Part 23 | The Danger of False Teachers

Part 23 | The Danger of False Teachers

Matthew 7:15–27 (ESV):

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

In our text, we come to the last section of the most famous sermon ever preached, namely, the Sermon on the Mount, which is about the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

In the preceding text Jesus describes two paths in life: the path of the world (the wide and comfortable path) and the path of God’s Kingdom (the narrow and difficult way).

A few years back, several of us from this church made our way to Colorado for a friend’s wedding. It is a beautiful state, so naturally we wanted to take a few days to do some site-seeing. I lived in Colorado for six years, but those with me, who had never been, were determined to explore the majestic Rocky Mountains. There was only one issue: it was January, and I don’t know if you know this— but these mountains tend to get quite a bit of snow around that time of year. But, being as it might be a once in a lifetime opportunity for those with us— we decided to go. We had to take two vehicles as we had so many people. My friend Britton, who lives about an hour out of Rocky Mountain National Park— drove our vehicle, which led the pack. He gave the other driver some warnings about the treacherous roadways on the way up the mountain. There were sharp curves and slick roads; driving in those conditions would be a massive responsibility— especially with a car full of people. The warning was not an overstatement. I remember going up the steep mountains and as we got closer to the top, the hazards increased. Those of us in the leading car, watched with panic, as those who were following stayed close behind. The front wheel drive vehicle was slipping and sliding— it was tense. We made it to the top and could breathe a bit easier, until we realized that going back down the mountain in those conditions would be even more treacherous. We made it home safely without any mishaps.

After the invitation to follow the narrow path, Jesus challenges His followers to be watchful, because there are some hazards along this this pathway called “the narrow way.” He mentions two specific dangers:

• 1) False Teachers

• 2) False Disciples

I will only deal with the first one this morning.

The Hazard of False Teachers

Matthew 7:15 ““Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”

I use the term “false teachers” rather than false prophets, because 2 Peter 2:1 Peter equates the false prophets of the OT with the false teachers of the NT, who spread lies and introduce heresy into the church.

• Jesus uses the word “prophet” here, likely because he is talking to Jews who were still under the Old Covenant.

The warning for us is about false teachers who would lead us away from truth.

1. The History of False Teachers

The threat of false prophets amongst God’s people is nothing new. Jesus is reminding His Jewish audience of a threat that has always been present.

The Garden of Eden

• Think back to the Garden of Eden: was it not false teaching—the twisting of God’s words— that caused Adam and Eve to sin?

Genesis 2:16–17 ESV

And the LordGod commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

• But then what happens? The serpent comes along and makes Eve question what God said.

Genesis 3:1–6 (ESV)

Genesis 3:4–6 (ESV): 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.

The People of Israel

• Throughout the OT, the threat of false prophets and teachers continued to plague the people of God as we see through in the lives of the Children of Israel.

Jeremiah 14:14 ESV

And the Lordsaid to me: “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I did not send them, nor did I command them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a lying vision, worthless divination, and the deceit of their own minds.

• We need to remember that the enemy has always used false teachers to lead God’s people astray; why would it be any different now? These false teachers are a clear and present danger to the church today.

We have looked at the History of False Teachers; secondly, let us consider the disguise of false teachers.

2. The Disguise of False Teachers

Matthew 7:15 (ESV) “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

Jesus warns us that these false teachers often look like sheep— which is a metaphor often used for Christians: we are the sheep, Christ is the Shepherd.

Sometimes false teachers are obvious: They believe that everyone will be saved, no matter what they believe or how they live. They deny the Trinity. The deny the substitionary work of Jesus… etc. The warning here, seems to be false teachers who’s erroneous teachings are much more subtle.

He seems to be warning his audience about people like the Pharisees—the religious elites of the day— who seem super spiritual, but have hearts that are far from God.

Chuck Swindoll, once told a story about a friend of his who once ate dog food. Interestingly, the man was not starving, nor was he being initiated into some kind of fraternity. Instead, it happened at a dinner party, hosted by one of his friends— who happened to be a well-to-do physician. The man’s wife had just graduated from a gourmet cooking course and decided to put her skills to the test. She served the dog food on thin crackers with a wedge of imported cheese, bacon bits, and an olive, topped with a bit of pimento. Swindoll’s friend could not get enough of the delicacy. The woman—thrilled with her culinary skills— grinned as she watched the crackers quickly disappear. They all had a good laugh about the whole situation, after she revealed what they had been eating.

