BEWARE OF FALSE TEACHERS AND FALSE DOCTRINE

PROCLAMATION

“For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached … or a different gospel from the one you accepted … such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.  And no wonder, Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.  It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness.  Their end will be what their actions deserve.”  2 Corinthians 11:4-15 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  In this chapter, Paul continues his discourse on the false teachers.  He tells them that he will continue his attack on false teachers, and he says that no one can stop him. (2 Corinthians 11:10-12)  Those false prophets deceive the people just as the serpent deceived Eve in the Garden of Eden. (2 Corinthians 11:3)  He ends the chapter by recounting the trials and suffering that he has gone through. (2 Corinthians 11:16-33)

 

APPLICATION

An important reason for reading and studying The Word of God is to be able to recognize when someone is presenting something which is different and wrong.  Eloquent speech can be full of lies which are presented artfully.  Doctrines, philosophies, religions, and teachings should be compared to God’s Holy Word before they are accepted as true.  Satan is continuously roaming the earth, back and forth, seeking those whom he may destroy. (Job 1:6-7 and 1 Peter 5:8)  He is cunning and crafty, and he is full of lies. (John 8:44)  Do not be deceived by those who come presenting lies. (Deuteronomy 11:16 and Luke 21:8)  As the saying goes, “all that glitters is not gold.”  Just because it sounds good does not mean that it is the truth.  Also, we should beware of those who come glorifying themselves and not glorifying The Lord God.