Beware Of False Teachers Series

BEWARE OF FALSE TEACHERS

II Peter 2:1-9

In the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord Jesus issued a sobering warning that applies as much today as it did back then, He said: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” - Matthew 7:15. There are many ravenous wolves wandering the earth today wearing suits and calling themselves preachers. Like their father, the Devil, they are roaming about seeking people whom they can devour. Years after the ascension of Jesus, the Apostle Peter wrote about the reality and danger of false teachers. I would like to examine Peter’s appeal and preach on the thought “Beware Of False Teachers”

- In verse 1, Peter speaks about:

I. THE REALITY OF FALSE TEACHERS

v1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you,

In this chapter, Peter reveals many characteristics that are apparent in the lives of false teachers. He also speaks to the importance and source of the Holy Scriptures. In verse 20 he says, “knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation.21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

The scriptures are where we find truth. The Apostle Paul says that the scriptures are inspired, literally “breathed out by God”. Unfortunately, there have always been men (and women) who intentionally distort the Word of God for their own selfish purposes. Moses, Jeremiah, and other true prophets had to combat false prophets in the days of the Old Testament. False teachers were abundant in the days of Jesus and the Apostles as well.

Jesus said in Matthew 7:16, You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

Paul spoke out against false prophets in Romans 16:17, he said: “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.”

John warned about false prophets in 1 John 4:1, he said: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

Jude referenced the reality of false prophets in Jude 1:4, he said: “For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

There are numerous other scriptures in the Bible concerning the reality of false prophets. Some two thousand years after Peter penned this Epistle, false teachers are still a reality. Furthermore, due to modern technology, these vipers can spread their venom faster and farther than any other time in history.

Some false teachers are easily discernable for those who have basic scriptural training and a measure of common sense. When most people see the antics of men like Benny Hinn, Peter Popoff and Kenneth Copeland they can immediately discern that those men are not true teachers of the Gospel. But there are others who are not quite as extreme that are not only deceiving the untrained and gullible, but they are also influencing many genuine Christians. I am astonished by how many people who belong to solid biblical churches waste their time and poison their minds watching people like Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, T.D Jakes, Steven Furtick, Creflo Dollar, and others.

However, it is not just the high profile celebrity pastors who lead “mega churches” that are dangerous. There are people within walking distance of our current location who are just as deceptive and dangerous. Therefore, it is imperative for us to be able to discern between a false teacher and a genuine preacher of the Gospel. Thankfully, the Bible tells us all that we need to know, and this specific passage is one of the most valuable concerning this subject.

- As we continue to examine verse 1, we will see:

II. THE ACTIONS OF FALSE TEACHERS

An authentic preacher/teacher is a man who has been called by God. He is one whose message comes directly from God's Word. This is not the case for a false teacher. When you examine a man's actions you can tell what his motivation is.