them to limit their sphere of influence and to protect innocent souls.
2. Refuse the factious man, Titus 3:10-11.
Conclusion
1. Applications are as numerous as the teachings of Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16-17) - Plan of salvation; worship, work and organ. of local church; Bible authority; MDR…
2. If we are not willing to see the effects of false teachers and withstand them, we will be their victims and join them in eternal destruction, 2 Ths. 2:10-12.