The statement above was made by the apostle Paul. The context shows that he was speaking of evil men who sought to be “regarded” as Paul and other apostles of the Lord. Paul, however, has severe scorn and rebuke for these ambitious men. In vss 13-15, he states, “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.”
Why was the apostle Paul so harsh with his words toward these men? It was not out of personal revenge. Yes they had attacked him personally, but Paul’s concern was not for his own reputation. He had a much greater concern. The message of truth was under attack. In fact, truth was more important to Paul than his own life. We need to give heed to Paul’s concern for purity in the message and come to the defense of the gospel when it is being perverted. Accuracy in the message has become a thing of insignificance. It is no surprise that defense of this accuracy has given in to fear of “judging”! Feelings and sincerity of motive have taken precedence over doctrinal purity. Indeed, a love for truth is misguided when there is no love for soundness in doctrine. Truth is not based upon or determined by the existence of faith. Remember Jacob sincerely believed Joseph was dead, but that did not make it so (Genesis 37:31-35).
As we lose our love for soundness in doctrine, we are losing our first love (Revelation 2:1-4). Ephesus and Pergamos were two of the churches in Asia who had some who “held” to the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans. Both of these doctrines were false! They had to be exposed and opposed! Not all in these two churches “held” to these false teachings. Those that didn’t had the same responsibility as Paul had in dealing with these false apostles in Corinth. Doctrinal purity must be defended against any and all who would attempt to pervert it. This is what Paul was doing; defending the gospel with which he had been entrusted (1 Corinthians 9:17; 1 Timothy 1:11; Titus 1:3). Paul, in both his epistles to Timothy commanded Timothy to GUARD this message (1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 1:14).
An accurate, sound, message is crucial. No passage better states WHY accuracy in the message is essential than Romans 1:16, “it is the power of God for salvation…”.The power of salvation resides in God’s message! Doctrine matters! Defending the purity of the message is equally crucial. Paul’s words were not gentle toward these brethren. They were false and deceitful because their message was false and deceitful! As Paul would later tell Titus, their mouths needed to be stopped (Titus 1:11). Timothy was told by Paul to “reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” Paul had a love for truth and for them (Proverbs 27:5). In wanting to be regarded as apostles, these false apostles wanted their message to be regarded as inspired from God. But they taught DIFFERENTLY from what the Lord’s apostles taught by inspiration of the Holy Spirit. As such, they were giving people a false hope in regard to their salvation. Earlier in this chapter (vss. 3-4), Paul said of these false teachers, “But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully.” (Paul wrote similar words in his other epistles: (cf. Romans 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians 3:11; Galatians 1:6-9; Ephesians 5:6; Philippians 3:2; Colossians 2:4, 8, 18; 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; 2:2-4, 9-11; 1 Timothy 1:19-20; 4:1-2, 16; 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; Titus 1:9-11).
We cannot deny the reality of false gospels in the world. The division in religion is proof of false gospels. False doctrine results in the damnation of both the teacher and his hearer. Note especially the “hearer” in 1 Timothy 4:16 – “…both save thyself, AND THEM THAT HEAR THEE.” [Preaching ACCURATELY, saves, both the preacher and the hearers.] and in 2 Timothy 4:3-4 “…THEY (i.e., the hearers) WILL NOT ENDURE SOUND DOCTRINE, but after their own lusts…heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears…turn away…from the truth…unto fables.”
A most relevant question for everyone…DO YOU BELIEVE IN THE REALITY OF FALSE DOCTRINE? A related question will perhaps drive the point home. DO YOU BELIEVE IN THE REALITY OF HELL? If there was no such thing as false teaching, would there be a need for HELL?Beware of those who come in sheep’s clothing…false apostles disguised as apostles of Christ…those WHO DESIRE TO BE REGARDED AS AN APOSTLE IN WHAT THEY TEACH! TEST THEM! As the apostle John warned in 1 John 4:1. They are false if their preaching does not match the preaching of the Lord’s apostles! What did the Lord’s apostles tell people to do to be saved? What did the preacher who preached to you, tell you to do to be saved? Did their messages match? This is why doctrine is so important in religion.
Jesus taught:
“Take heed WHAT ye hear” — Mark 4:24
“Take heed HOW ye hear” — Luke 8:18
Why? Because DOCTRINE MATTERS!
11/26/2020
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