Are We Really Dealing With False Teachers in the Church Today
Categories: Sermon Outlines, Topical Sermon OutlinesINTRODUCTION:
A. It cannot be truthfully denied that there are teachers of false doctrine among us – the Bible warns of such:
1. Acts 20:29-30
2. 1 Timothy 4:1-3
3. 2 Timothy 4:1-4
4. 1 John 4:1
5. 2 Corinthians 2:17
B. It is equally clear that these false teachers should be dealt with
1. They are a source of concern because of God’s view of them
a. As is clearly taught in Scripture
b. As will be seen in this lesson
2. The Psalmist said God hates every false way (Psa. 119:104), for His words are not false (Job 36:4)
3. Deuteronomy 13:5
a. An astounding testimony to the Lord’s view of false prophets
b. We too should take false teaching seriously
DISCUSSION: Dealing with False Teachers in the Church Today
A. FALSE TEACHERS MUST BE DEALT WITH
1. Because they endanger the souls of men
a. Jeremiah 23:16-17
1) God had told Israel not to listen to the false prophet
2) But being more concerned with their own wants, they listen to the false prophet and found themselves in captivity
3) The same can happen to us
b. Ephesians 4:14
1) Many are being led away through false teaching
2) Tossed here and there – unable to be grounded
c. Ephesians 5:6
1) False teachers cause souls to become children of disobedience
2) Friends, this brings God’s wrath
d. Acts 20:29-30
1) They are as wolves devouring sheep
2) They will come from among the flock
2. Because they endanger their own souls
a. James 5:19-20
1) They will lose their souls
2) We cannot let error slide – souls are at stake
b. James 3:1
1) We must be very careful what we teach
2) Teachers will be judged harsher
3. Because of their characteristics
a. Matthew 7:15
1) Deceitful
2) Ravening wolves
b. Acts 20:29
1) Grievous wolves
2) Unmerciful
c. 2 Corinthians 11:13
1) Deceitful workers
2) They lie
d. Philippians 3:2
1) Evil workers
2) Dogs – Dogs in the east are mostly without masters; they wander at large in the streets and fields, and feed upon rubbish, and even upon corpses – they are considered unclean and contemptible
e. 1 Timothy 6:5
1) Corrupt in mind
2) Void of truth
f. 2 Peter 2:14
1) Misleaders of the unstable
2) Covetousness drives them
B. OUR REACTION TOWARD FALSE TEACHERS
1. 1 John 4:1
a. We are to test every teaching
b. Check teaching with the word of God
2. Acts 20:31
a. Watch and remember warnings
b. Be alert to what’s going on in the church
3. Hebrews 13:9
a. Be careful not to be carried away
b. Stand your ground on the truth
4. 2 John 10-11
a. Our association with the false teacher makes us a partaker of his evil
b. We are to have no fellowship with false teachers
5. Titus 3:10
a. To be rejected
b. A “heretic” is one who holds a fundamental error of doctrine
6. Ephesians 5:11
a. Have no fellowship with them
b. Rebuke their error
7. Titus 1:13
a. Rebuke them sharply
b. Sharply = quickly and plainly
8. Titus 1:11
a. Stop their mouths
b. We cannot put up with false teaching
C. IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK AS WE DEAL WITH FALSE TEACHERS
1. Are we to be mean spirited as we confront the false teacher?
a. Ephesians 4:15
b. People do not care how much we know until they know how much we care
2. Should we be quick to condemn?
a. 2 Timothy 4:2
b. We should be patient, while not condoning error
3. Are we to judge according to appearance, or hearsay?
a. John 7:24
b. Let us be sure we have evidence before we condemn.
c. If a little bird tells us something, be sure that the little bird is not a “cuckoo.”
4. May we rebuke the false teacher without considering ourselves?
a. Galatians 6:1
b. Only hypocrites judge without considering themselves
c. Matthew 7:1-5
5. Should we run roughshod over those in error?
a. Titus 3:2
b. Would this not also include those in religious error?
6. Should we over look an error for fear of offending someone?
a. Matthew 15:13-14
b. It is better to hurt one’s feelings than to see that one spend an eternity separated from God.
CONCLUSION:
A. When we deal with false teachers our attitude toward them must consist of love, longsuffering, righteous judgment, self examination, gentleness, and a heart free of prejudice
B. By having the proper attitude we may be able to get the false teacher to see the error of his way.
C. Remember, that which is false must be deal with.