Discerning True Teaching from Phony Preaching

Introduction

The technology of our day is great in that it gives us 24/7 access to solid Bible teaching. But it also gives false teachers a platform. We must be able to discern true teaching from phony preaching.

Context and Read

How do we discern true teaching from phony preaching?

I. Identify the spiritual source of religious teaching. (V 1)

The implication is that there is a spiritual source behind all religious teaching. Either that spiritual source is God or the enemy. Many of these false teachers have gone out into the world so we must test all religious teaching to determine the source behind it.

Some places in the world you can’t just take a glass of water someone hands you and drink it.

II. Two Tests:

1. Their doctrine of Christ (Vv 2-3)

Jesus is fully man yet fully God. Some believed that the Christ could not take on flesh but only appeared to be fully human. To confess is to publicly acknowledge. If the Spirit of God is the source of the teaching this will be the teaching presented regarding Jesus.

2. Their reaction to the truth (Vv 5-6)

Those who are false teachers will also reveal themselves by their reaction to those who teach the truth about Jesus.

III. Passing the tests is evidence of the Spirit. (V 4)

If you pass both of these tests you have overcome the false teachers. Meaning you have rejected their attempt to lead you away from the truth. You have remained true to Christ. You are able to do this because of the spirit of God within you. The Spirit of God in you is greater than the spirit of evil that is behind the false teachers.

Big Idea: True teachers speak the truth about Jesus.

The test of a true teacher is not:

He uses the Bible.

What he says is helpful.

His education or resume.

He is a good communicator.

It is: What does he believe and teach about Jesus.