The Rebellion of Korah and the Fate of False Teachers

Seven Lessons of false teachers and false doctrine as Illustrated by the rebellion of Korah. Numbers 16

Introduction

False teachers and their teaching have been a recurring challenge throughout the history of the bible. Jesus told his disciples false teachers are like wolves in sheep clothing. Both Paul and Peter address false teachers, their teachings and a solemn warning for the consequences for listening to false doctrine. At the end of Paul’s ministry he gathered the church elders to warn them that after his departure false teachers will not spare the flock. Shockingly enough Paul then states 30 from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert. Paul sent Timothy to Ephesus and Titus to Crete to stop, refute, and correct false teachers. Today’s message looks at the rebellion led by Korah in Numbers 16 to illustrate seven essential lessons aimed at recognizing and addressing the presence of false teachers and their doctrines. By understanding these lessons, we can discern truth from falsehood and remain steadfast in our beliefs.

Lesson 1: The Subtle Nature of False Teachers

Exodus 19 provides a background of God giving his commandments and promise.

Exodus 19 tells us that it had been 3 months since the Israelites had left Egypt to worship God at Mount Siani. 19 In the third month after the people of Israel left Egypt, they came to the Sinai Desert on the same day. 2 There Israel set up their tents in front of the mountain. 3 And Moses went up to God. God tells Moses in verse 5. 5 Now then, if you will obey My voice and keep My agreement, you will belong to Me from among all nations. 6 You will be to Me a nation of religious leaders, a holy nation.’ These are the words you will speak to the people of Israel.” The people then agreed to abide by God’s agreement and keep his commandments. So now, after some months, and minor rebellions; Korah a Kohathite from the tribe of Levi, leads a full-scale rebellion to take the priesthood from Moses and Aaron.  Now part of the Kohathites’ job was to handle the Arc of the Covenant and other sacred items but as we will see, that wasn’t enough.

16 Korah son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and certain Reubenites—Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—became insolent 2 and rose up against Moses. With them were 250 Israelite men, well-known community leaders who had been appointed members of the council. 3 They came as a group to oppose Moses and Aaron and said to them, “You have taken too much on yourselves! The whole community is holy, every one of them, and the Lord is with them. Why then do you set yourselves above the Lord’s congregation?”

Moses then tells Korah and his company to burn incense before the Lord the following day. Then the Lord will plainly show who is holy to Him and who he rejects. And Moses said to Korah, “Please listen, sons of Levi! 9 Is it too little for you that the God of Israel set you apart from the community of Israel to allow you to approach him[h] to do the work of the tabernacle of Yahweh, to stand before[i] the community to serve them? 10 He has allowed you to approach him,[j] you with all your brothers, the descendants[k] of Levi, but yet you also seek the priesthood.

These men clearly wanted more recognition than they felt they were receiving. Moses sent for Dathan and Abiram son of Eliab, but they said, “We will not come! 13 Is it too little that you have brought us from a land that flows with milk and honey to kill us in the desert, and that you also appoint yourself as a ruler over us? 14 Surely, you have not brought us to a land that flows with milk and honey, and you have not given us the inheritance of fields and a vineyard. Will you gouge out the eyes of these men? We will not come!”

Notice what Dathan and Abiram did. First sign of rebellion is rejecting God’s leader. Secondly, They had their minds set on material gain- “you took us from a land of milk and honey. You promised us an inheritance.” They were already on separate paths-a path of destruction. They made the promise of God meaningless they had a better way. “Will you gouge out the eyes of these men?” Accusing Moses of blatant deception -in plain English “You must be a blind man not to see what’s going on here”.

 2 Peter 2: 1 Peter warned of false teachers -They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them (by his blood)—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories (make merchandise). Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping. 2 Peter 2:1-3 NIV

Key Takeaway: Vigilance is crucial. Always assess a teacher's words, actions, and alignment with established truth. Rely on foundational texts, values, or principles as a benchmark to assess their teachings.

Lesson 2: Characteristics of False Teachers and False Doctrine

Lesson two goes hand in hand with lesson one. Just as we saw with Korah, Dathon and Abiram, along 250 councilmen. False teachers first reject God’s leadership. Then in the midst of the congregation they introduce destructive heresies.  They are rebellious, argumentative, greedy, prideful and have a need for material gain.

Paul warns Timothy 1Tim 6:3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain, (spiritual growth is the goal) 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.

But Paul tells Timothy 1 Timothy 1:5 But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart, froma good conscience, and from a sincere faith.

