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.