That is a perfect illustration for one of the hazards of which Jesus warns us— namely, spiritual deception.

• We can be fooled into thinking that we are eating the meat of God’s Word, when— in fact— we are being fed dog food. And, it will lead us away from the path that God has for us.

False teachers go out of their way to blend in with other Christians. They know the Christian language. They know how to act Christian. They carry their Bibles everywhere they go. But they are NOT what they seem.

Ravenous Wolves

Jesus uses a strong metaphor for false teachers— he calls them ravenous wolves.

• They are not their just to mess with you and pull you off track a little bit. Their purpose is to devour you. Does that sound familiar?

1 Peter 5:8 ESV

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

• How does the enemy devour you? One way, made clear in Jesus’ message, is by false teaching.

•. Let me clarify what I mean by false preachers: No preacher is perfect or infallible, including me. The Bible can be challenging to interpret. But faithful pastors will work hard to get to the heart of what each passage really means, not just what it says. False teachers are those—who consciously or unconsciously—are used of the enemy to lead God’s people astray.

Those are the people we must avoid at all costs.

• I am not asking you to be cynical. But I am asking you to watch out for warning signs, because these men and women can look like one of us.

Have you ever been in Wal-mart and asked a question about a product to someone who is wearing a blue-shirt and khakis, only to find out they do not work there?

Do not assume that—just because preachers look like sheep, that they actually are sheep.

3) Some Warning Signs of False Teachers

A) Miracle-Driven Ministry

One of the warning signs about false teachers, is that they hyper-focused on miracles— especially the ones that they perform; Jesus warns His people about such preachers.

We do not even have to get out of Matthew chapter 7, to see this warning sign.

Matthew 7:22–23 ESV

On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

• Not everyone who does “might works” in the name of Jesus is even saved.

• The sad part here, is that some people even fool themselves. It’s like, “I can do miracles through Jesus name, I must be in good standing with God.” It’s like, “Don’t be so sure.”

Jesus, in talking about the last days, gives some compelling words in Mark 13:22.

Mark 13:22 ESV

For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect.

I have heard many people ignore blatant false teachings, because the man or woman of God is “anointed.” Why do they think this? Because of signs and wonders. Friend, the supernatural does not serve as a litmus test to identify who is— and who is not— of the Lord.

I believe that God still works miracles. I am for the gifts of the Spirit. Paul says not to forbid them. But when one man or woman is seen as a “miracle worker “ it should give us pause. This can be a clever coverup for false teaching that is meant to lead the people of God astray.

The second warning sign is:

ii.) The Twisting of Scripture

In 2nd Timothy chapter 4, Paul instructs Timothy to preach the Word. But before he admonishes Timothy to do this, he gives him another important command:

2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV) Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Just because a preacher uses Scripture, does not necessarily mean he is telling you the truth.

About 15 or 20 years ago, I started visiting some hyper-charismatic churches and I began watching a lot of Christian Television which was full of pompous preachers. I purchased the tapes of preachers like Kenneth Copeland and I listened to them religiously. I couldn’t get enough. These “preachers” were teaching a totally different message than what I had been taught— but the message was music to my ears, because it suggested that I could have Jesus and at the same time, fulfill all of my worldly dreams. The Bible speaks of this very things.

2 Timothy 4:3 (ESV):

3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,

When my pastors and family members would warn me against such teachings, my reply was always, “they are telling the truth… it is in the Bible!” because, they did use the Bible. They used the Bible to back up everything that they said. A few years later, I learned this little helpful principle called context. As I studied the Word more intently, the veil was lifted, and I realized I’d been duped. Just as the devil twisted the Scriptures to attempt to lead Jesus astray in the wilderness, these false teachers twisted the Scriptures in a way that lead me and many others astray. A preacher who twists Scripture to fit his own positions and the passions of the world should be avoided at all costs.

Another sign of a false teacher is the bearing of bad fruit.

iii. The Bearing of Bad Fruit

The word fruit or fruits is used seven times in these six verses about false prophets.

· His teachings will result in the bearing of good fruit— the values and ethics that Jesus has been espousing, & His own life will match those values.