There must be a ton of destructive heresies that twist the truth that was and still is being introduced to the church. Remember Hymenaeus and Philetus, 2 Tim 2:17-18who Paul said have deviated from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already occurred, and they undermine the faith of some. Or false teachers who reduce God to a genie or a law of prosperity. Teaching people for example that whatever they give God; God will give it back a hundred-fold i.e. God will take $1.00 and turn it into $100 or He will take $100 and turn it into $1000. This teaching twists the teaching of Jesus about spiritual growth. Found in Matt 13:8Other seeds fell on good soil and produced some 30, some 60 and some 100-fold. This verse has always been used of prosperity preachers so they can get you to sow a “seed of faith.”

Paul, Timothy, and Titus all had to deal with Judaizers throughout their ministry. Judaizers taught that you had to be circumcised, follow the law of Moses in doing works of righteousness and have faith in Jesus as the Messiah. Adding to salvation by faith alone. The core of their teaching is known today as Legalisim. Part of their doctrine- Jewish genealogies seeks to gain honor from a Jewish bloodline. Just like Korah, Dathon and Abiram did in their day.

Paul compares true teachers and false teachers this way-Titus 1: 15 To the pure, all things are pure; but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure. Indeed, both their minds and their consciences are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed.

The pure here are true believers in Christ who understand the sanctifying transforming power of Christ in the life of a sinner saved by grace. The defiled are those that believe nothing is clean and nothing is pure. This is because their inner lives are not transformed by the power of God. Think of the scribes and pharisees who asked what good works must we do or who insisted on not healing on the Sabbath or was upset that Jesus ate with sinners. Wanted to kill the woman caught in adultery and so on.

False teachers can slip in the body because they often appear charismatic, knowledgeable, and convincing. Their teachings may contain elements of truth, making it difficult to distinguish them from genuine leaders. As a result, their influence can seep into the church and cause harm before they are recognized.

False doctrines by extension often twist or distort foundational truths. They may add or subtract from core teachings, reinterpret messages to suit personal agendas, or emphasize secondary matters while neglecting the central tenets of faith or ethics.

Key characteristics of false teachers: reject God’s authority by rejecting leaders God put in the church, puffed up by knowledge, envious, prideful and imaging that godliness is material gain. 

Key Indicators of False Doctrine:

·         Misinterpretation of core principles.

·         Overemphasis on prosperity, materialism, or self-gain not spiritual growth.

·         Contradictions with established teachings or historical understanding of scripture.

·         Promotion of exclusivity, claiming only their followers are "right" or "saved."

False teachers can be recognized by twisting the truth, greed, argumentative, pride and boasting of material gain as a sign of godliness. False doctrine only leads to division, confusion, and self-centeredness, rather than unity, clarity, and service.

Lesson 3: Godly leaders are God’s answer to false teachers

God sets leaders over his congregation to lead the congregation to build up the body of Christ. These leaders are to be holy, humble, hospitable, not greedy, patient, self-controlled and able to teach the flock. Teaching sound doctrine that promotes spiritual growth whose goal is equipping believers to reach maturity in Christ being conformed to His image- so the church stands on the firm foundation of Christ not blown around by every wind of false doctrine.  1Tim 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9and summed up in 1 Peter 5:1–4 “Therefore I, your fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a sharer of the glory that is going to be revealed, exhort the elders among you: shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not by compulsion but willingly, in accordance with God, and not greedily but eagerly, and not as lording it over those under your care, but being examples for the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”

Godly teachers:

·      Have integrity and humility in actions.

·      Promote love, justice, and peace.  

.     Teach positive messages that transforms believers and transforms the church.

. Refute false doctrine

Key Takeaway: "By their fruits, you will recognize them." Discern a teacher's authenticity by the outcomes of their words and actions.

Lesson 4: Called to walk worthy of our calling

 False teachers twist the truth for material gain, not godliness. False doctrine only leads to division, confusion and self-centeredness. Not fit for the works that God has for believers.

All believers are called to walk worthy of our calling. We are all responsible for keeping the unity of the church in godliness. As stated in Ephesians 4:1–5“Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, exhort you to live in a manner worthy of the calling with which you were called: with all humility and gentleness, with patience, putting up with one another in love, being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; one body and one Spirit (just as also you were called with one hope of your calling), one Lord, one faith, one baptism,” and Ephesians 4:15–16 “But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow into him with reference to all things, who is the head, Christ, from whom the whole body, joined together and held together by every supporting ligament, according to the working by measure of each single part, the growth of the body makes for the building up of itself in love.”

