Is your preacher a false teacher? Part 14

“…that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine…which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.” - 1 Timothy 1:3, 6-7

The Bible “character profiles” a false teacher

The only way to hide from the truth is to hide the truth!  This is what a false teacher does.  There are several tactics utilized by one who does not preach truth to avoid answering any questions as to what is preached.  False teachers have always followed a pattern of evasion.  The characteristics of false teachers that we have noticed thus far have been:

They operate by smooth and flattering speech (Romans 16:18). 

The method of introduction is “secretly” (2 Peter 2:1 –‘ privily’).

There are no solid personal demands placed upon the hearer (1 Kings 12:28 – Jeroboam – “It is too much for you to go up”)*

They discredit the truth by smooth and flattering speech. (Genesis 3:4-5 – the serpent’s seduction was not by force)

They hide behind the “smoothness” and play the victim (Stephen, (Acts 7)

They falsely accuse the one who questions their teaching (the Jews called the apostle Paul a “pestilent fellow” in Acts 24).

How do you tell the difference between someone “causing dissention” or “defending the truth?”  Who runs from a public “real” discussion and who stands ready to make their defense?  Let us notice in this article the difference between the apostle Paul and Tertullus, who opposed him. “When the governor had nodded for him to speak, Paul responded: ‘Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense’.” (Acts 24:10)  Note the difference in Paul’s speech here versus Tertullus’ in vv 2-8.  Paul stated, “I’ll be happy to discuss what I believe and why!”  How many do you know today who run from honest open debate over truth?  This simple difference in demeanor is a big clue to exposing which side is telling the lie.  In the religious realm, always remember one thing: Truth never fears exposure…after all, it is the truth.  A Christian’s loyalty must always be to the truth (wherever it leads).  Paul goes on to say, "Nor can they prove to you {the charges} of which they now accuse me.  But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets.”  (Acts 14:13-14)  Take note… false teachers “cannot prove.”  That is why they run.  Note also Paul wasn’t whining here.  He was falsely accused and it would take him a couple years to straighten out the mess.  But He didn’t wish to get off on a technicality. 

There is a fundamental difference between Tertullus and Paul.  A false teacher is more manipulative in the manner that he slices and dices the truth.  Paul won’t do that.  His loyalty is to the truth…all of the truth!  He who preaches truth will absolutely state his faith and then he will defend it.  He will volunteer even the offending portions of his faith.  A false teacher will do neither! 

False teachers like to become the “harmless victims.”  Their hope (and it is too often realized) is that folks around them will, cry “out with a loud voice, and cover their ears and rush at purveyor of truth with one impulse.”  Again, remember the example of Stephen in Acts 6 & 7.  The false teachers of the law,“…were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.” (Acts 6:10)  So what did they do? Notice from Acts 6:11-13:  Then they ‘suborned’ (secretly induced) men, to twist his words; they “stirred up the people”; and they “set up false witnesses”.  If Stephen was wrong, why didn’t these Jews just appeal to the Law of Moses to expose him?  Because Stephen was right in what he preached!  Thus, not being able to “resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake”, they resorted to dishonest measures!  

But Stephen did not run or falter.  He continued to teach what he had always taught even though it wasn’t smooth!  He said, “You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did.” (Acts 7:51)  Stephen told them the truth, and he told them the truth applied to them!  They had to change or die in their sins…it wasn’t just their ungodly neighbor that needed the gospel.  They needed it!  All of it!  “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” (Rom.1:18)  What false teachers have actually taught (or said) becomes a moving target.  It is bounced here or it is bounced there.  Like our modern day politicians…their hope is to have it the way “everyone” wishes it to be.  The problem with this approach is that when you stand for everything…you end up standing for nothing!  Lot tried this approach and lost his family!

Which brings us to a fact that must be remembered in regard to a false teacher.  The apostle Paul said to the elders of the church of Christ in Ephesus, "I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.”  (Acts 20:29)   This is a direct reference to the proverbial wolf in sheep’s clothing.  False teachers desperately need to make themselves to appear to be something different than they really are.  Do you see the wolf in the picture?  You must always look twice in order to see clearly!  Note that this particular scripture refers to elders in this position.  The key motivation here is when they are breaking away from scripture.   These disciples are not steered toward scripture but toward each other.  They are to become disciples of men…i.e. deciding what they want instead of what they need to be.  This has become a very common situation.  A modern standard in many churches today is that relationships are more important than doctrine.  We have a blatant application of Paul’s warning that Christians would become more loyal to each other than to God.

A good example of this is when the young demand to go a different direction (toward worldliness) and the old are 'drug along'.  Leaders within the very liberal churches often try to have it both ways by virtually setting up two churches.  They have a “contemporary service”  When this process starts it becomes clear that many people really are more in love with each other or the building than they are with the leadership of Jesus.  So…generation after generation leaders are allowed (by the willing) to lead them away from the truth…slowly at first, and then with increasing speed.

Paul admonished the young preacher Timothy, “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)  A preacher of righteousness is more than happy to give you scripture for his teaching.  You won’t have to pry what he truly believes out of him.  His motivation will be evident to all around him…unless it is obscured by the smooth deception as God’s motivation was in Eden.  In a nutshell…when you must decide between truth and error, if the scenario playing out is one where one side of a controversy is operating with smooth words and fair speeches.  i.e. where “they secretly induced men to say” (Acts 6:11); or they must operate behind the scenes; versus the other side that is very willing to come out into a public arena and defend their actions, speech, and teaching.  The reality is that you generally have your answer.  Truth breeds confidence… error will not stand direct scrutiny. 

to be continued...
RDB
copyright 2011