• One example of bad fruit, is where there is a focus on money and possessions. There is nothing inherently wrong with money, but Jesus told us we cannot love God and money. If money and possessions are the focus of a ministry, and if that ministry is producing a desire for those things in others— then it is a huge red flag.

• Let me give you another example: the values of the Kingdom of God that we have been looking at over the past several weeks, can be summed up by “loving God and loving people.” And the two are inseparable.

• The Pharisees claimed to love God, but they did not have hearts that were for people. They usedothers, rather than loving them.

I know a pastor of a prominent church in another state, who literally— along with his wife—hates people. He hates his staff, he hates anyone who would ever challenge him. His tagline is “ministry would be great if it were not for the people.” He’s cold, bitter, and unforgiving. I’ve had people who know of him ask me, “why would people stay there?”. It simple: he is a good preacher. People are deceived by the eloquence of his tongue.

Let’s consider the fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22–23 ESV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

I am not claiming that faithful pastor demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit faithfully and perfectly at all times. But this fruit should, generally, describe the character of a preacher, and this is the fruit that should be produced in those who sit under his teaching.

iv. The Loosening of God’s Law

A teacher who encourages,what the Bible clearly forbids, is to be avoided at all costs.

Isaiah 5:20 (ESV) Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!

I had a friend who loved God and wanted with all of her heart to follow Him. This lady struggled greatly with her sexuality. She had same-sex tendencies and knew that the Bible clearly forbids homosexuality, so she fought the temptation with everything in her. She then met some“good Christians” who told her that for centuries we have misinterpreted what the Bible says about this lifestyle. Love is love, they cried. It wasn’t long, until she moved fully into lifestyle, and since has declared that she is “closer to God than she has ever been.” She took the bait, and is now greatly deceived.

On the other end of the spectrum, a read flag of a false teachers is one who tightens God’s law. Sometimes, well meaning preachers teach in this way. But they can do great damage to the church.

vi. The Tightening of God’s Law

• We have seen over the last several weeks, that the Pharisees had added to God’s Law. They had created their own traditions, that they then attempted to force on others. We call this legalism.

• In this geographical area, the tightening of the Law is more common than the loosing of the Law.

• Some teachers force their extra-biblical convictions and traditions on their congregation, which I have seen cause many to turn away from the Lord.

I will mention one other red flag when it comes to false teachers: they are self-exalting rather than Christ exalting.

v. Self-Exalting Rather than Christ-Exalting

I believe the office of pastor is one of honor and should be respected. But there are many circles where pastors are treated like kings. They are worshipped. They speak about the Lord, but they speak much more about themselves.

1 Corinthians 2:2 ESV

For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

• Faithful preachers will constantly point you to Jesus Christ. They will make much of Him, not themselves or their church.

I have a good friend who is friends with a former worship pastor who use to work for a prominent church— one that you all would recognize. He told my friend that in a Sunday School class, kids were given coloring sheets with images of the lead pastor. They were told how he was God’s anointed one and how they should honor him.

I went to a camp meeting in Ohio once; my friend and I were standing in the packed hallway, waiting for the doors to open. My buddy looked at me and said, do you notice anything weird about the decor? I said, no, not really. He pointed out that the halls were lined with pictures of the pastor, rather than typical Christian symbols.

• A faithful preacher will point others beyond Himself, on to the risen Christ.

• On Wednesdays, we are going through the book of Revelation. It is interesting that the author of the book does not identify himself as John the apostle, but rather as a servant.

Listen, we preachers are not people to be worshiped; we are servants to be used of the Lord.

Closing

As a pastor in this day and age, it is a weighty task to protect the flock from false teachers.

• In times past, all you had to worry about was those who physically came to church and attempted to lead the people astray.

• In the age of technology it has become quite a bit more complicated. False teachings are available every moment of every day: Podcasts, YouTube, books, blogs— they are all full of false teachers who are leading godly people astray.

• Much of today’s music is full of false teaching (or no teaching at all). This is no accident as we tend to remember what we sing.

• I get criticized sometimes, because I am extremely careful about what is taught in our small groups , what we sing, and who I share the pulpit with.

• But I would rather have the praise team or a small group leader upset with me, than I would to have one of you lead astray.

There are many wolves out there who are dressed in sheep’s clothing.

Beloved, be careful.