Key Takeaway: Equip yourself with knowledge. Study foundational texts, history, and doctrines deeply. Ask questions and seek guidance from trusted, knowledgeable sources. And be ready to do every good work.

Lesson 5: Value Accountability

The Lord gave a solemn warning about false teachers Matthew 7:15–20““Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inside are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Church leaders and believers are responsible for recognizing false teachers by their doctrine. And exposing false teachers and their teaching. We know what to look for but we still must act in a godly manner.

Titus 3:1Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. 9But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. See also 1Tim 1:12-17

False teachers often operate in isolation or create environments where they are unaccountable to others. They avoid critique or oversight, positioning themselves as ultimate authorities. In contrast, genuine teachers welcome accountability and are open to correction. The goal of godly correction is to restore a person to the correct path, as love covers a multitude of sin.

Key Takeaway: Community and accountability are essential safeguards. Surround yourself with a network of honest, discerning individuals who can provide perspective and correction.

Lesson 6: Responding to False Teachings

When confronted with false teachers or teachings, it’s important to respond wisely. Abrupt condemnation may alienate or escalate conflict, while passive acceptance can allow the falsehood to spread unchecked.

Discernment: Testing all teachings with Scripture (1 John 4:1). Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world

Correction: Speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15“But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow into him with reference to all things, who is the head, Christ,”  ).

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Protection: Guarding the flock and standing firm (2 Timothy 3:16–17 “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, in order that the person of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” ).

We follow these steps to Address False Teachings:

·         Discernment: Carefully evaluate the teaching based on established truth.

·         Communication: Engage in respectful dialogue, seeking clarification and understanding.

·         Correction: Present facts or truths with compassion and patience.

·         Protection: If the false teaching is harmful or persistent, take steps to protect yourself and your church.

Key Takeaway: Balance wisdom with grace. The goal is to uphold truth while fostering understanding and healing.

Lesson 7 A Final Warning (Hebrews 6:1-12)

We see how God responded to Korah’s Rebellion in Numbers 16: 23 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 24 “Speak to the community, saying, ‘Move away from the dwelling of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.’” 25 So Moses stood up and went to Dathan and Abiram; the elders of Israel followed after him. 26 He said to the community, saying, “Please turn away from the tents of these wicked men, and do not touch anything that belongs to them,[q] or you will be destroyed with all their sins.” 27 And so they moved away from around the dwellings[r] of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram; and Dathan and Abiram came out standing at the doorway of their tents, with their wives, sons, and little children. 28 And Moses said, “In this you will know that Yahweh has sent me to do all these works; it is not from my heart. 29 If they die a natural death[s] or if a natural fate is visited upon them,[t] Yahweh has not sent me. 30 But if Yahweh creates something new, and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them up and all that belongs to them,[u] and they go down alive to Sheol, and you will know that these men have despised Yahweh.”

31 And it happened, as soon as he finished speaking[v] all these words, the ground that was under them split open. 32 The land opened its mouth and swallowed them up with their houses and every person that belonged to Korah[w] and all the property. 33 They went down alive to Sheol, they and all that belonged to them, and the land covered over them, and they perished from the midst of the assembly. 34 All Israel who were around them fled at their cry, because they said, “Lest the land swallow us up!” 35 And fire went out from Yahweh, and it consumed the two hundred and fifty men presenting the incense.

Believers are exhorted in Hebrews chapter six to grow into spiritual maturity and stay there.

Hebrews 6:1–12 “Let us put behind us the elementary message about Christ, let us move on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and faith in God, teaching about (various) baptisms and laying on of hands, and resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. And we will do this, if God permits. For it is impossible concerning those who have once been enlightened (false teachers and their followers), and have tasted the heavenly gift. (of salvation), and become sharers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God (through sound doctrine) and the powers of the coming age (our eternal glory), and having fallen away (through false doctrine), to renew them again to repentance, because they have crucified again for themselves the Son of God and held him up to contempt. For ground that drinks the rain that comes often upon it and brings forth vegetation usable to those people for whose sake it is also cultivated, shares a blessing from God. But if it produces thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to a curse, whose end is for burning. But even if we are speaking in this way, dear friends, we are convinced of better things concerning you and belonging to salvation.

Key Takeaway: those of us who stay in the truth will live a blessed life. Ready to do good works that God created us to do. Those who stray from the truth will receive condemnation due to them. 

Conclusion

The presence of false teachers and doctrines is a reality, but it need not lead to hopelessness. By applying these seven lessons, individuals can cultivate discernment, protect their church, and uphold truth with integrity. Education, awareness, and accountability form the foundation of resistance against falsehood, ensuring that truth continues to illuminate the path forward.