Spotting a False Teacher

Spotting a False Teacher
Words of Faith 6-15-2023
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2023
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
www.faithfellowshipweb.com
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1 Timothy 6
[3] If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, [4] he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions [5] and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

Paul has talked a good bit about the problem of false teaching. Now, he gives Timothy some tools for spotting a false teacher. These guides are as accurate today as they were in the first century. Here are six qualities or characteristics of a false teacher.
1) A false teacher does not agree with sound instruction and godly teaching. A false teacher often claims to have the only valid interpretation regarding a spiritual matter. They will be in disagreement with sound teachers that you know and respect. Their teaching asks us to relearn Christian truths that we are sound and trustworthy.
2) A false teacher is conceited. A false teacher has no humility. They claim to be right in all situations. They have an obviously grand view of themselves. They are unwilling to entertain the possibility that they have something to learn from others. There is no quality of humility in their character.
3) A false teacher understands nothing. Careful listening will reveal that the false teacher may have a grasp of facts or quotes from Scripture. Still, they do not genuinely understand the most fundamental truths. A false teacher will usually miss entirely on the simple mystery of salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8‑9). Why? It isn't easy to control people if they realize they do not have to work to attain salvation. They will miss the truth that Jesus Christ is the unique and only son of God. Remember that the most profound truths of the Christian faith can be apprehended by a child‑‑ to such belongs the Kingdom of God. No charts or complicated diagrams are necessary.
4) A false teacher stirs up unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels. A false teacher is usually controversial and combative. They have come to set the world right from some grave misunderstanding about which only they have the truth. Controversy creates intrigue and, with it, a sort of spiritual adrenaline. Followers will suddenly feel they are on a crusade to rescue God from a grand conspiracy.
5) A false teacher stirs envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions, and constant friction. Jesus said that you will know a tree by its fruit. The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If you do not see these things, you are not dealing with the Spirit of God. Likewise, the fruit of the sinful nature includes hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, and factions (Galatians 5:19‑23). When you see these things, the true colors of the false teacher are clear.
6) A false teacher has misplaced values. A false teacher will often recognize the significant profits available through twisted self-serving religion. False teachings are incredibly profitable because they intrigue us and are available only from this one person. Paul says they are "men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain."
In the extreme, a cult leader will demand that followers live an austere lifestyle while they amass a collection of luxury cars. Others will s license the marketing rights for their "truth." Of course, Paul taught that teachers should make a living, but he was also clear that when people see godliness as a means to financial gain, they have crossed the line. Godliness is a means to only one thing‑‑ godliness.

Lord, give me eyes to see only You and ears to hear only Your Truth. Give me the grace to know the difference and the courage to walk away from that which is not of You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2023
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)
2820 Business Center Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
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The Words of Faith devotion is published five days a week by E-mail, excluding Federal holidays. Please feel free to forward this devotion to a friend who might be blessed by this devotion. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is quoted from the New International Version (R) of The Holy Bible. Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Words of Faith (c) 1997, 2023 Jeffrey D. Hoy. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to forward this copyrighted material or use portions of it with appropriate notation of the source for non-profit purposes.