Meeting Human Problems With The Divine Plan - 2

One of the most discussed problems faced by the early church was false doctrine.

A great deal of the New Testament is specifically addressing false teaching.

We must meet the same problem today in the same way they did - to compromise!

Judaizing Teachers

This is the most frequently rebuked false doctrine plaguing the New Testament church.

At Antioch (Matt. 7:15; Acts 15:23).

Matthew 7:15 NKJV

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

Acts 15:23 NKJV

23 They wrote this letter by them: The apostles, the elders, and the brethren, To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings.

At Galatia (Gal. 1:1-6; 1:8-9; 5:1-6).

Galatians 1:1–6 NKJV

1 Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead), 2 and all the brethren who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. 6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,

Galatians 1:8–9 NKJV

8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

Galatians 5:1–6 NKJV

1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. 2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. 3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. 4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.

The epistle of Hebrews!

No Resurrection of the Dead

Paul addressed this false doctrine at Corinth (1 Cor. 15:14-19).

1 Corinthians 15:14–19 NKJV

14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. 15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.

Some said the resurrection had already happened (2 Tim. 2:17-18).

2 Timothy 2:17–18 NKJV

17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.

Some said the dead would miss the 2nd Coming (1 Thess. 4:13-14).

Warnings and Exhortations

There are many false doctrines! (Rev. 2:6; 2:14).

Revelation 2:6 NKJV

6 But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

Revelation 2:14 NKJV

14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.

Paul’s exhortation to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:28-32).

Acts 20:28–32 NKJV

28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. 31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. 32 “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

Try the spirits (1 Jn. 4:1).

1 John 4:1 NKJV

1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Stop the moths of the false teachers (Titus 1:8-10).

Titus 1:8–10 NKJV

8 but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, 9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. 10 For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,

False teachers must be rejected (Titus 3:10).

Titus 3:10 NKJV

10 Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition,

They are to be marked and avoided (Rom. 16:17-18).

Romans 16:17–18 NKJV

17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.

We may know them by their fruits (Matt. 7:15-17).

Matthew 7:15–17 NKJV

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.